A Review of Heavy Crude Oil Viscosity Reduction Methods Using Nanocatalysts and Other Techniques

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Armin Sabetghadam-Isfahani 1, 2
Yegane Davoodbeygi 3
Roya Baghestani 4
Seyyed Mahmood Latifi 5
1 Ph.D. Student, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
2 Hormozgan Province Gas Company (HPGC), Bandar Abbas, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
4 M.Sc., Department of Safety Engineering and Technical Inspection, Faculty of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
5 M.Sc. Student, Department of Corrosion and Materials Protection Engineering, Daryasahili Campus, Amirkabir University of Technology, Bandar Abbas, Iran
Abstract
Heavy crude oil, due to its high viscosity, poses difficulties in extraction and transportation, necessitating efficient methods for viscosity reduction. This review study evaluates various techniques, with a focus on nanocatalysts. Nanocatalysts such as nanosilica, nanonickel, nano iron oxide, and nanocarbon have shown significant reductions in viscosity (up to 99% under laboratory conditions) through facilitating chemical reactions and molecular breakdown. Their efficiency is enhanced when combined with technologies such as microwave heating and ultrasonic waves. Despite their high potential, nanocatalysts face challenges such as stability under operational conditions, high production costs, and recovery issues. Alternative methods, such as biotechnological approaches using bacterial emulsifiers, offer environmentally friendly solutions with viscosity reductions of 60-80%. Future research will focus on improving catalyst stability, developing environmentally friendly catalysts, and integrating with artificial intelligence for process optimization. This review highlights the economic and environmental benefits of nanocatalyst-based methods and emphasizes the need for ongoing research to overcome challenges and facilitate industrial application.

Keywords

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 01 February 2025
  • Revise Date 26 April 2025
  • Accept Date 07 May 2025