Home A review on steam-solvent processes for enhanced heavy oil/bitumen recovery
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

A review on steam-solvent processes for enhanced heavy oil/bitumen recovery

  • Amir Fayazi

    Amir Fayazi is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Calgary, Canada. He previously worked at Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) in Iran as a research assistant. He received his MSc degree in Reservoir Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Iran, in 2014, and received his BSc degree in Production Engineering from Petroleum University of Technology (PUT), Iran, in 2012.

    ORCID logo EMAIL logo
    and Apostolos Kantzas

    Apostolos Kantzas, PhD (Waterloo), PEng, is the President and CEO of PERM Inc. He works in solving EOR and reservoir characterization problems primarily in the WCSB. He has collaborated in multi-year projects with numerous oil and gas companies including Shell, Devon, Laricina, Imperial, Suncor, Husky, and CNRL to name a few. Apostolos is also a Professor at the University of Calgary, holder of an AITF/i-CORE NSERC IRC in modeling of Fundamentals of Unconventional. He leads research that is related to problems of flow through porous media, enhanced oil recovery, soil remediation, reactor design, magnetic resonance applications, and tomographic imaging. Apostolos is a member of APEGGA, SPE, CSChE, AIChE, CWLS, and SCA. He has authored or co-authored over 360 technical papers, 10 patents, and over 400 technical reports.

Published/Copyright: February 19, 2018
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

Steam injection is widely used for heavy oil and bitumen recovery. The advantage of this process is its high recovery factor and its high oil production rate. However, the high production rate is associated with excessive energy consumption, carbon dioxide generation, and expensive post-production water treatment. Some of these disadvantages are overcome or reduced by the addition of solvent mixtures to steam. The steam-solvent processes are complex oil displacement methods involving simultaneous heat, mass, and fluid transport. These processes are not clearly understood despite their apparent importance to the oil industry. Systematic studies are essential in the design, analysis, and evaluation of the steam-solvent processes as well as in mathematical simulation. These studies provide valuable insights for petroleum engineers to improve the oil recovery efficiency when applied in a reservoir. Results of these processes are scattered in many publications over more than 40 years and are not readily available for most petroleum engineers. The purpose of the paper is to present a review of current knowledge and available data, and to delineate the steam-solvent processes.

About the authors

Amir Fayazi

Amir Fayazi is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Calgary, Canada. He previously worked at Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) in Iran as a research assistant. He received his MSc degree in Reservoir Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Iran, in 2014, and received his BSc degree in Production Engineering from Petroleum University of Technology (PUT), Iran, in 2012.

Apostolos Kantzas

Apostolos Kantzas, PhD (Waterloo), PEng, is the President and CEO of PERM Inc. He works in solving EOR and reservoir characterization problems primarily in the WCSB. He has collaborated in multi-year projects with numerous oil and gas companies including Shell, Devon, Laricina, Imperial, Suncor, Husky, and CNRL to name a few. Apostolos is also a Professor at the University of Calgary, holder of an AITF/i-CORE NSERC IRC in modeling of Fundamentals of Unconventional. He leads research that is related to problems of flow through porous media, enhanced oil recovery, soil remediation, reactor design, magnetic resonance applications, and tomographic imaging. Apostolos is a member of APEGGA, SPE, CSChE, AIChE, CWLS, and SCA. He has authored or co-authored over 360 technical papers, 10 patents, and over 400 technical reports.

Nomenclature

α

thermal diffusivity

aA

activity correction factor

αm

dispersivity

C

concentration

D

diffusion coefficient

DAB0,DBA0

diffusion coefficients at infinite dilution

h

drainage height

k

permeability

M

molar mass

Q

stabilized rate per unit length of the horizontal well

So

oil saturation

T

temperature

Tr

original reservoir temperature

Ts

steam temperature

U

interface velocity

V

molar volume

Greek letters
Δρ

density difference

μ

mixture viscosity

ξ

distance

ϕ

porosity

φ

association factor

Ω

cementation factor

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support of the NSERC/AITF IRC in Fundamentals of Unconventional Resources (FUR) and the industrial sponsors: Athabasca Oil Corp, Brion Energy, Devon Canada, Foundation CMG, Husky Energy, Laricina Energy, Maersk Oil, and Suncor.

