Characterization and Comparison of Dissolved Organic Matter Signatures in Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage Process Water Samples from Athabasca Oil Sands

Abstract

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process water contains high concentrations of dissolved organic and inorganic matter. A wide range of analytical techniques including electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and fluorescence spectrophotometry have been utilized for the identification and measurement of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in oil sands process-affected water. The composition of DOM in the SAGD water is relatively complex, and thus one plausible method for its analysis is the fractionation of DOM into hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions using suitable resin columns and the characterization of these fractions using standard analytical methods. Comparing the fractionation and characterization of the SAGD produced water from different plant sites can provide considerable insight into better management, recycle, and reuse of this process water. Also, a detailed knowledge of the chemical composition of the SAGD pro...