Abstract: Method and apparatus to facilitate recycling of at least one fraction of bitumen-containing materials. This can be accomplished by dissolving the at least one fraction, for example, maltenes or asphaltenes in roofing shingles, into at least one solvent. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a dissolution vessel, a tumbler positioned therein, and at least one solvent distributor. The tumbler is configured to facilitate wetting the bitumen-containing materials with solvent. In a second aspect, a system comprises the apparatus, a solid-liquid separator, for example, a vibratory screen, and at least one solvent-fraction separator, for example, a flash drum. The at least one solvent can comprise one or more solvents useful to extract the at least one fraction. In a third aspect, a first fraction is extracted from the bitumen-containing materials with a first solvent composition, then a second fraction is extracted from the remaining bitumen-containing materials with a second solvent composition.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing hydrate formation in a process that converts a hydrocarbon stream into C2 unsaturates, such as ethylene and/or acetylenes. The method includes adding a hydrate inhibitor to a hydrocarbon stream to lower the hydrate formation point of the mixture stream from an initial hydrate formation point (HI) of the hydrocarbon stream to a depressed hydrate formation point (HD) of the mixture stream. Then, the mixture stream is depressurized to adiabatically cool the stream to a temperature (T), wherein the HD<T<HI. Then, at least a portion of the mixture stream is vaporized and the vaporized portion of the mixture stream is separated from the unvaporized portion of the mixture stream. Once separated, at least a portion of the vaporized portion is converted into product, such as ethylene and/or acetylene.

Abstract: A method and system for handling viscous liquid crude hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method involves (a) solvent deasphalting at least a portion of an asphaltene-containing liquid crude hydrocarbon feedstock to form an asphaltene fraction and a deasphalted oil (DAO) fraction essentially free of asphaltenes; (b) adjusting the density of the asphaltene fraction to substantially the same density of a carrier for the asphaltene fraction; (c) forming coated asphaltene particles from the asphaltene fraction of step (b); (d) slurrying the coated asphaltene particles with the carrier; and (e) transporting the slurry to a treatment facility or a transportation carrier.

Abstract: A method of reducing the fouling propensity of a hydrocarbon feed stream having a Total Base Number based on ASTM method D2896-11 of less than 150 ppm and/or a P-value according to ASTM method D7060-09 of less than 1.15 which method comprises processing the feed stream such that the product obtained has a calculated Total Base Number of at least 150 ppm, a calculated P-value of at least 1.15 and a calculated Po-value higher than the FRmax of the feed stream, more specifically blending at least two hydrocarbon feed streams to prepare a blend having these properties.

Abstract: A method for processing raw natural gas for storage and transport in a storage vessel at a storage pressure greater than the raw natural gas dense phase pressure, which includes the steps of receiving the raw natural gas in a flow path at an inlet pressure greater than the storage pressure; if necessary, dehydrating the raw natural gas; and continuously releasing the dehydrated raw natural gas from the flow path at a release pressure and a release temperature into a storage vessel until the pressure of the dehydrated raw natural gas in the storage vessel reaches the storage pressure, avoiding the solidification of any impurities in the raw natural gas.

Abstract: A method of transporting carbon dioxide and crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The method includes providing supercritical carbon dioxide and heavy or extra heavy crude oil produced from a subterranean reservoir. The crude oil is mixed with the supercritical carbon dioxide to form a mixture having a viscosity less than the viscosity of the crude oil prior to mixing. The mixture is transported in a pipeline from a first location to a second location. The pipeline is maintained at sufficient pressures and temperatures such that any unsaturated carbon dioxide remains in a supercritical state while the mixture is transported through the pipeline.

Abstract: A process to prepare an aviation fuel and an automotive gas oil from a source of mineral derived gas oil is provided. From the mineral derived gas oil a low boiling fraction is isolated for use as an aviation fuel or as an aviation fuel component and the remaining part of the mineral derived gas oil is blended with a Fischer-Tropsch derived kerosene fraction and/or a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil fraction to obtain a blend suited for use as at least part of an automotive gas oil.