  1. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare to have no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

References

Ahmadi Y, Eshraghi SE, Bahrami P, Hasanbeygi M, Kazemzadeh Y, Vahedian A. Comprehensive water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection study to evaluate the most effective method based on heavy oil recovery and asphaltene precipitation tests. J Pet Sci Eng 2015; 133: 123–129.10.1016/j.petrol.2015.05.003Search in Google Scholar

Al-Murayri M, Harding TG, Maini BB. Impact of noncondensable gas on performance of steam-assisted gravity drainage. J Can Pet Technol 2011; 50: 46–54.10.2118/148943-PASearch in Google Scholar

Al-Murayri MT, Maini BB, Harding TG, Oskouei J. Multicomponent solvent co-injection with steam in heavy and extra-heavy oil reservoirs. Energy Fuels 2016; 30: 2604–2616.10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5b02774Search in Google Scholar

Alikhan AA, Farouq Ali SM. Heavy oil recovery by steam-driven hydrocarbon slugs from linear porous media. Paper presented at the Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, Houston, Texas, USA, 1974.10.2118/5019-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Allen JC. Method for recovering viscous petroleum. US Patent No. 4099568, 1978.Search in Google Scholar

Allen JC, Tate JF. Miscible displacement of petroleum. US Patent No. 3850245, 1974.Search in Google Scholar

Argillier JF, Henaut I, Gateau P, Heraud J-P, Glenat P. Heavy oil dilution. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2005.10.2118/97763-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Bagci AS, Gumrah F. Effects of CO2 and CH4 addition to steam on recovery of west Kozluca heavy oil. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium and Western Regional Meeting, Bakersfield, California, USA, 2004.10.2118/86953-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Behzadfar E, Hatzikiriakos SG. Diffusivity of CO2 in bitumen: pressure-decay measurements coupled with rheometry. Energy Fuels 2014; 28: 1304–1311.10.1021/ef402392rSearch in Google Scholar

Blevins TR, Duerksen JH, Ault JW. Light-oil steamflooding an emerging technology. J Petrol Technol 1984; 36: 1115–1122.10.2118/10928-PASearch in Google Scholar

Boone TT, Wattenbarger CC, Clingman S, Dickson JL. An integrated technology development plan for solvent-based recovery of heavy oil. Paper presented at the SPE Heavy Oil Conference and Exhibition, Kuwait City, Kuwait, 2011.10.2118/150706-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Bosse D, Bart HJ. Prediction of diffusion coefficients in liquid systems. Ind Eng Chem Res 2006; 45: 1822–1828.10.1021/ie0487989Search in Google Scholar

Bracho LG, Oquendo OA, Maraven SA. Steam-solvent injection, well LSJ-4057, Tia Juana field, western Venezuela. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations Symposium, Bakersfield, California, USA, 1991.10.2118/21530-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Brown A, Wu CH, Konopnicki DT. Combined multiple solvent and thermal heavy oil recovery. US Patent No. 4004636, 1977.Search in Google Scholar

Butler AM, Jiang Q. Improved VAPEX performance using widely spaced horizontal injectors and producers. Paper presented at the Technical Meeting/Petroleum Conference of the South Saskatchewan Section, Regina, Canada, 1997.10.2118/97-174Search in Google Scholar

Butler RM, Mokrys IJ. Solvent analog model of steam assisted-gravity drainage. AOSTRA J Res 1989; 5: 17–32.Search in Google Scholar

Butler RM, Yee CT. A theoretical study of steam condensation in the presence of non-condensable gases in porous solids. AOSTRA J Res 1986a; 3: 1–13.Search in Google Scholar

Butler RM, Yee CT. An experimental study of steam condensation in the presence of non-condensable gases in porous media. AOSTRA J Res 1986b; 3: 15–23.Search in Google Scholar

