Alberta Research Council Research Articles

Abstracts, Saskatchewan-Alberta Regional Meeting, The Canadian Phytopathological Society, 1998

Abstracts, Saskatchewan-Alberta Regional Meeting, The Canadian Phytopathological Society, 1998

Abstracts, The Canadian Phytopathological Society, annual meeting, Montreacute;al, Quebec, 1999

Abstracts, The Canadian Phytopathological Society, annual meeting, Montreacute;al, Quebec, 1999

Abstracts, Plant Pathology Society of Alberta, Annual Meeting, 1998

Improving verticillium wilt resistance in a reducedbloat alfalfa line. B.D. Gossen and B.E. Coulman. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2. The effect of alternaria black spot on yield and seed quality of Brassica rapa in Saskatchewan. L.J. Duczek, E. Seidle, and S.L. Reed. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2; and (E.S.) Box 146, Medstead, Saskatchewan SOM 1W0. Assessing the potential of cultivar resistance as a control for alfalfa blossom blight. J.D. Holley. Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development, Crop Diversification Centre - South, S.S. #4, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1E6. Diseases diagnosed on plant samples from Alberta in 1997. Khalil I. Al-Mughrabi, Alan R. Reid, Edith A. James, and Barbara J. Penner.Brooks Diagnostics Ltd., P.O. Box 1701, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1C5. Detection of a biocontrol agent (Bacillus sp.) of Leptosphaeria maculans by digoxigenin-labeled probes. J. Yang, P.D. Kharbanda, and J.P. Tewari. Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta T6G 2P5; (P.D.K.) Alberta Research Council, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1T4. Identification of upregulated mRNAs in wheat plants exhibiting freezing tolerance and snow mold resistance. J.M. Davoren, P. Audy, M.M. Frick, R.L.M. Huel, A. Lariche, and D.A. Gaudet. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Research Centre Lethbridge, AB. (P.A.) Potato Research Centre, Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Abstracts, The Canadian Phytopathological Society, annual meeting, Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 1997

Abstracts, The Canadian Phytopathological Society, annual meeting, Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 1997

Abstract, Manitoba Regional Meeting, Canadian Phytopathological Society, 1996; and Abstracts, 17th Annual Meeting, Plant Pathology Society of Alberta, 1996

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) tolerance in wheat as a predictor of yield. S. Haber, R.I.H. McKenzie, and A. Comeau. Cereal Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Winnipeg MB R3T 2M9; and (A.C.)Centre de Recherches, Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada, Sainte-Foy, QC G1V 2J3. Diagnostic disease notes 1996: Unusual and common occurrences in Alberta. Khalil I. Al-Mughrabi and Barbara J. Penner. Brooks Diagnostics Ltd., P. O. Box 1701, Brooks, Alberta, T1R 1C5. Assessment of crop production systems for the Canadian prairies and their impact on disease progress and mycorrhizae. S.M. Boyetchko, A.G. Thomas, O.O. Olfert, and S.A. Brandt. Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2. Impact of tillage management on disease severity in field pea in a 4-year rotation. B.D Gossen, K.L Bailey, and G.P. Lafond. Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2 and (GPL) Indian Head Experimental Farm, P.O. Box 760, Indian Head, Saskatchewan S0G 2K0. Molecular epidemiology of dianthoviruses. C. Hiruki. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5. Molecular epidemiology of phytoplasma diseases in Alberta. C. Hiruki. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5. Differential response of eight potato cultivars to silver scurf infection in storage. J.D. Holley, Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development, Crop Diversification Centre - South, S.S. #4, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1E6. Etiology and severity of rhizoctonia root rot of cauliflower in north-central Alberta. S.F. Hwang, K.F. Chang, B.A. Deneka, R.J. Howard, and L.D. Dosdall. Alberta Environmental Centre, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1T4, and (KFC, RJH) Crop Diversification Centre- South, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1E6. Molecular relatedness between two phytoplasma isolates in horsemint and purple coneflower plants. AH Khadhair, S.-F. Hwang, R.J. Howard, and K.-F. Chang. Alberta Environmental Centre, Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1T4, and (RJH, KFC) Crop Diversification Centre-South, SS#4, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1E6. New fungicides for control of alternaria black spot and sclerotinia stem rot of canola. P.D. Kharbanda, R.M Lange, and S.M. Werezuk, Alberta Research Council, Vegreville, Alberta T9C JT4. Effect of tillage and cultivar on several important canola diseases in northwestern Alberta: preliminary results. R.M. Lange, P.D. Kharbanda, and MJ. Ostashewski. Alberta Research Council, Bag 4000, Vegreville, Alberta T9C IT4. Biodegradation of canola stubble by Cyathus spp. and implications for plant disease control. T.C. Shinners, J.P. Tewari, and K.G. Briggs. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5. A comparative molecular study of monarda yellows occurring in Alberta. K. Wang and C. Hiruki. Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5.