Abstract: Method for reducing loss of flow due to hydrate solids deposits and wax deposition in a pipeline without the aid of chemicals and system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water, using a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor connected to the main pipeline or within or forming a part of the pipeline, wherein at least a portion of the wellstream is fed to the cold-flow reactor. Also provided is a method for preventing hydrate nucleation and growth in a pipeline and preventing hydrate agglomeration as well as for preventing wax deposition. The provided method eliminates the use of energized equipment for melting, grinding or scraping hydrate solids from inside of pipelines or flowlines. Generating dry hydrates to be mixed with main flow of a wellstream is also described.

Abstract: Chemical compounds that are N-acyl amino acids or derivatives thereof having long chain N-acyl groups were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.

Abstract: A drag reducing additive for heavy oil, such as crude oil, includes a polymeric alkyl-substituted phenol formaldehyde resin and a solvent having at least one of an ester (e.g. ethyl acetate), an aldehyde (e.g. butyraldehyde), and an aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. toluene, xylene, and the like), or mixtures thereof. When used together with a diluent (e.g. condensate, naphtha, or the like), the additive may reduce viscosity of the combined oil, diluent, and additive by at least 20%, increase throughput by at least 6%, reduce power consumption by at least 3%, reduce the diluent proportion by at least 3%, or some combination of these effects, as compared with an otherwise identical heavy oil without the additive.

Abstract: Crude oil is reacted with a methane-containing gas in a process wherein the gas is fed to a reaction vessel to contact both the crude oil and a metallic catalyst grid that is formed from windings of a transition metal supported on an iron frame immersed in a liquid petroleum fraction, at a moderate temperature to produce a gaseous reaction product which is condensed to form an upgraded mixture of hydrocarbons with a variety of uses, including serving as an additive to crude oil for transport purposes.

Abstract: Catalytic process for the transformation of carbon compounds into liquid fuel, in which the reaction is catalysed by an Alumino silicate catalyst comprising counter ion Na and/or K in a sufficient amount so that when mixing 0.2 g of catalyst in powder form with 20 ml water having a pH of 5.56 so as to form a water/catalyst mixture, the pH of the water/catalyst mixture comprised between 4 and 6, said catalytic system further comprising 0.005% to 1% by weight of Ba and/or Sr.

Abstract: A method for extracting hydrocarbons from a vessel by displacement. The method including the displacement of a hydrocarbon source with a material of different density and recovery of the hydrocarbons from the vessel. Additionally, a method for extracting hydrocarbons from a vessel by gas displacement through chemical introduction. The method including introduction of hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate into a vessel, production of carbon dioxide from the reaction of the hydrochloric acid and the sodium bicarbonate, displacement of a hydrocarbon source inside the vessel, and recovery of the hydrocarbon source from the vessel.

Abstract: A chemical composition of matter comprising a wax plasticizing agent (plasticizer) tributoxyethyl phosphate, a mixture of selected long chain fatty acids (preferably C10 to C22), and a mixture of selected low-surface tension surfactants, which when added in solution to crude oil or refined products has been shown to lower both the B.S. & W. (rag layer) and the coefficient of friction of crude oils and refined products. This chemical composition of matter is particularly useful as a wax liquefaction, dispersant, and solubilization agent for asphaltene and paraffins in crude oil and refined products. The reduction in the co-efficient of friction resulting from the addition of this product to crude oil will allow crude oil to pump through pipelines with a minimum amount of resistance due to friction (drag).

Abstract: A method of transporting heavy hydrocarbons can include blending a kerogen oil with a bitumen to form a blended oil sufficient to render the blended oil transportable through an extended pipeline. The blended oil can be substantially free of additional diluents or viscosity modifiers and can be readily pumped through the extended pipeline from a source location to a destination location.

Abstract: Heavy crude transportation optimization method wherein at least one solvent is added to said crude. According to the method, a predetermined amount of dimethyl ether (DME) is added under pressure so as to adjust the viscosity of the crude.

