New hybrid steam-solvent processes for the recovery of heavy oil and bitumen

SPE 101717
New Hybrid Steam-Solvent Processes for the Recovery of Heavy Oil and Bitumen
T.N. Nasr and O.R. Ayodele, Alberta Research Council

Copyright 2006, Society of Petroleum Engineers
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2006 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum
Exhibition and Conference held in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., 5–8 November 2006.
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Abstract
Canada has declining reserves of conventional oil, but vast reserves of heavy oil and bitumen. Over 90% of the world’s heavy oil and bitumen trapped in sandstones and carbonates are deposited in Canada and Venezuela. Up to 80% of estimated reserves could be recovered by in-situ thermal operation. The current in-situ thermal technologies such as cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), steam flooding and steamassisted gravity drainage (SAGD) are energy intensive and use large quantities of fresh water. Increasing pressure of environmental concerns and the threat of a carbon tax