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Tayfun Babadagli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Enhancement of Bitumen Recovery from the oil sand in an alkaline solution using ultrasound irradiation and carbon dioxide
Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 2020Co-Authors: Hirokazu Okawa, Tomonao Saito, Shohei Yasuda, Youhei Kawamura, Takahiro Kato, Katsuyasu Sugawara, Tayfun BabadagliAbstract:Herein, we demonstrated the enhancement of Bitumen Recovery from the oil sand in a concentrated alkaline solution using ultrasound irradiation and carbon dioxide. The alkaline solution allowed the separation of Bitumen and sand; however, it was difficult to collect Bitumen via aeration. CO2 exhibited a high contact angle for Bitumen even at a high pH. Therefore, we attempted to use CO2 for Bitumen Recovery under ultrasound irradiation, increasing the number of collisions between Bitumen and the CO2 bubbles; thus, the Bitumen Recovery ratio exhibited a high value of approximately 70% even at a low CO2 injection rate of 20 ml min−1.
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Experimental Analysis of Optimal Thermodynamic Conditions for Heavy-Oil/Bitumen Recovery Considering Effective Solvent Retrieval
SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering, 2016Co-Authors: Laura Moreno-arciniegas, Tayfun BabadagliAbstract:Summary Light-hydrocarbon solvent injection is an effective process to improve heavy-oil/Bitumen Recovery from oil sands. In this process, oil production is achieved by gravity drive, which is enhanced through the dilution of oil by injected solvent. However, solvent retrieval is one of the major economic concerns in defining the viability of this technique. In this research, a sandpack experimental study was conducted, and the solvent retrieval was determined on the basis of thermodynamic conditions and fluid characterization. Two heavy-oil samples (8.6°API and 10.28°API) from different fields in Alberta, Canada, and four light-hydrocarbon solvents (propane, n-hexane, n-decane, and distillate hydrocarbon) were used in this experimental scheme. Results showed that solvent retrieval increases when light-hydrocarbon solvents (propane and distillate hydrocarbon) are used compared with solvent with high molecular weight (n-hexane and n-decane). Temperature and pressure highly influenced the solvent retrieval. The percentage of solvent retrieval increased when the hydrocarbon solvent was closer to the vapor phase (dewpoint). However, oil Recovery showed significant reduction when propane and n-hexane were injected because of high asphaltene deposition on the sandpack. The maximum solvent retrieval was calculated to be nearly 98% at 120°C and 698.47 kPa when propane-and-distillate hydrocarbon was used as solvent. Formation damage, on the other hand, may increase when propane is used as solvent because of the high asphaltene deposition.
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status of electromagnetic heating for enhanced heavy oil Bitumen Recovery and future prospects a review
Applied Energy, 2015Co-Authors: Achinta Bera, Tayfun BabadagliAbstract:Abstract Thermal methods are inevitable in heavy oil/Bitumen Recovery. Different types of “aqueous” methods such as cyclic steam and hot water injection, in-situ combustion, hot water and steam flooding, and steam assisted gravity drainage have been widely applied over decades. Currently, non-aqueous heating methods, generally named electromagnetic, are in consideration as an alternative to the aqueous methods, which may not be applicable due to technical and environmental limitations. This technique still requires further research and field scale pilot applications to prove their technical and economic viability. In this paper, a critical discussion on the review of electromagnetic heating is presented. An attempt is undertaken to review most of the research works (computational and experimental as well as a limited number of field applications) performed over more than five decades. After evaluating aqueous and non-aqueous thermal methods, a comparative analysis is presented.