Butler RM, Mokrys IJ, Das SK. The solvent requirements for VAPEX recovery. Paper presented at the SPE International Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 1995.10.2118/30293-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Canbolat S, Akin S, Kovscek AR. Noncondensable gas steam- assisted gravity drainage. J Pet Sci Eng 2004; 45: 83–96.10.1016/j.petrol.2004.04.006Search in Google Scholar

Chang J, Ivory J, Rajan RSV. Cyclic steam-solvent stimulation using horizontal wells. Paper presented at the Canadian International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, Alberta, 2009.10.2118/2009-175Search in Google Scholar

Chang J, Ivory JJ, Forshner K, Feng Y. Impact of solvent loss during solvent injection processes. Paper presented at the SPE Heavy Oil Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2013.10.2118/165476-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Coelho R, Ovalles C, Benson IP, Hascakir B. Effect of clay presence and solvent dose on hybrid solvent-steam performance. J Pet Sci Eng 2017; 150: 203–207.10.1016/j.petrol.2016.12.006Search in Google Scholar

Collins PM. The false lucre of low-pressure SAGD. J Can Pet Technol 2007; 46: 20–27.10.2118/07-01-02Search in Google Scholar

Cooley TE, Coady AB. Removal of H2S and/or CO2 from a light hydrocarbon stream by use of gas permeable membrane. US Patent No. 4130403, 1978.Search in Google Scholar

Cristofari J, Castanier LM, Kovscek AR. Laboratory investigation of the effect of solvent injection on in-situ combustion. SPE J 2008; 13: 153–163.10.2118/99752-PASearch in Google Scholar

D’Silva J, Kakade GS. In-situ combustion with solvent injection. Paper presented at the International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2008.10.2118/117684-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Das SK. In situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen using vaporized hydrocarbon solvents. PhD Dissertation, University of Calgary, 1995.Search in Google Scholar

Das SK. VAPEX: an efficient process for the recovery of heavy oil and bitumen. SPE J 1998; 3: 232–237.10.2118/50941-PASearch in Google Scholar

Das S. Diffusion and dispersion in the simulation of VAPEX process. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2005a.10.2118/97924-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Das S. Improving the performance of SAGD. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2005b.10.2118/97921-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Das SK, Butler RM. Countercurrent extraction of heavy oil and bitumen. Paper presented at the International Conference on Horizontal Well Technology, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 1996.10.2118/37094-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Das SK, Butler RM. Mechanism of the vapor extraction process for heavy oil and bitumen. J Pet Sci Eng 1998; 21: 43–59.10.1016/S0920-4105(98)00002-3Search in Google Scholar

DeRuiter RA, Nash LJ, Singletary MS. Solubility and displacement behavior of a viscous crude with CO2 and hydrocarbon gases. SPE Res Eng 1994; 9: 101–106.10.2118/20523-PASearch in Google Scholar

Diedro F, Bryan J, Kryuchkov S, Kantzas A. Evaluation of diffusion of light hydrocarbon solvents in bitumen. Paper presented at the SPE Canada Heavy Oil Technical Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2015.10.2118/174424-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Dunn RJ, Mehrotra AK. Modelling the dissolution of a static and rising co bubble into Athabasca bitumen. J Can Pet Technol 1995; 34: 39–46.Search in Google Scholar

Edmunds N, Chhina H. Economic optimum operating pressure for SAGD projects in Alberta. J Can Pet Technol 2001; 40: 13–17.10.2118/01-12-DASSearch in Google Scholar

Edmunds N, Peterson J, Moini B. Method for viscous hydrocarbon production incorporating steam and solvent cycling. US Patent No. US20100276140 A1, 2010.Search in Google Scholar

Etminan SR, Maini BB, Chen Z, Hassanzadeh H. Constant-pressure technique for gas diffusivity and solubility measurements in heavy oil and bitumen. Energy Fuels 2010; 24: 533–549.10.1021/ef9008955Search in Google Scholar