5527901 Sialic acid glycosides, antigens, immunoadsorbents, and methods for their preparation : Ratcliffe Robert M; Venot Andre P; Abbas S Zahee Carlsbad, CA, United States assigned to Alberta Research Council

5527901 Sialic acid glycosides, antigens, immunoadsorbents, and methods for their preparation : Ratcliffe Robert M; Venot Andre P; Abbas S Zahee Carlsbad, CA, United States assigned to Alberta Research Council

Effect of Oxygen Amendments and Soil pH on Bioremediation of Industrially Contaminated Soils

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), by-products of coal conversion processes, have contaminated soils near coal plant sites either through accidental spills or systematic discharge. Because these compounds are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic, remediation of such sites is a legitimate concern. For this study, contaminated soil samples were obtained from the Alberta Research Council (ARC) primary clean-up facility. Preliminary analysis of the soil was done for contaminant characterization and determination of initial contamination levels. Acinetobacter sp. was used for aerobic treatment of soil over a five-week period under optimum conditions. Because the rate of biodegradation is influenced by the pH, it is of interest to study the effect of pH on remediation efficiency in the physiological pH range of 5.0 to 9.0. Also, oxygen amendment via hydrogen peroxide solution was used to improve remediation in a packed bed, and the results were compared with those obtained under completely mixed conditions.

5443985 Cell culture bioreactor : Lu George; Gray Murray; Thompson Bradley G Edmonton, Canada assigned to Alberta Research Council; The Governors of the University of Alas

5443985 Cell culture bioreactor : Lu George; Gray Murray; Thompson Bradley G Edmonton, Canada assigned to Alberta Research Council; The Governors of the University of Alas

5443985 Cell culture bioreactor : Lu George; Gray Murray; Thompson Bradley G Edmonton, Canada assigned to Alberta Research Council; The Governors of the University of Alas

5443985 Cell culture bioreactor : Lu George; Gray Murray; Thompson Bradley G Edmonton, Canada assigned to Alberta Research Council; The Governors of the University of Alas

Physical Structure Changes of Canadian Coals During Combustion

Three coals were combusted in the Alberta Research Council laminar flow combustor in order to understand the changes in the physical structure that occur during pulverized coal combustion. A subbituminous (coal A), and both high-volatile (coal B) and low-volatile bituminous (coal C) coals were chosen to examine coals of different rank and reactivity. The subbituminous coal and the high-volatile bituminouss coal were very reactive, with burnouts of 95% and 88% achieved under stable operating conditions. The low-volatile butiminous coal was relatively unreactive. It was not possible to achieve a stable flame with the burnout decreasing below 50% in less than 1 h. Direct comparison of the partially burnt samples from the three coals was difficult because of the different reactivities. The subbituminous and high-volatile bituminous coals burned so rapidly that it was not possible to collect samples below 70% burnout. Conversely, it was not possible to generate samples of low-volatile bituminous coal char at burnouts above 72%. The subbituminous coal showed a continuous decrease in particle size with burnout. The high-volatile bituminous coal showed a significant size decrease only before 70% burnout, whereas the low-volatile bituminous coal actually increased in size up to 60% burnout, followed by a slight decrease. Surface area analysis of the subbituminous coal indicated a large surface area contained in micropores. At highlevels of burnout (above 90%), the surface area decreased. The same behavior was observed for the high-volatile bituminous coal. While the low-volatile bituminous coal also showed this large increase in surface area, the decrease occurred at about 50% burnout, much earlier than for the other coals. Results of mercury porosimetry tests on the partially burnt samples revealed a significant change in the pore volume for both the subbituminous and high-volatile bituminous coals, while no large changes were observed for the low-volatile bituminous sample. It was difficult to draw any conclusions from the porosimetry results due to the different particle size of the chars and wide variance in the measurements