Abstract: A more energy-efficient method of processing crude oil is achieved by viscoelastic shearing in order to increase the vapor pressure of the crude oil. This change in vapor pressure allows a more efficient separation of volatile components from non-volatile components in the crude oil. By optimizing the energy expenditure for shearing and the energy expenditure for separating the volatile components from the non-volatile components of the crude oil, while simultaneously removing the volatile components by distillation, one can reduce the overall energy input for the separation. Alternatively, it is possible to affect the distillation at a reduced temperature.

Abstract: Improved crude oil processing is achieved by viscoelastic shearing of crude oil at an elevated temperature. The shearing provides for an enriched light fraction and an enriched heavy fraction that can be more efficiently separated by distillation. Shearing is achieved using a mobile surface and immobile surface, or other flow geometry, under conditions providing for a transient phase separation.

Abstract: A method for upgrading the viscoelastic properties of a heavy oil by altering its elastic modulus. An effective amount of one or more elastic modulus lowering agents are used, wherein preferred elastic modulus lowering agents include mineral and organic acids and bases, preferably strong bases, such as hydroxides of metals selected from the alkali and alkaline-earth metals.

Abstract: This disclosure discusses integrating syngas streams with refinery hydrotreators, synthetic hydrocarbon gas to liquid (GTL) processes, and power generation units (such as combined cycle units) to efficiently use hydrogen contained in the syngas produced from heavy hydrocarbons (pet coke, residues, oil, etc.). Membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption is used to separate components of syngas and feed them to refineries, GTL units, and power/steam generation units. Hydrogen-rich refinery purge is used to raise the H2/CO ratio of syngas. A hydrogen-enriched syngas is produced with an H2/CO ratio favorable for the production on synthetic hydrocarbons (greater than about 1.5 to about 2.0 or higher). Pure hydrogen is also produced in a PSA unit, to further raise the H2/CO ratio of the syngas and provide hydrogen feed for refinery hydrotreators and synthetic hydrocarbon units (such as methanol units).

Abstract: A process for reducing the level of elemental sulfur and organic sulfur pick-up by refined hydrocarbon streams such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene or fuel additives such as ethers or iso-octane that are transported through a pipeline used to transport various sulfur-containing petroleum streams. The oxygen level in the hydrocarbon stream of interest to be pipelined as well as in at least the first hydrocarbon stream sequenced immediately ahead of the hydrocarbon stream of interest is reduced.

Abstract: The proven success of this oil shale technology, including demonstration of the quality of its product, points to the feasibility of the commercial plants' technical functions. This retort system/refinery delivers a higher yield of crude oil and petroleum products both in terms of quantity and quality, utilizing a price conscious and environmentally compatible methodology.

Abstract: A process for the production of a pipeline-transportable crude oil from a bitumen feed, the process comprising: (1) dividing the bitumen feed into two fractions, the first fraction comprising between 20 and 80 wt % of the feed, the second fraction comprising between 80 and 20 wt % of the total feed, (the two fraction together forming 100 wt % of the feed), (2) distillation of the first fraction obtained in step (1) (preferably under vacuum) into a light fraction boiling below 380° C. (preferably the 450° C. fraction, more preferably the 510° C. fraction) and a residual fraction; (3) thermal cracking (of at least part of, preferably all of,) the residual fraction obtained in the distillation process described in step (2); (4) distillation of the product obtained in step (3) into one or more light fractions (boiling below 350° C.), optionally one or more intermediate fractions (boiling between 350 and 510° C.) and a heavy fraction (boiling above at least 350° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transportable product for the transportation of paraffinic wax and methods of transporting using this transportable product. The transportable product comprises 90 to 20 weight % of a liquid comprising >50 weight % alcohol and having a true vapor pressure of ?14.7 psia when measured at 20° C., and 10 to 80 weight % of wax particles, wherein the wax particles comprise ?75 weight % of wax particles larger than 0.1 mm. The transportable product and methods of transporting according to the present invention are able to accommodate a relatively high weight % of paraffinic wax particles in the transportable product while avoiding interparticle adhesion and clumping by ensuring that the wax particles are not too small and the amount of small wax particles is not excessive.

