Influence of the Structure of Heavy Oil Disperse System on its Rheological Properties Under Steam-Heat Treatment Conditions

Abstract

The distinctive features of the structure and composition of hydrocarbon disperse systems in various types of heavy oils after steam-heat treatment, including use of low-boiling hydrocarbons, are determined. Methodological approaches are developed to determine the stability of heavy hydrocarbon resources as a function of composition and structure of the hydrocarbon disperse systems. Based on theoretical concepts of oil disperse systems, the composition of the latter is characterized quantitatively. A notable feature of low-viscosity oils is greater affinity of the components of the solvate shell and the dispersion medium. As a result, the dispersion medium participates in cross-linking of the oil disperse system significantly, which leads to a decrease in the dispersivity of the system and in its viscosity.