Navigating the key Paradox in the Oil Industry - Heavy Oil

Heavy oil, typically characterised by an API gravity below 20 degrees is a valuable yet incredibly challenging resource in the energy industry.

Heavy oil production has been steadily increasing and today, there’s more Heavy than Light Oil available globally. Canada's oil sands, particularly in Alberta, contribute a substantial amount to global heavy oil production. Other locations, such as Venezuela's Orinoco Belt, Albania, Pitch Lake in Trinidad & Tobago and various locations in Mexico are other significant sources.

Heavy oil is utilised for various purposes, including power generation and as feedstock for refineries. The demand for heavy oil depends on factors such as global economic conditions, energy policies, and technological advancements in processing.

For this reasons, refineries around the world have invested in upgrading facilities to process heavy oil, advancements in technology, particularly the use of pyrolysis machines, have emerged as key solutions to overcome these challenges:

1. Viscosity:

   Heavy oil's high viscosity makes it difficult to transport through pipelines, requiring additional measures to enhance flowability. Traditional methods involve dilution with lighter hydrocarbons, but this approach is not only extremely expensive but also raises environmental and safety issues.

2. Upgrading and Refining:

   Conventional refineries are not well-equipped to handle heavy oil due to its unique composition. Upgrading processes are needed to convert heavy oil into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline and diesel. These processes are energy-intensive and require substantial investment.

3. Environmental Impact:

   Heavy oil processing releases higher levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to lighter crude oils, contributing to environmental concerns. Reducing the environmental footprint associated with heavy oil extraction and refining is a critical aspect of sustainable energy practices.

The Solution: Thermal decomposition and Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis, a thermal decomposition process in the absence of oxygen, has proven to be a transformative technology for heavy oil processing, those are designed to break down complex hydrocarbons in heavy oil into lighter fractions, mitigating the challenges associated with its viscosity and composition.

1. Reducing Viscosity:

   Pyrolysis machines operate at high temperatures, effectively breaking down the molecular structure of heavy oil. This results in a reduction in viscosity, making the oil easier to transport and process without the need for additional diluents.

2. Upgrading Capabilities:

   The pyrolysis process facilitates the upgrading of heavy oil by breaking down larger molecules into smaller, more valuable ones. This enables the production of lighter hydrocarbons with properties closer to conventional crude oil, enhancing their usability in existing refineries.

3. Environmental Benefits:

   Pyrolysis machines contribute to environmental sustainability by minimising the environmental impact of heavy oil processing. The controlled conditions of pyrolysis help capture and manage emissions, reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with heavy oil extraction and refining.

Heavy oil, with its inherent challenges, represents a valuable energy resource that can be harnessed through innovative technologies like pyrolysis.

Pyrolysis machines play a pivotal role in overcoming the difficulties associated with heavy oil by enhancing its flowability, upgrading its quality, and minimising operational costs and environmental impacts. As the energy industry strives for sustainable solutions, the integration of pyrolysis technology marks a significant step forward in unlocking the full potential of heavy oil while addressing environmental concerns.