Abstract: A method including locating at least one device in a conduit for exposure to ambient conditions within the conduit. The method comprises the steps of locating at least one device relative to a portion of a conduit and shaping the at least one device such that it is contiguous with the wall of the conduit.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity and surface wetting tendency of an oil containing hydrophilic aspaltenes comprises adding to said oil an amount of hydrophobic asphaltenes in the range of 1 to 80 wt % based on weight of the hydrophilic asphaltense of said oil.

Abstract: In the present invention, petroleum is separated into hydrocarbon mixtures having different components at an atomizing step and a collecting step. At the atomizing step, the petroleum is ultrasonically vibrated and is discharged and atomized in a state of an atomized fine particle floating in a carrier gas. At this step, the petroleum is separated into a mixed fluid containing the atomized fine particle and the carrier gas and residual petroleum which is not atomized. At the collecting step, the hydrocarbon mixture is separated and collected from the mixed fluid obtained at the collecting step. In the separating method, the petroleum is separated into the residual petroleum and the mixed fluid at the atomizing step, and the mixed fluid is collected at the collecting step so that the petroleum is separated into hydrocarbon mixtures having different components.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for extracting sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. A prewash section for converting hydrogen sulfide to sodium sulfide by reaction with an alkali such as caustic prepares the hydrocarbon stream for extraction. Spent alkali is continuously withdrawn and regenerated alkali is continuously added to the prewash section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zeolite of the ZSM-12 type, especially for the hydroisomerization of higher paraffins, which has a primary crystal size of <0.1 ?m; as well as a specific volume, determined by mercury porosimetry at a maximum pressure of 4000 bar, of 30-200 mm3/g in a pore radius range of 4-10 nm; and which has further been prepared from a synthesis gel composition comprising an aluminum source, precipitated silica as a silicon source, TEA+ as a template, an alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal ion source M having the valency n; in which the molar H2O:SiO2 ratio is selected between 5 and 15. The invention further relates to a catalyst comprising the above zeolite and its use.

Abstract: A method and a system for transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing wax and/or asphaltenes or any other precipitating solids through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline are disclosed. The flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor (4), where it is mixed with another fluid flow having a temperature below a crystallization temperature for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids and containing particles or crystals acting as nucleating and/or growth cores for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids, the mixing temperature providing precipitation of the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids from the flow of fluid hydrocarbons, and the effluent flow of hydrocarbons and particles is conveyed from the reactor (4) to a pipeline (6) for transportation.

Abstract: A continuous blending system can be used to prepare burner fuel or blasting agent, and includes a mixer, a first hydrocarbon system, a second hydrocarbon mixer, and a computing system. The mixer is configured for continuously mixing a continuous supply of a first hydrocarbon and a continuous supply of second hydrocarbon to provide a mixed hydrocarbon at a flow rate and a predefined ratio of first and second hydrocarbon. The first hydrocarbon system provides a continuous flow of first hydrocarbon into the mixer. The second hydrocarbon system provides a continuous flow of second hydrocarbon system into the mixer. The computing system is in communication with and configured for simultaneously controlling the first and second hydrocarbon systems in order to obtain the mixed hydrocarbon at the predefined flow rate and at the predefined ratio of first and second hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An in situ process for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. The process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the reaction zone to a part of the formation such that heat from one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the part of the formation. A blending agent may be produced from the part of the formation, wherein a mixture produced with the blending agent has at least one selected property.

Abstract: A method for treating a relatively permeable formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The heat provided to the selected section may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the selected section. A blending agent may be produced from the selected section. A portion of the blending agent may be adapted to blend with a liquid to produce a mixture with a selected property.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer drag reducing agent (DRA) slurries without cryogenic temperatures or conventional grinding is described. The homogenizing or size reduction of polymer, such as poly(alpha-olefins), may be achieved by the use of granulated polymer and at least one liquid, non-solvent for the polymer DRA. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the homogenizing is conducted at ambient temperature. Examples of suitable non-solvents include water and non-aqueous non-solvents including, but not necessarily limited to, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, ketones, and esters; having from 2-6 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof. The polymeric DRA may be homogenized to an average particle size of about 600 microns or less.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby the chamber (1) is filled at least partly with a liquid (2), and the flux of particles (3) introduced into the chamber (1) is divided, then homogeneously distributed in a gas phase (4) above the surface (5) of the liquid, wherein the particles descend by gravity, to be deposited while forming a fixed bed.

