화학공학소재연구정보센터
Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology, Vol.44, No.11, 8-13, 2005
Field implementation of Solvent Aided Process
The authors have previouslydescribed a Solvent Aided Process (SAP) that aims to combine the benefits of SAGD and VAPEX. In SAP, a small amount of hydrocarbon solvent is introduced as an additive to the injected steam durin SAGD. While steam is intended to be the main heat-carrying agent, the solvent will dilute the oil to reduce its viscosity over and above what is accomplished by heating alone. The overall effect should be an improved oil to steam ratio (or reduced energy intensity). Although promising based on the authors' calculations, the process has not been previously applied or tested on a field scale. This paper describes the implementation of a SAP pilot at Encana's Senlac Thermal Facility. In addition to dwelling on some of the important parameters of a SAP test, it discusses the design considerations for the field pilot and the necessary modifications to an existing SAGD plant, specifically in the area of the boiler operations controls. Although the design calls for an assessment of reservoir performance results on a longer-term basis, initial results from this pilot look very encouraging. The oil rates have shown a substantial increase, and the steam-oil ratio has shown a corresponding decrease. This paper also discusses directional economics with SAP and its beneficial impact on the environment.