Micromixing in a tubular flow reactor under simulated microgravity

AIChE JournalVolume 39, Issue 9 p. 1569-1573 R&D Note Micromixing in a tubular flow reactor under simulated microgravity K. S. Wenger, K. S. Wenger Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523Search for more papers by this authorE. H. Dunlop, Corresponding Author E. H. Dunlop Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523Search for more papers by this authorT. Kedar, T. Kedar Dept. of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, ScotlandSearch for more papers by this authorB. G. Thompson, B. G. Thompson Biotechnology Dept., Alberta Research Council, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 5X2Search for more papers by this author K. S. Wenger, K. S. Wenger Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523Search for more papers by this authorE. H. Dunlop, Corresponding Author E. H. Dunlop Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523Search for more papers by this authorT. Kedar, T. Kedar Dept. of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, ScotlandSearch for more papers by this authorB. G. Thompson, B. G. Thompson Biotechnology Dept., Alberta Research Council, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 5X2Search for more papers by this author First published: September 1993 https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690390916Citations: 2AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume39, Issue9September 1993Pages 1569-1573 RelatedInformation

"An Optimization Study For A Steam-Foam Drive Process In The Bodo Reservoir, Alberta"

Abstract An optimization study for a steam-foam drive process in the Provost Upper Mannville B Pool (Bodo Reservoir) located in east-central Alberta was conducted using the Alberta Research Council (ARC) foam transport model. The optimization was done with respect to the foam injection strategy and the concentration of the foaming agent (surfactant). A "discounted net profit" due to foam injection was maximized. Within the scope of this study, oil recoveries of all steam-foam processes investigated were better than the steam-only baseline process. However, not all foam processes were economically viable, optimal processes were dependent on the heavy oil prices. Over a range of heavy oil prices of US$62.90/m3 to US$125.80/m3 [US$10/bbl to US$20/bbl], the single foam slug process with a total foam injection period of 2 to 3 months and a surfactant concentration 0.5% to 1% by mass in the liquid phase of the injected fluids appeared to be the most profitable. Introduction The process of adding foaming agent (surfactant) aqueous solution to the injected steam to form foam in situ has been recognized as a promising technique in recovering heavy oil from underground reservoirs. Foam is well known as a selective blocking agent which can optimize reservoir conformance and minimize steam channelling and gravity override. This paper will demonstrate the necessity of choosing a suitable foam injection strategy for steam-foam drive field applications. Using the foam transport model developed at the Alberta Research Council by Law et al.(1,2), an optimization study for a steam-foam drive process in the Provost Upper Mannville B Pool (Bodo Reservoir) located in east-central Alberta was conducted. In the optimization study, it was impossible to examine all of the operation variables. The objective of this study was to investigate the advantage of using a steam-foam drive process instead of a steam-only drive process. The search for an optimal steam-foam drive process was made by permuting operation variables such as foam injection schedule (single or multiple foam slug process), total length of the foam injection period and surfactant concentration. Other operation variables such as steam injection rate and steam quality were kept constant. Optimization of the steam-foam drive process was performed by maximizing a ""discounted net profit" due to surfactant injection. Foam Transport Model Detailed descriptions of the ARC foam transport model have been given by Law et al.(1,2). Only a very brief review of this model will be given in this paper. The foam transport model, which is based on the physical properties of an alkylaryl sulphonate surfactant (Sun Tech IV), is a fully implicit multicomponent thermal reservoir model having the ability to handle five components and three phases. The five components are water, heavy oil, surfactant and two additives (non-condensible gases or volatile hydrocarbon components). The three phases are the aqueous phase, the oil phase and the gaseous phase. Conservation of mass of all components is governed by Darcy's law and is solved implicitly together with conservation of energy.

