Investigation of Emulsion Flow in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage

SPE Journal ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (03) ◽  
pp. 440-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.C.. C. Ezeuko ◽  
J.. Wang ◽  
I.D.. D. Gates
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Gravity Drainage ◽  
Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage ◽  
Emulsion Flow ◽  
Very High ◽  
Effective Representation

Summary We present a numerical simulation approach that allows incorporation of emulsion modeling into steam-assisted gravity-drainage (SAGD) simulations with commercial reservoir simulators by means of a two-stage pseudochemical reaction. Numerical simulation results show excellent agreement with experimental data for low-pressure SAGD, accounting for approximately 24% deficiency in simulated oil recovery, compared with experimental data. Incorporating viscosity alteration, multiphase effect, and enthalpy of emulsification appears sufficient for effective representation of in-situ emulsion physics during SAGD in very-high-permeability systems. We observed that multiphase effects appear to dominate the viscosity effect of emulsion flow under SAGD conditions of heavy-oil (bitumen) recovery. Results also show that in-situ emulsification may play a vital role within the reservoir during SAGD, increasing bitumen mobility and thereby decreasing cumulative steam/oil ratio (cSOR). Results from this work extend understanding of SAGD by examining its performance in the presence of in-situ emulsification and associated flow of emulsion with bitumen in porous media.

Numerical Simulation of Thermal Solvent Replacing Steam under Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage SAGD Process

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiqiang Li ◽  
Daulat D. Mamora
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Oil Sands ◽  
Steam Injection ◽  
Thermal Recovery ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Gravity Drainage ◽  
Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage ◽  
Recovery Technique ◽  
Simulation Results

Abstract Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) is one successful thermal recovery technique applied in the Athabasca oil sands in Canada to produce the very viscous bitumen. Water for SAGD is limited in supply and expensive to treat and to generate steam. Consequently, we conducted a study into injecting high-temperature solvent instead of steam to recover Athabasca oil. In this study, hexane (C6) coinjection at condensing condition is simulated using CMG STARS to analyze the drainage mechanism inside the vapor-solvent chamber. The production performance is compared with an equivalent steam injection case based on the same Athabasca reservoir condition. Simulation results show that C6 is vaporized and transported into the vapor-solvent chamber. At the condensing condition, high temperature C6 reduces the viscosity of the bitumen more efficiently than steam and can displace out all the original oil. The oil production rate with C6 injection is about 1.5 to 2 times that of steam injection with oil recovery factor of about 100% oil initially-in-place. Most of the injected C6 can be recycled from the reservoir and from the produced oil, thus significantly reduce the solvent cost. Results of our study indicate that high-temperature solvent injection appears feasible although further technical and economic evaluation of the process is required.

scholarly journals Introduction and investigation of magnetic location system for steam-assisted gravity drainage dual-horizontal heavy oil wells

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 168781401879897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Chen ◽  
Hao Yi ◽  
Chuan He
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Error ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Gravity Drainage ◽  
Horizontal Projection ◽  
Recovery Method ◽  
Location System ◽  
Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage ◽  
Magnetic Source

Steam-assisted gravity drainage has been proven to be an effective oil recovery method, and the technology of magnetic location is the key to steam-assisted gravity drainage. In view of the rapid development of this technology in China, a new magnetic location system with intellectual property rights was developed in this article, including mechanical parts and circuit section of detection system. Specific structure, operating principle, and technical parameters of magnetic source generator and detection system were designed and analyzed. The ground test results show that the source generator is powered by an alternating current of 4–7 A, the detection system can probe the magnetic field signal 25 m away from the magnetic source generator, and the measurement error is less than 3% by comparison of measured with actual spacing distance. The steam-assisted gravity drainage dual-horizontal well group in Zhong 37 Well block in Fengcheng Oilfield is chosen for further experiment with the developed magnetic location technology. The results of field experiment show the trajectories of Wells I (injection well) and P (production well) are basically matched in the horizontal projection, and the measurement error is within the allowable range. The magnetic location system developed in this article can meet the operational requirement in steam-assisted gravity drainage dual-horizontal wells.

Calandria Tube to Tubesheet Roller-Expanded Joint Qualification

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Banwatt ◽  
R. G. Sauve´
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Hoop Stress ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Nuclear Reactors ◽  
Test Rig ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Reactor Configuration ◽  
Reactor Assembly

The complex calandria tube to calandria tubesheet roller-expanded joint in CANDU nuclear reactors is usually qualified by test. In this paper, a state-of-the-art numerical simulation is undertaken in order to improve the understanding of the behaviour of the joint to support design modifications and provide assurance that the test rig envelopes behaviour of the in-situ reactor assembly. Parameters such as hoop stress, and plastic deformation of the assembly are predicted. The analysis results are also compared with the available test data and in-situ experimental data. The analysis results show that the test performed to qualify the joint using a small plate and single joint is representative of the in-situ reactor configuration.

Effects of Oil Wettability on the Performance of a Cyclone-Type Oil Separator

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (01) ◽  
pp. 1850010
Author(s):  
Joon Ahn ◽  
Seongil Jang
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Surface Treatment ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Separation Efficiency ◽  
Refrigeration System ◽  
High Separation

The effects of oil wettability on the performance of a cyclone-type oil separator was studied through in situ experimentation and in a real refrigeration system. Based on previous research, the geometry of the oil separator in the present study was designed with an oil recovery device installed at its bottom to mount it on the actual refrigerator. The performance of the oil separator without surface treatment was predicted by applying design correlations proposed in the open literature, which were then compared with the experimental data. Through surface treatment, oleophilic or oleophobic properties were given to the inner wall and helix of the oil separator, and its performance was measured in a real refrigeration system. Oil wettability had a great effect on the performance of the oil separator, and in order to obtain high separation efficiency, oleophilic properties were found to be advantageous not only in the inner wall but also in the helix.

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