Process for upgrading heavy oil using alkaline earth metal hydroxide

摘要

The present invention relates to a continuous in-situ process for reducing the viscosity, corrosivity and density of heavy oils comprising the steps of (a) contacting a heavy oil with an aqueous alkaline earth, Group IIA metal hydroxide at a temperature of about 380° to about 450° C. for a time sufficient to form the corresponding alkaline earth metal sulfide, recovering the reduced sulfur feed and regenerating the alkaline metal hydroxide for recycle to treat additional feed. Beneficially, the process removes heteroatoms (sulfur and nitrogen).