Investigation Of The Mechanisms Involved In The Steam-Air Injection Process

Abstract Primarily as a result of low temperature oxidation (LTO) reactions, the utilization of air as a steam additive results in an increase in both oil recovery and the role at which it is recovered. The individual mechanisms of the steam-air injection process are complicated and difficult to isolate. This paper presents results which were obtained from an ongoing mechanistic investigation into the LTO process. In particular the experiments were designed to determine the effect of air on residual oil saturation pressure drop (i.e. ability of air to divert steam), bitumen properties (asphaltene content, viscosity, and acid number), produced aqueous phase properties (pH, sulphate, acetate, and total inorganic carbon), and coke formation during both steam and water injection experiments. Introduction In physical simulator experiments at the Alberta Research Council(1) the addition of air or O2 to a saturated steam injection stream markedly increased the bitumen recovery rate. These 3-D experiments were performed at 216 °C and the higher recovery rate and ultimate recovery were primarily due to the effects of LTO reactions on the horizontal high-permeability communication path between the injection and production wells. This path was a channel of clean 20 to 40 frac sand which had been soaked in water. Air also increased the final bitumen recovery when it was coinjected with water(2). Air increases the bitumen recovery rate as a result of one or all of the following factors:Steam diversion due to increased flow resistance in the communication Path. The increased resistance is caused by (a) rapid movement of cold bitumen into the communication path, (b) reduced absolute permeability of the communication path due to coke formation and asphaltene precipitation, (c) change in sand wettability (from water-wet to oil-wet) due to the low pH conditions produced by low-temperature oxidation (LTO) reactions, and (d) increase in the volumetric flow rate due to the presence of non-condensible gases (N2, O2, CO, CO2, H2S).Heat produced by oxidation reactions.In situ production of CO and CO2. In addition, air may affect gas saturations and relative permeabilities. The purpose of the present study was to examine some of the above mechanisms and determine their relative importance. Literature Review Low-temperature oxidation reactions increase bitumen resistance to fluid flow both by increasing bitumen viscosity and by forming coke. Bitumen Viscosity Babu and Cornack(3) observed that the viscosity of Athabasca bitumen (measured at 78 °C) increased. with extent of oxidation up to 35 g O2/kg of bitumen. As shown in Figure 1, the bitumen viscosity increased even more dramatically at higher O2 consumption. This viscosity increase is caused by the increased asphaltene content which results from oxidation of maltenes. Coke Formation Millour et al.(4) defined the following three LTO regions: Region 1 (O2 uptake less than 40 g/kg bitumen): Maltenes are converted to asphaltenes. The asphaltene content rises from an initial value of 20% by mass to 42%. Essentially no coke is formed.

Proc 3rd International Symposium on Cold Region Development, Edmonton, 16–21 June, 1991. Extended abstracts : Edmonton: Alberta Research Council, 1991, 224P

Proc 3rd International Symposium on Cold Region Development, Edmonton, 16–21 June, 1991. Extended abstracts : Edmonton: Alberta Research Council, 1991, 224P

Cost Analysis Of Current In-Situ Bitumen Production — Optimum Production Strategies And Priority R&D Needs