Abstract: A method and a system for transporting a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing wax and/or asphaltenes or any other precipitating solids through a treatment and transportation system including a pipeline are disclosed. The flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a reactor (4), where it is mixed with another fluid flow having a temperature below a crystallization temperature for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids and containing particles or crystals acting as nucleating and/or growth cores for the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids, the mixing temperature providing precipitation of the wax and/or asphaltenes or other solids from the flow of fluid hydrocarbons, and the effluent flow of hydrocarbons and particles is conveyed from the reactor (4) to a pipeline (6) for transportation.

Abstract: Process for recovering and moving refinery tar by the formation of oil in water dispersions of the above tar, the above dispersions having a water content of at least 20% by weight, and the dispersing agent being selected from salts of alkaline metals and ammonium, and relative mixtures, of the condensates of naphthalenesulfonic acid with formaldehyde, which comprises:

Abstract: This process for the transportation of a batch of naphtha in a pipeline, the prime purpose of which is to transport crude oil, is characterized in that the batch of naphtha, bracketed by batches of condensates, namely a head batch of condensate and a tail batch of condensate, is conveyed in the pipeline and, on arrival, the batch of naphtha is recovered between a point in time at the earliest at the end or substantially at the end of the passage of the head condensate/naphtha interface region and a point in time at the latest at the beginning or substantially at the beginning of the appearance of the naphtha/tail condensate interface region.

Abstract: A process for producing a diesel fuel stock from bitumen uses steam, naphtha and a hydroisomerized diesel fraction produced by a gas conversion process, to respectively (i) stimulate the bitumen production, (ii) dilute it for pipeline transport to an upgrading facility, and (iii) increase the cetane number of a hydrotreated diesel fuel fraction produced by upgrading the bitumen by blending it with the hydroisomerized gas conversion diesel fraction, to form the diesel stock. This diesel stock has a higher cetane number than that produced from the bitumen alone, and is used for blending and forming diesel fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the pumping of crude oil through a pipe is disclosed. The facilitation includes receiving the crude oil through an input end of the pipe, processing the crude oil within the pipe to lower viscosity by at least partially cracking the crude oil into lower fractions and providing processed crude oil at the output end of the pipe in a reduced viscosity form. The step of processing the crude oil includes establishing an electrical discharge in proximity to the input end and passing the crude oil sufficiently close to the electrical discharge such that at least a portion is subjected thereto.

Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon is rendered pipelineable by hydroconverting the heavy hydrocarbon under conditions sufficient to obtain a product oil of lowered viscosity and an API gravity suitable for pipelining and thereafter adding a diluent modified hydrocarbon to the product oil in an amount sufficient to stabilize the product oil against asphaltene phase separation and when phase separated asphaltene is present to dissolve the phase separated asphaltenes.

Abstract: Phthalocyanines of the formula where Me is twice hydrogen, twice lithium, magnesium, zinc, copper, nickel, VO, TiO, AlCl, AlOH, AlOCOCH3, AlOCOCF3, SiCl2 or Si(OH)2, at least four of the radicals R1 to R16 are each independently of the others a five- or six-membered saturated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic radical which is bonded to the phthalocyanine structure via a ring nitrogen atom and which can additionally contain further hetero atoms, and any remaining radicals R1 to R16 are each hydrogen, halogen, hydroxysulfonyl or C1-C4-dialkylsulfamoyl, subject to the proviso that tetrakispiperidinylphthalocyanine shall be excluded, and heterocyclyl-substituted phthalocyanines are useful for marking liquids, in particular mineral oils.