Fadaei H, Shaw JM, Sinton D. Bitumen-toluene mutual diffusion coefficients using microfluidics. Energy Fuels 2013; 27: 2042–2048.10.1021/ef400027tSearch in Google Scholar

Fan J, Li X, Qin T. Feasibility study on steam and gas push with dual horizontal wells in a moderate-depth heavy oil reservoir. J Eng Sci Tech Rev 2016; 9: 151–158.10.25103/jestr.091.23Search in Google Scholar

Faradonbeh MR, Harding TG, Abedi J. Semi-analytical modeling of steam-solvent gravity drainage of heavy oil and bitumen, part 2: unsteady-state model with curved interface. Paper presented at the SPE Heavy Oil Conference-Canada, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2014.Search in Google Scholar

Faradonbeh MR, Harding TG, Abedi J. Semi-analytical modeling of steam-solvent gravity drainage of heavy oil and bitumen: steady state model with linear interface. Fuel 2016; 183: 568–582.10.1016/j.fuel.2016.06.096Search in Google Scholar

Fayazi A, Ghazanfari MH. Random walk simulation of miscible flow through heterogeneous 2D porous media considering dispersion tensor. Chem Eng Sci 2015; 132: 81–92.10.1016/j.ces.2015.03.071Search in Google Scholar

Fayazi A, Kantzas A. Modeling of CO2 diffusion into water-shielded oil at pore scale using moving mesh technique. Chem Eng Sci 2018; 179: 64–72.10.1016/j.ces.2018.01.007Search in Google Scholar

Fayazi A, Kryuchkov S, Kantzas A. Evaluating diffusivity of toluene in heavy oil using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Energy Fuels 2017; 31: 1226–1234.10.1021/acs.energyfuels.6b02464Search in Google Scholar

Ferguson MA, Mamora DD, Goite JG. Steam-propane injection for production enhancement of heavy Morichal oil. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Margarita Island, Venezuela, 2001.10.2118/69689-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Frauenfeld TWJ, Ridley RK, Nguyen DM. The effect of an initial gas content on thermal EOR as applied to oil sands (includes associated papers 18399, 18568 and 18743). J Pet Technol 1988; 40: 333–338.10.2118/15086-PASearch in Google Scholar

Frauenfeld T, Jossy C, Wang X. Experimental studies of thermal solvent oil recovery process for live heavy oil. J Can Pet Technol 2007; 46: 40–46.10.2118/2005-151Search in Google Scholar

Friedrich K. Effects of a non-condensable gas on the VAPEX process. MS Thesis, University of Waterloo, 2005.Search in Google Scholar

Fu BCH, Phillips CR. New technique for determination of diffusivities of volatile hydrocarbons in semi-solid bitumen. Fuel 1979; 58: 557–560.10.1016/0016-2361(79)90002-4Search in Google Scholar

Gates ID. Oil phase viscosity behaviour in expanding-solvent steam-assisted gravity drainage. J Pet Sci Eng 2007; 59: 123–134.10.1016/j.petrol.2007.03.006Search in Google Scholar

Gates GL, Caraway WH. Solvent stimulation of viscous crude-oil production. Paper presented at the SPE California Regional Meeting, Los Angeles, California, USA, 1971.10.2118/3680-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Gates ID, Chakrabarty N. Design of the steam and solvent injection strategy in expanding solvent steam-assisted gravity drainage. J Can Pet Technol 2008; 47: 12–20.10.24908/pceea.v0i0.3888Search in Google Scholar

Ghaderi SM, Tabatabaie SH, Hassanzadeh H, Pooladi-Darvish M. Estimation of concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient in pressure-decay experiment of heavy oils and bitumen. Fluid Phase Equilib 2011; 305: 132–144.10.1016/j.fluid.2011.03.010Search in Google Scholar

Goite JG. Experimental study of Morichal heavy oil recovery using combined steam and propane injection. MS Thesis, Texas A&M University, 1999.Search in Google Scholar