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Effect of Bitumen Viscosity and Bitumen-Water Interfacial Tension on the Efficiency of Steam Assisted Bitumen Recovery Processes
All Days, 2013Co-Authors: Francisco J. Argüelles-vivas, Tayfun Babadagli, Baki Ozum, Laureen Little, Nikolas RomaniukAbstract:Abstract In Alberta, Canada Bitumen is commercially produced by in-situ processes at about 830,000 bbl/d capacity, production capacity is projected to exceed 5,000,000 bbl/d in the next two decades. Steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process is one of the in-situ Bitumen Recovery processes; the economics and efficiency of which would be improved by reducing the steam to Bitumen ratio. For this purpose, the addition of light hydrocarbon solvents into steam as a solvent to reduce Bitumen viscosity has been studied; however, several decades of research efforts has resulted in only limited commercial success. More recently, as an alternative to solvent addition, the use of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) with steam as a surfactant additive reducing Bitumen-water interfacial tension was proposed and studied experimentally (Babadagli et al, 2009; Babadagli and Ozum, 2010). In the present study, experiments were performed at typical reservoir pressure conditions to evaluate the performance of solvent (pentane) addition with steam to reduce viscosity and biodiesel addition with steam to reduce Bitumen-water interfacial tension to improve Bitumen Recovery efficiency. The results showed that Bitumen Recovery efficiency may decrease with the addition of hydrocarbon solvent if the solvent is added after a certain period of steam injection. Solvent addition to the steam was tested at 5% and 15% of Bitumen mass dosages. Steam assisted Bitumen Recovery tests with biodiesel addition under 2-g/kg-Bitumen dosage showed an increase in Bitumen Recovery efficiency. To further investigate the reasons behind the lowered Recovery with solvent addition, an analytical model was developed to predict heat transfer and pressure fields in the reservoir causing Darcy flow, and therefore, Bitumen mobility. The distribution of the aqueous and solvent phases injected in time and space considering the phase change (steam and solvent condensation) effect with respect to steam chamber were clarified for different injection conditions and scenarios. The results and observation will be useful in defining the appropriate application conditions for both solvent as a viscosity reducer and biodiesel as an interfacial tension reducer additive in SAGD operations.
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Optimal Application Conditions for Heavy-oil/Bitumen Recovery by Solvent Injection at Elevated Temperatures
All Days, 2011Co-Authors: Hector Leyva, Tayfun BabadagliAbstract:Abstract Steam injection is the most common technique in heavy oil/Bitumen Recovery. However, the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, its water requirements and excessive operational cost and problems entail finding alternative solutions. One approach is combining steam and solvent injection by taking advantage of steam injection preheating the reservoir for more effective solvent Recovery application. In this case, the performance of subsequent solvent injection strictly depends on the temperature and pressure in the reservoir. Recent experimental studies on superheated solvent injection showed that solvent in the gas formed near the saturation line yields an optimal Recovery minimizing the asphaltene precipitation and maximizing the Recovery. This paper investigates this process through a numerical modeling exercise and formulates the optimal pressure and temperature conditions for different reservoir conditions and hydrocarbon solvents. We first report the results of numerical simulation of laboratory experiments, in which heavy oil was exposed to solvent vapour at high temperatures. To achieve these results, a radial 3D numerical model of 15x1x63 cells was constructed using a commercial numeric simulator. The injection of either propane or butane into sand packs or consolidated sandstones at elevated temperatures was simulated. A pressure-temperature sensitivity analysis was carried out for different core sizes to understand the dynamics of the gravity drainage process associated with asphaltene precipitation. Asphaltene pore plugging behaviour was modeled and diffusion of solvent into the heavy oil was analyzed to determine both ideal solvent type and optimal operating conditions for solvent injection at high temperatures. Our preliminary results and observations showed that the solvent should be in the gas phase and its sensitivity to temperature and sample height (for effective gravity drainage) is more critical than the pressure. There also exists a critical temperature that yields amaximum Recovery and this value was determined for the rock/reservoir types and solvents considered in this study. Solvents considered, i.e., propane and butane, behaved differently in terms of asphaltene precipitation and its effects on ultimate Recovery. The history matching to the experimental data was achieved primarily by considering this effect.
Hossein Fadaei - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effect of additives on liquid liquid equilibrium properties of butane Bitumen systems with applications to solvent aided Bitumen Recovery processes
Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 2018Co-Authors: Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal Abedi, Hossein FadaeiAbstract:Abstract Solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes are relatively new approaches to reduce the negative environmental impacts and production costs of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Thermo-physical properties of these systems such as density, viscosity, phase partitioning and saturation pressure are of great importance in design of solvent-aided processes. Butane is a promising solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes. Addition of light or heavier solvents to butane can provide an engineering solution to improve the efficiency of solvent-aided processes. In this study, equilibrium measurements of butane and Bitumen mixture were conducted at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures well above vapour pressure of the solvent. Then, the effect of introducing a second solvent as an additive to the butane–Bitumen mixture was investigated. Propane, toluene and dimethyl ether were added to the original mixtures of butane and Bitumen in separate sets of experiments and changes in thermo-physical properties were determined. It was determined that adding butane can lower the viscosity of the Bitumen by several orders of magnitude. It was also concluded that although propane can significantly increase the saturation pressure of the mixture, it results in higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of dimethyl ether however is favourable because not only increases the vapour pressure but also reduces the asphaltene precipitation similar to toluene.