Abstract The survival and growth of Alberta's bitumen industry during the continuing world oil price uncertainty will, to a large extent, depend on the development of improved technologies and enhanced cost effectiveness. It is first necessary to identify key parameters that impact production costs and to determine their relative cost sensitivities. Research can be focused on these targeted areas and production strategies can be developed which could potentially provide significant cost reductions. This paper describes how energy models developed at the Alberta Research Council are used to identify key areas and to determine their cost sensitivity. Current technologies for in situ extraction of bitumen from Alberta's deposits are reviewed, and the implications of different world oil price scenarios are analyzed. The economic impact of a number of promising operating strategies and processes are presented and analyzed. Introduction Five large bitumen and heavy oil deposits with resource estimated at 400 × 109 m3 of hydrocarbon are located in Alberta(1). Defined by UNITAR(2) as a liquid hydrocarbon with a viscosity greater than 104 mPa •s and an API gravity less than 10 degrees, bitumen found in most of Alberta's reservoirs cannot be produced unless heated. There are various degrees of success of applying thermal recovery methods to Alberta's bitumen deposits — good results are reported in Cold Lake (Esso) and Peace River (Shell), while others are not that encouraging, especially in the Athabasca deposit. Even so, in the past five years, bitumen production increased six fold from less than 3400 m3/D in 1983 to about 20,000 m3/D in 1988. In the early years the production came largely from sizable piloting activity. In 1988, there were six commercial projects and 22 bitumen pilot projects operating in Alberta. Most of these projects were started during the 1983–85 era. Market opportunity, improved fiscal regimes and the high oil price prior to 1986 allowed this aggressive development. Since the precipitous price drop in 1986, the prevailing low oil price has put most new bitumen projects on hold. The bitumen production industry is at a crossroad. Its survival during the continuing world oil price uncertainty will, to a large extent, depend on the development of improved technologies and enhanced cost effectiveness. This paper analyzes the cost of bitumen production and uses a simplified Oil-Steam Ratio (OSR) model to evaluate a number of potential production strategies. A Liquid Fuel Model (ALF01), developed at the Alberta Research Council (ARC) is used to examine how, over the next 40 years, different oil price scenarios and improved technologies would impact on bitumen production. It is used to provide a basis for assessing the potential benefits of R&D in this area. Current In-Situ Commercial Technologies At normal reservoir temperature, bitumen is totally immobile. Mobilization of bitumen through the application of heat requires efficient convection and conduction of hot fluid into the formation. This involves a good distribution of heating sources and an increase of contact areas between the injected hot fluids and the reservoir.

Natural Gas Liquids: Canadian Supply And Demand Prospects In The 1990s

Introduction After a decade of major capacity expansions in natural gas processing, the Western Canadian natural gas liquids (NGLs) sector faces an uncertain future. Riding on the buoyant prospects for natural gas exports, the NGLs production will peak in the 1990s; the uncertainty is in NGLs demand. NGLs may be used in miscible flooding schemes for enhanced oil recovery, as diluents for the pipelining of heavy oil and bitumen, as petrochemical feedstocks and directly as fuel or in blends with other fuels. Western Canada ought to be poised for significant expansions in most petroleum and petrochemical sectors. Therefore, the NGLs demand prospects in the 1990s ought to be good. However, with unpredictable world oil prices such expansion plans may recede into the next century, leaving western Canada awash in surplus NGLs. With the help of two models developed at the Alberta Research Council, this paper examines the Western Canadian NGLs prospects in the 1990s. The two models are a continental natural gas model (AGAS) and a Canadian liquid fuels model (ALF01). Natural Gas Model Description AGAS is an optimizing, multi-period, clairvoyant energy supply demand model. Because of its large size, linear programming is the only practical optimization technique. A linear programming model simulates a perfect market economy, which maximizes the sum of the producer and consumer surpluses. While it can only approximate reality, the solution represents an upper bound on what the energy sector can achieve, provided that the proper policy and economic choices are taken. By taking ‘snapshots’ of the energy sector of the economy at various time intervals, we can trace its behavior over time. Normally, the model has a 24-year time horizon, covering 8 time periods of 3 years each. All investment and production decisions are solved simultaneously over time; thus the model has perfect foresight. While this knowledge is never completely available, the model permits us to test various scenarios involving different perceptions of future developments. AGAS is a partial equilibrium model for natural gas supply and demand in North America. Supply functions are estimated for four gas supply regions. Demand curves are specified for each time period and in each of nine consuming regions. The existing gas processing and pipeline network, with capacities and tariffs, is specified. Separate gas deliverability profiles are specified for each producing region. Policy constraints, such as export and import limits, reserve or deliverability tests, can be incorporated into the model. Investment decisions, including the development of new gas supplies and the building of new gas processing plants and pipelines, the level of production of gas from each producing region for each time period, the capacity utilization level of existing facilities, the level of consumption of gas in each consuming region, the city gate price for gas in each consuming region — all these are determined endogenously. The model seeks that development and production profile of the natural gas industry in North America that maximizes the present value of the sum of consumer and producer surpluses generated over the time horizon of the model.

