| 摘要 |
Several procedures are provided herein which reduce the viscosity and density of heavy oils to make them amenable for transportation by pipeline from the field to refineries for further processing. The procedure involves contacting a water emulsion of a heavy oil with carbon monoxide at a pressure range and a temperature range such that a water gas shift reaction takes place to convert the steam and carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Simultaneously, a thermal rearrangement takes place, thereby reducing the viscosity and density of the oil without any significant thermal cracking. Under one scheme, at a low temperature range, e.g. below about 400 DEG C., there is substantailly no cracking and minimal molecular changes. Under another scheme, at a higher temperature range, e.g. up to about 460 DEG C., significant cracking and molecular changes take place. Nevertheless under both schemes there is a net production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and both hydrogen and carbon dioxide are separated, and may be used in other processes.
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