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Effect of additives on liquid–liquid equilibrium properties of butane/Bitumen systems with applications to solvent aided Bitumen Recovery processes
Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2018Co-Authors: Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal Abedi, Hossein FadaeiAbstract:Abstract Solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes are relatively new approaches to reduce the negative environmental impacts and production costs of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Thermo-physical properties of these systems such as density, viscosity, phase partitioning and saturation pressure are of great importance in design of solvent-aided processes. Butane is a promising solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes. Addition of light or heavier solvents to butane can provide an engineering solution to improve the efficiency of solvent-aided processes. In this study, equilibrium measurements of butane and Bitumen mixture were conducted at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures well above vapour pressure of the solvent. Then, the effect of introducing a second solvent as an additive to the butane–Bitumen mixture was investigated. Propane, toluene and dimethyl ether were added to the original mixtures of butane and Bitumen in separate sets of experiments and changes in thermo-physical properties were determined. It was determined that adding butane can lower the viscosity of the Bitumen by several orders of magnitude. It was also concluded that although propane can significantly increase the saturation pressure of the mixture, it results in higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of dimethyl ether however is favourable because not only increases the vapour pressure but also reduces the asphaltene precipitation similar to toluene.
Jalal Abedi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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2 d physical model experimental study of ethyl acetate and steam co injection for in situ Bitumen Recovery
Fuel, 2020Co-Authors: Ali Zirahi, Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Ali Haddadnia, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal AbediAbstract:Abstract In this work, we evaluate ethyl acetate (EA) as a solvent for Bitumen Recovery using a 2-D sand-pack physical model for the first time. EA was considered for co-injection with steam due to the promising results obtained from our recent experimental phase behavior and reservoir simulation studies. Two experiments were conducted by co-injection of 10 and 20 vol% of EA with steam to evaluate expanding solvent steam assisted gravity drainage (ES-SAGD). An experiment was also conducted for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) as a reference case. The results showed that co-injection of EA increases the Bitumen rate. Both ES-SAGD experiments showed a higher production rate compared to SAGD and the superiority of ES-SAGD. The results of 10 and 20 vol% EA co-injection revealed ~65% and ~75% Bitumen Recovery, respectively, compared to 50% in the case of the SAGD experiment. Co-injection of EA with steam also decreased the cumulative steam-oil-ratio (cSOR), which is desirable in Bitumen Recovery processes. ES-SAGD experiments reduced the cSOR by 1.5 to 2.5 units, which is 20 to 32% lower than SAGD. This reduction in cSOR results in significant energy savings and lower greenhouse gas emission intensity. The cumulative energy-oil-ratio was also measured, and the results showed that co-injection of EA decreases the energy-oil-ratio by 17–22% compared to SAGD. Moreover, it was observed that implementation of EA significantly reduces the water-oil emulsion stability, which is favorable in oil/water separation and treatments of the produced water.
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effect of additives on liquid liquid equilibrium properties of butane Bitumen systems with applications to solvent aided Bitumen Recovery processes
Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 2018Co-Authors: Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal Abedi, Hossein FadaeiAbstract:Abstract Solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes are relatively new approaches to reduce the negative environmental impacts and production costs of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Thermo-physical properties of these systems such as density, viscosity, phase partitioning and saturation pressure are of great importance in design of solvent-aided processes. Butane is a promising solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes. Addition of light or heavier solvents to butane can provide an engineering solution to improve the efficiency of solvent-aided processes. In this study, equilibrium measurements of butane and Bitumen mixture were conducted at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures well above vapour pressure of the solvent. Then, the effect of introducing a second solvent as an additive to the butane–Bitumen mixture was investigated. Propane, toluene and dimethyl ether were added to the original mixtures of butane and Bitumen in separate sets of experiments and changes in thermo-physical properties were determined. It was determined that adding butane can lower the viscosity of the Bitumen by several orders of magnitude. It was also concluded that although propane can significantly increase the saturation pressure of the mixture, it results in higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of dimethyl ether however is favourable because not only increases the vapour pressure but also reduces the asphaltene precipitation similar to toluene.