Solid Particle Impact Erosion Testing Of Texaco Filter Elements And Selected Well Completion Materials

Abstract In-situ heavy oil, oil sand pilots, and conventional oil production located in unconsolidated sand reservoirs, have experienced a variety of problems related to plugging dissolution of silica sand conventionally used as a filter-pack, and erosion. The erosion is followed by a massive inflow of sand into the production wells resulting in reduction of flow capacity. To alleviate some of these problems, a new metallic filter of high porosity was designed and field tested. It employed steel wool elastically compressed arid sandwiched between inner and outer high-resistance mandrels. Field testing of the new filters has revealed some erosion-associated problems and a laboratory program was initialed to find the optimal design criteria for reducing the erosion damage. For the first time, the capacity of compressed metallic wool to withstand erosion was experimentally assessed. Standard sand-Jet blasting equipment was calibrated and used to determine penetration time for common well-material coupons and for compressed metallic wool filters. Filters having the compression factors ranging from 5 (density = 0.15) to 30 (density = 0.92) and metallic wool depth from 6 mm ro 19 mm were exposed to the erosion tests and results are presented graphically and analytically. It appears that increasing the wool density or filter thickness lead to an optimum value resulting in maximum filter erosion resistance. Photomicrographs of the eroded zones are presented in order to explain some of the mechanisms involved. Introduction In-situ recovery pilots(1) and conventional oil production located in unconsolidated sand reservoirs have experienced a variety of problems related to filter-pack erosion and massive inflow of sand into production wells. As a result, considerable research sponsored by Texaco Canada Resources, was conducted at the Alberta Research Council, into new types of well completion, that would alleviate solids intrusion. To address the problems related to the dissolution or gravel packs in a high-temperature, high-pH environment and to improve flow conditions and skin-effect identified by excessive pressure drop in the wellbore region, a solids control device was developed by the Alberta Research Council and Texaco(2) The Meshrite* filter employed steel wool sandwiched between inner and outer mandrels, designed to be part of the outer well casing directly in contact with the formation (Fig. 1). A field testing program in Athabasca, revealed difficulties associated with erosion of the filter by formation solids. The presence of high permeability zones in the vicinity or the production well resulted in preferentially high fluid-velocity streams. Entrained formation solids impacting the well, tend to erode holes through the downhole filter elements as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4. As a result of these field tests, a research program was initiated in 1987 to study methods of assessing and improving the erosion resistance of the Meshrite filter and well completion materials such as 155 and N80 tubing and casing steels. The field filters constructed to date have used wool with a bulk density in the range of 0.6 g/cm3 (compression factor of 20) with a thickness of 9.5 mm.

Radar measurement of rainfall by differential propagation phase: A pilot experiment

Abstract A pilot project concerning the measurement of rainfall by polarization diversity radar, conducted jointly by the Alberta Research Council and the University of Essex in the summer of 1989, is described. The objective of the experiment was to test the theory that differential propagation phase shift can give a better estimate of rainfall with high rain rates (about 30 mm h−1 and greater) than reflectivity measurements. The project comprised a field experiment that was conducted in central Alberta during the period 20 July to 2 August 1989. The field experiment involved observing storms within about a 70‐km radius from Red Deer with the ARC S‐band polarization diversity radar and measuring rainfall at the ground through a network of fixed, volunteer observers and a mobile storm‐chase operation. Theory describing how differential propagation phase may be extracted from the data recorded by the radar system is given. Data collected on three days during the experiment (27 July, 29 July and 2 August) h...

Hydrocarbon Recovery Research: Doing More With Less Through Research Partnerships