Abstract: A method for lowering the cloud/pour point of a waxy crude oil in locations where size and/or weight of the facility may need to be limited (i.e. arctic zones and offshore). The major components of the system comprise a fractionation/quench tower and a reaction furnace. The furnace has sufficient heat input to initiate thermal cracking of wax and the fractionation tower is operated at a temperature sufficient to flash off light hydrocarbons but also low enough to quench thermal cracking reaction. The feed to the furnace comprises a portion of the bottoms stream from the tower and the furnace output is fed back into the tower bottom to be quenched.

Abstract: A bitumen is rendered pipelineable by partially hydroconverting the bitumen and then adding sufficient diluent to the partially hydroconverted bitumen to provide a mixture having an API gravity at 15.degree. C. of at least 19.degree. and a viscosity at 40.degree. C. in the range of about 35 to about 60 cP.

Abstract: A method for producing a heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation through a wellbore, transporting the heavy crude oil to a market location and converting the heavy crude oil into a product distillate hydrocarbon stream and by-products such as heat, steam, electricity and synthesis gas by separating distillable components of the heavy crude oil by distillation and solvent deasphalting and converting the asphaltic residual portion of the heavy crude oil in a fluidized bed to at least one of heat, steam, electricity or synthesis gas. The method also produces diluent hydrocarbons useful as a separate product, a distillable hydrocarbon stream or a diluent for use in the production and transportation of the heavy crude oil.

Abstract: A process for preventing the formation of a solid phase from hydrocarbons and water in a fluid is disclosed. A physical disturbance is transmitted to the fluid intermittently in time to prevent the formation of crystalline bonds in the fluid.

Abstract: A method for producing a heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation via a wellbore, transporting the heavy crude oil to a market and producing a distillable hydrocarbonaceous stream from the crude oil, the method includes: producing the heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation via a wellbore, mixing the heavy crude oil with a diluent to form a mixture, transporting the mixture to a selected location and converting the heavy crude oil into a product distillate hydrocarbon stream and at least one of heat, steam, electricity and synthesis gas by separating distillable components of the heavy crude oil by distillation and converting the residual portion of the heavy crude oil in a fluidized bed to at least one of heat, steam, electricity or synthesis gas. The diluent is typically a hydrocarbonaceous distillate material which may be recovered as a separate product.

Abstract: A method for producing a heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation through a wellbore and converting the heavy crude oil into a product distillate hydrocarbon stream and at least one of heat, steam, electricity and synthesis gas by separating distillable components of the heavy crude oil by distillation and converting the residual portion of the heavy crude oil in a fluidized bed to at least one of heat, steam, electricity or synthesis gas. The method also produces diluent hydrocarbons useful in the production and transportation of the heavy crude oil.

Abstract: A selenium-containing aqueous stream may be used as a quenching water stream and optionally a cutting water stream in a delayed coking process to effectuate the removal of selenium from the selenium-containing aqueous stream resulting in the formation of a selenium-coke product. In addition, selenium may be concentrated in selenium-containing stripped sour water streams by recycling the stream in one or more hydroprocessing units and one or more sour water stripper units and subsequently removed by using a portion of the selenium-containing stripped sour water stream as a quenching water stream and optionally a cutting water stream in a delayed coking process.

Abstract: Heavy crude oil containing at least 1% by weight water is hydrotreated and upgraded while being produced downhole in a production well. During production the heavy crude oil containing water is subjected to sonic energy at a low frequency of 400 Hz to 10 kHz downhole in the presence of a metal hydrogenation catalyst that causes the water in the crude oil to react and form hydrogen which then hydrotreats and upgrades the heavy crude oil during production. In another embodiment, if the heavy crude oil does not contain water, the hydrogen may be formed in-situ by contacting the heavy crude oil downhole with a chemical compound comprising ammonia, hydrazine and formic acid that in the presence of a metal hydrogenation catalyst and sonic energy causes the chemical compound to react and form hydrogen which then hydrotreats the heavy crude oil during production. Suitable catalysts include nickel on zinc dust, platinum on carbon and palladium on carbon, preferably nickel on zinc dust.