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Effect of additives on liquid–liquid equilibrium properties of butane/Bitumen systems with applications to solvent aided Bitumen Recovery processes
Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2018Co-Authors: Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal Abedi, Hossein FadaeiAbstract:Abstract Solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes are relatively new approaches to reduce the negative environmental impacts and production costs of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Thermo-physical properties of these systems such as density, viscosity, phase partitioning and saturation pressure are of great importance in design of solvent-aided processes. Butane is a promising solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes. Addition of light or heavier solvents to butane can provide an engineering solution to improve the efficiency of solvent-aided processes. In this study, equilibrium measurements of butane and Bitumen mixture were conducted at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures well above vapour pressure of the solvent. Then, the effect of introducing a second solvent as an additive to the butane–Bitumen mixture was investigated. Propane, toluene and dimethyl ether were added to the original mixtures of butane and Bitumen in separate sets of experiments and changes in thermo-physical properties were determined. It was determined that adding butane can lower the viscosity of the Bitumen by several orders of magnitude. It was also concluded that although propane can significantly increase the saturation pressure of the mixture, it results in higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of dimethyl ether however is favourable because not only increases the vapour pressure but also reduces the asphaltene precipitation similar to toluene.
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A thermodynamic model to predict propane solubility in Bitumen and heavy oil based on experimental fractionation and characterization
Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2018Co-Authors: Bahareh Azinfar, Ali Haddadnia, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal AbediAbstract:Abstract Propane has been suggested as suitable solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery methods such as Vapour Extraction (VAPEX), N-Solv (hot solvent injection), and Expanding Solvent-Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (ES-SAGD). Characterization of Bitumen and phase behaviour study of solvent/Bitumen systems are the initial steps towards an optimized and successful solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery process. In this study, Athabasca Bitumen is experimentally fractionated to four cuts using modified vacuum distillation and then each cut is characterized. The phase behaviour data including solubility, density, and viscosity of propane/Bitumen cuts are measured in wide ranges of temperature and pressure. Using the measured solubility data of propane/Bitumen cuts, the PR-EoS is tuned and a binary interaction parameter correlation between propane and Bitumen components is developed. The Bitumen is then characterized using the boiling point or carbon number distribution obtained by Simulated Distillation test (ASTM D7169). The generalized model is then implemented to calculate the propane solubility in two Bitumen samples from different reservoirs (Athabasca and Cold Lake). Our proposed model in this paper, predicted the propane solubility in Athabasca Bitumen sample with an average deviation of 1.8 mol.% without using any experimental data of propane/Bitumen system or tuning parameter. The proposed model was also evaluated by predicting the propane solubility in Cold Lake Bitumen. The propane solubility in Cold Lake Bitumen was calculated with an average deviation of 3.0 mol.%, which shows the generality of the proposed model.
Jacob H. Masliyah - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Study of Bitumen Liberation from Oil Sands Ores by Online Visualization
Energy & Fuels, 2012Co-Authors: Sundeep Srinivasa, Chris Flury, Artin Afacan, Jacob H. MasliyahAbstract:A novel visualization cell was designed to study the kinetics of Bitumen liberation from oil sands. This novel visualization cell allows for direct observation of Bitumen recession from sand grains in real time under various experimental conditions, thereby providing a better understanding of Bitumen liberation and the critical role of process conditions in Bitumen extraction from oil sands ores. Although direct recession of Bitumen from sand grains is found to be the primary mechanism of Bitumen liberation, the presence of entrained air in oil sands ores greatly enhances Bitumen liberation via Bitumen spreading over air bubbles. Imaging analysis of the recorded real-time Bitumen liberation process allowed for quantitative analysis of Bitumen liberation kinetics. A rapid Bitumen recession and, consequently, high Bitumen Recovery were observed for a good processing ore, in contrast to a slower Bitumen liberation and lower Bitumen Recovery for a high-fines ore, which was considered to be a poor processing o...
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Improving Oil Sands Processability Using a Temperature-Sensitive Polymer
Energy & Fuels, 2011Co-Authors: Jun Long, Jacob H. MasliyahAbstract:A temperature-sensitive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), was tested as a process aid to process a low-grade, high-fines oil sand ore. Two sets of Bitumen extraction tests were carried out. In test set I, both oil sands slurry conditioning and Bitumen flotation were conducted at 23 °C. In test set II, the slurry was conditioned at 23 °C, and, however, the Bitumen flotation step was carried out at 40 °C. It was found that the use of the polymer in test set I imposed a negative impact on both Bitumen Recovery and Bitumen froth quality. In test set II, the addition of the polymer at the Bitumen extraction step improved Bitumen Recovery and significantly accelerated solids settling of the tailings but deteriorated the Bitumen froth quality. The improvement in Bitumen Recovery and tailings settling at the higher operating temperature was attributed to the change of the polymer from a long, extended structure to a coiled configuration, resulting in the formation of compacted floccules of fine solids. Atomic...