Abstract In western Canada there is a strong interest in in situ production of heavy oil including conventional heavy crudes and bitumen. Lower world crude oil prices have increased the need for research aimed at reducing production costs and improving recoveries from existing operations in high-quality reservoirs as well as from future lower quality reserves. Greater dependence on research to remain competitive at reduced profit margins and reduced profit margins and reduced funds for R&D have challenged research managers to do more with less. This paper describes how the Oil Sands and Hydrocarbon Recovery Department at the Alberta Research Council is facing this challenge by working in partnership with industry, universities and other research organizations on a variety of projects. Introduction The mission of the Alberta Research Council (ARC) is to advance the economy of the province by promoting technology development, performing applied research, and providing expert advice, technical information and scientific infrastructure that is responsive to the needs of the private sector and supports activities in the public sector. To accomplish its mission the ARC works with industry, government, universities and other research centres in a variety of ways. The purpose of such research partnerships is to combine complementary technical and scientific skills, share research facilities and perform cost-effective research which meets the needs of the participants. This paper describes a number of partnership projects related to hydrocarbon recovery which differ widely in size, duration and technical scope. Cost-Shared Programs The AOSTRA/ARC/lndustry Program This cost-shared program develops new technology for in situ extraction of oil sands and heavy oil. Started in 1981, the first five-year program developed the necessary facilities, research expertise and infrastructure. The technical focus was on investigating steam and steam-additive processes to improve recovery, to gain a better understanding of process mechanisms, measure relevant physico-chemical properties and to develop mathematical models which describe laboratory results and which can also be used for field predictions. The second five year program, started in 1986, focusses on generic problems arising from field pilot operations. Companies can participate in the program by paying an annual membership fee which provides direct access to the research conducted at the ARC as well as commercial use rights to project technology which is owned by AOSTRA. The program is guided by a Program and Policy Committee and technical committees made up of representatives from all participants. Project information deemed nonproprietary can be published subject to a suitable delay period and member approval. Participating companies have direct access to ARC's staff and laboratories. If required, companies can also second their staff to work in ARC laboratories on projects of special interest, provided the results of such work can be shared with all participants. Membership fees constitute only a small percentage of the total program cost and participants recognize this as a good investment of their research funds. Investigations are carried out in the following areas: Process Flow Mechanisms This project investigates flow through porous media. The simple relative permeability approach now used in numerical simulations may not be adequate in cases where emulsions occur or where there is viscous fingering due to high mobility contrasts. In addition, it is important to understand how phenomena occurring on the microscopic pore scale relate to both the macrosc

Hydrocarbon Recovery Research: Doing More With Less Through Research Partnerships

In western Canada there is a strong interest in in situ production of heavy oil including conventional heavy crudes and bitumen. Lower world crude oil prices have increased the need for research aimed at reducing production costs and improving recoveries from existing operations in high-quality reservoirs as well as from future lower quality reserves. Greater dependence on research to remain competitive at reduced profit margins and reduced profit margins and reduced funds for R&D have challenged research managers to do more with less. This paper describes how the Oil Sands and Hydrocarbon Recovery Department at the Alberta Research Council is facing this challenge by working in partnership with industry, universities and other research organizations on a variety of projects.Introduction. The mission of the Alberta Research Council (ARC) is to advance the economy of the province by promoting technology development, performing applied research, and providing expert advice, technical information and scientific infrastructure that is responsive to the needs of the private sector and supports activities in the public sector. To accomplish its mission the ARC works with industry, government, universities and other research centres in a variety of ways. The purpose of such research partnerships is to combine complementary technical and scientific skills, share research facilities and perform cost-effective research which meets the needs of the participants. This paper describes a number of partnership projects related to hydrocarbon recovery which differ widely in size, duration and technical scope.Cost-Shared ProgramsThe AOSTRA/ARC/lndustry Program. This cost-shared program develops new technology for in situ extraction of oil sands and heavy oil. Started in 1981, the first five-year program developed the necessary facilities, research expertise and infrastructure. The technical focus was on investigating steam and steam-additive processes to improve recovery, to gain a better understanding of process mechanisms, measure relevant physico-chemical properties and to develop mathematical models which describe laboratory results and which can also be used for field predictions. The second five year program, started in 1986, focusses on generic problems arising from field pilot operations. Companies can participate in the program by paying an annual membership fee which provides direct access to the research conducted at the ARC as well as commercial use rights to project technology which is owned by AOSTRA. The program is guided by a Program and Policy Committee and technical committees made up of representatives from all participants. Project information deemed nonproprietary can be published subject to a suitable delay period and member approval.Participating companies have direct access to ARC's staff and laboratories. If required, companies can also second their staff to work in ARC laboratories on projects of special interest, provided the results of such work can be shared with all participants. Membership fees constitute only a small percentage of the total program cost and participants recognize this as a good investment of their research funds.Investigations are carried out in the following areas:Process Flow Mechanisms. This project investigates flow through porous media. The simple relative permeability approach now used in numerical simulations may not be adequate in cases where emulsions occur or where there is viscous fingering due to high mobility contrasts. In addition, it is important to understand how phenomena occurring on the microscopic pore scale relate to both the macrosc