Experimental study on using ionic liquids to upgrade heavy oil

The effects of ionic liquids on viscosity, hydrocarbon composition and average molecular weight of the heavy oil are investigated. The results indicate that ionic liquids have good viscosity reduction property for the heavy oil. After reaction with ionic liquids, the contents of saturates, aromatics and resins in the heavy oil increase, while the content of asphaltenes decreases. This leads to the decrease of the average molecular weight and the reduction of viscosity of the heavy oil. The results also indicate that metal ion modified ionic liquids have the catalytic effect on upgrading the heavy oil.