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Use of Short-Chain Amine in Processing of Weathered/Oxidized Oil Sands Ores
Energy & Fuels, 2010Co-Authors: Louxiang Wang, Trong Dang-vu, Jacob H. MasliyahAbstract:In this study, short-chain amines were tested for improving Bitumen Recovery from weathered/oxidized oil sands ores. Three different amines, n-propylamine, n-butylamine, and n-pentylamine, were used. The emphasis of this study was to improve air bubble−Bitumen attachment, measured by an induction timer. Amine addition was found to significantly decrease the induction time of the air bubble attaching to Bitumen, reaching a minimum value at pH 9. Among the tested amines, the shortest induction time was obtained with n-butylamine addition. Adsorption of n-butylamine on Bitumen was confirmed by ζ-potential measurements. Finally, Denver cell Bitumen flotation tests confirmed the results obtained from the induction time measurements. n-Butylamine is shown to be a good chemical aid to improve the extraction of Bitumen from weathered/oxidized oil sands ores. Plant process water having 10 mM n-butylamine increased Bitumen Recovery by more than 20% for two weathered/oxidized oil sands ore samples.
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Bitumen Recovery with Oily Air Bubbles
The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2008Co-Authors: Vince Wallwork, Jacob H. MasliyahAbstract:Air-kerosene bubbles were used in a novel laboratory scale pipeline loop to assess the extraction performance of poor processing oil sand ores. The addition of kerosene to air, whereby producing oily bubbles, substantially enhanced Bitumen Recovery from poor processing oil sand ores. The oily bubbles were added in a pipeline loop during Bitumen liberation from the sand grains. The Bitumen Recovery from poor processing ores with the addition of the oily bubbles to the conditioning slurry becomes comparable to that of good processing ores. The present findings can be of substantial benefit to the oil sands industry. On a utilise des bulles d'un melange air-kerosene dans une nouvelle boucle de pipeline de laboratoire pour evaluer la performance d'extraction de minerais de sable bitumineux pauvres en huile. L'ajout de kerosene a l'air, en produisant des bulles huileuses, ameliore de maniere substantielle la recuperation de bitume de minerais de sable bitumineux pauvres en huile. Les bulles huileuses ont ete ajoutees dans une boucle de pipeline lors de la liberation du bitume des grains de sable. La recuperation de bitume de minerais pauvres par l'ajout des bulles huileuses a la suspension de conditionnement devient comparable a celle des minerais riches. Les presents resultats peuvent presenter un avantage important pour l'industrie des sables bitumineux.
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effect of illite clay and divalent cations on Bitumen Recovery
Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2008Co-Authors: Xinlin Ding, Chris Repka, Jacob H. MasliyahAbstract:The adverse effect of illite clay on Bitumen Recovery was found to be related to its acidity. The addition of calcium or magnesium ions to the flotation deionized water had a marginal effect on Bitumen Recovery when measured using a Denver flotation cell. However, the co-addition of illite clay and divalent cations caused a significant reduction in Bitumen Recovery. The effect was found to be compounded at a lower process temperature and low pH values. Zeta potential distributions of illite suspensions and Bitumen emulsions were measured individually and as a mixture to investigate the effect of divalent cations on the interaction between Bitumen and illite clay. The presence of 1 mM calcium or magnesium ions in deionized water had a significant effect on the interactions between Bitumen and illite clay. Slime coating of illite onto Bitumen was not observed in zeta potential distribution measurements performed in alkaline tailings water. On a trouve que l'effet adverse de l'argile d'illite sur la recuperation de bitume etait relie a son acidite. L'ajout d'ions de calcium ou de magnesium a l'eau deionisee de flottation a un effet marginal sur la recuperation de bitume lorsqu'on la mesure avec une cellule de flottation de Denver. Toutefois, l'ajout combine d'argile d'illite et de cations divalents entraine une reduction significative de la recuperation de bitume. On a trouve que les effets etaient combines a une faible temperature de procede et de faibles valeurs de pH. Les distributions de potentiel zeta des suspensions d'illite et des emulsions de bitume ont ete mesurees individuellement et dans le melange afin d'etudier les effets des cations divalents sur l'interaction entre le bitume et l'argile d'illite. La presence de 1 mM d'ions de calcium ou de magnesium dans l'eau deionisee a un effet significatif sur les interactions entre le bitume et l'argile d'illite. On n'a pas observe de couche de boues d'illite sur le bitume dans les mesures de distributions de potentiel zeta obtenues dans de l'eau de rejets alcaline.
Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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2 d physical model experimental study of ethyl acetate and steam co injection for in situ Bitumen Recovery
Fuel, 2020Co-Authors: Ali Zirahi, Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Ali Haddadnia, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal AbediAbstract:Abstract In this work, we evaluate ethyl acetate (EA) as a solvent for Bitumen Recovery using a 2-D sand-pack physical model for the first time. EA was considered for co-injection with steam due to the promising results obtained from our recent experimental phase behavior and reservoir simulation studies. Two experiments were conducted by co-injection of 10 and 20 vol% of EA with steam to evaluate expanding solvent steam assisted gravity drainage (ES-SAGD). An experiment was also conducted for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) as a reference case. The results showed that co-injection of EA increases the Bitumen rate. Both ES-SAGD experiments showed a higher production rate compared to SAGD and the superiority of ES-SAGD. The results of 10 and 20 vol% EA co-injection revealed ~65% and ~75% Bitumen Recovery, respectively, compared to 50% in the case of the SAGD experiment. Co-injection of EA with steam also decreased the cumulative steam-oil-ratio (cSOR), which is desirable in Bitumen Recovery processes. ES-SAGD experiments reduced the cSOR by 1.5 to 2.5 units, which is 20 to 32% lower than SAGD. This reduction in cSOR results in significant energy savings and lower greenhouse gas emission intensity. The cumulative energy-oil-ratio was also measured, and the results showed that co-injection of EA decreases the energy-oil-ratio by 17–22% compared to SAGD. Moreover, it was observed that implementation of EA significantly reduces the water-oil emulsion stability, which is favorable in oil/water separation and treatments of the produced water.
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effect of additives on liquid liquid equilibrium properties of butane Bitumen systems with applications to solvent aided Bitumen Recovery processes
Chemical Engineering Research & Design, 2018Co-Authors: Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal Abedi, Hossein FadaeiAbstract:Abstract Solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes are relatively new approaches to reduce the negative environmental impacts and production costs of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Thermo-physical properties of these systems such as density, viscosity, phase partitioning and saturation pressure are of great importance in design of solvent-aided processes. Butane is a promising solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes. Addition of light or heavier solvents to butane can provide an engineering solution to improve the efficiency of solvent-aided processes. In this study, equilibrium measurements of butane and Bitumen mixture were conducted at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures well above vapour pressure of the solvent. Then, the effect of introducing a second solvent as an additive to the butane–Bitumen mixture was investigated. Propane, toluene and dimethyl ether were added to the original mixtures of butane and Bitumen in separate sets of experiments and changes in thermo-physical properties were determined. It was determined that adding butane can lower the viscosity of the Bitumen by several orders of magnitude. It was also concluded that although propane can significantly increase the saturation pressure of the mixture, it results in higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of dimethyl ether however is favourable because not only increases the vapour pressure but also reduces the asphaltene precipitation similar to toluene.
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Effect of additives on liquid–liquid equilibrium properties of butane/Bitumen systems with applications to solvent aided Bitumen Recovery processes
Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2018Co-Authors: Hassan Sadeghi Yamchi, Mohsen Zirrahi, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Jalal Abedi, Hossein FadaeiAbstract:Abstract Solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes are relatively new approaches to reduce the negative environmental impacts and production costs of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Thermo-physical properties of these systems such as density, viscosity, phase partitioning and saturation pressure are of great importance in design of solvent-aided processes. Butane is a promising solvent for solvent-aided Bitumen Recovery processes. Addition of light or heavier solvents to butane can provide an engineering solution to improve the efficiency of solvent-aided processes. In this study, equilibrium measurements of butane and Bitumen mixture were conducted at temperatures of 40 and 60 °C and pressures well above vapour pressure of the solvent. Then, the effect of introducing a second solvent as an additive to the butane–Bitumen mixture was investigated. Propane, toluene and dimethyl ether were added to the original mixtures of butane and Bitumen in separate sets of experiments and changes in thermo-physical properties were determined. It was determined that adding butane can lower the viscosity of the Bitumen by several orders of magnitude. It was also concluded that although propane can significantly increase the saturation pressure of the mixture, it results in higher amount of asphaltene precipitation. The effect of dimethyl ether however is favourable because not only increases the vapour pressure but also reduces the asphaltene precipitation similar to toluene.