Laboratory Two-Dimensional Experimental Simulation of Catalytic in Situ Upgrading

Abstract

Since 2002, the Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) production technique has had a skyrocketing growth in the province of Alberta, increasing production from 31,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2002 up to 577,000 bpd by 2013. SAGD is a highly energy intensive method that consumes large quantities of natural gas and water for the production of steam. Once heavy oils are extracted – via SAGD – they must meet pipeline specifications in order to be commercialized, thus dilution with a higher value hydrocarbon or invest in a long-term upgrading project. One way of optimizing and integrating the extraction and upgrading of heavy oils is proposed with the development of the Dense Hot Fluid Injection (DHFI) process, a catalytic in situ upgrading technology. The process targets the substitution – at least partially – of steam by a high heat capacity fluid carrying to the reservoir heat, dispersed nanocatalyst, and hydrogen in order to generate a more competitive oil sand product. It targets the conversion of the va...