Comprehensive Evaluation of RDV® Technology for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and In-situ Upgrading of Extra-Heavy Crude in the Boscán Field, Venezuela

The chemical technology RDV® (Vasoactive Dynamic Reactor) demonstrated a highly effective dual mechanism for the treatment of extra-heavy crude oils, combining in-situ upgrading and EOR (enhanced oil recovery). Applied to the Boscán Field (API 9.6°), characterized by extreme viscosities (>25,000 cP), RDV® achieved a 74% reduction in viscosity (down to 6,500 cP), a 50% increase in API gravity (up to 14.4°), and an additional oil recovery of 12.2-15%, along with a 20% increase in effective oil permeability. The mechanism is based on protonation and carbocation formation, following the principles of Olah (Nobel Prize 1993) and quantum proton tunneling effects, inducing an irreversible molecular transformation via selective β-scission. Chromatographic analysis revealed a significant reduction in heavy fractions (C36+), confirming preferential molecular cracking. Core flooding tests validated the complete preservation of reservoir mineralogy (XRD (X-Ray Diffraction)) and intermediate wettability (stable Amott index), confirming the safety of field-scale application. The operational benefits, in comparative terms, include an approximate 40% reduction in steam-assisted pumping temperature—when steam is used—which decreases surface thermal demand and improves energy efficiency, as well as an approximate 60% reduction in diluent consumption, when diluent is required. These benefits, together with the ROI (return on investment), position RDV® as a disruptive, scalable, and environmentally sustainable solution for the transformation of extra-heavy crude oils.