Goodarzi N, Bryan JL, Mai AT, Kantzas A. Heavy oil fluid testing with conventional and novel techniques. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2005.10.2118/97803-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Govind PA, Das SK, Srinivasan S, Wheeler TJ. Expanding solvent SAGD in heavy oil reservoirs. Paper presented at the International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2008.10.2118/117571-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Guerrero-Aconcha UE, Kantzas A. Diffusion of hydrocarbon gases in heavy oil and bitumen. Paper presented at the Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, 2009.10.2118/122783-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Guerrero-Aconcha UE, Salama D, Kantzas A. Diffusion coefficient of n alkanes in heavy oil. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, USA, 2008.10.2118/115346-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Gümrah F, Baĝcı S. Steam-CO2 drive experiments using horizontal and vertical wells. J Pet Sci Eng 1997; 18: 113–129.10.1016/S0920-4105(97)00003-XSearch in Google Scholar

Gupta SC, Gittins SD. Christina lake solvent aided process pilot. J Can Pet Technol 2006; 45: 15–18.10.2118/2005-190Search in Google Scholar

Gupta SC, Gittins SD. Effect of solvent sequencing and other enhancements on solvent aided process. J Can Pet Technol 2007; 46: 57–61.10.2118/2006-158Search in Google Scholar

Gupta S, Gittins S, Picherack P. Insights into some key issues with solvent aided process. J Can Pet Technol 2003; 43: 54–61.10.2118/04-02-05Search in Google Scholar

Gupta S, Gittins S, Picherack P. Field implementation of solvent aided process. J Can Pet Technol 2005; 44: 8–1310.2118/2002-299Search in Google Scholar

Gutek AMH, Harschnitz B, Myers RD, Okazawa T. Combined steam and vapor extraction process (SAVEX) for in situ bitumen and heavy oil production. US Patent No. 6662872, 2003.Search in Google Scholar

Harding TG, Ali SMF, Flock DL. Steamflood performance in the presence of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. J Can Pet Technol 1983; 22: 30–37.10.2118/83-05-02Search in Google Scholar

Hascakir B. How to select the right solvent for solvent-aided steam injection processes. J Pet Sci Eng 2016; 146: 746–751.10.1016/j.petrol.2016.07.038Search in Google Scholar

Hayad O. A study of the effect of oil viscosity on gas bubble coalescence in viscous oils. MS Thesis, Stanford University, 2002.Search in Google Scholar

Hogue B, Gutiérrez D, Hong C, Steiner J, Freeman L. Oil recovery from gas-over-bitumen reservoirs: results from the AIDROH Pilot Project in Alberta. J Can Pet Technol 2015; 54: 351–360.10.2118/174455-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Hong KC, Ault JW. Effects of noncondensable gas injection on oil recovery by steamflooding. J Pet Technol 1984; 36: 2160–2170.10.2118/11702-PASearch in Google Scholar

Jamaluddin AKM, Bennion, DB, Thomas FB, Clark MA. Acid/sour gas management in the petroleum industry. Paper presented at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 1998.10.2118/49522-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Jamialahmadi M, Emadi M, Müller-Steinhagen H. Diffusion coefficients of methane in liquid hydrocarbons at high pressure and temperature. J Pet Sci Eng 2006; 53: 47–60.10.1016/j.petrol.2006.01.011Search in Google Scholar

Jeffries-Harris MJ, Coppel CP. Solvent stimulation in low gravity oil reservoirs. J Pet Technol 1969; 21: 167–175.10.2118/2158-PASearch in Google Scholar

Jha RK, Kumar M, Benson I, Hanzlik E. New insights into steam/solvent-coinjection-process mechanism. SPE J 2013; 18: 867–877.10.2118/159277-PASearch in Google Scholar

Jiang H, Deng X, Huang H, Beaulieu G, Heck G, Akinlade O, Nasr TN. Study of solvent injection strategy in ES-SAGD process. Paper presented at the SPE Heavy Oil Conference Canada, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2012.10.2118/157838-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Kenchington JM, Phillips CR. Operating cost parameters in solvent extraction of bitumen from oil sand mineral deposits. Energy Sources 1981; 5: 317–338.10.1080/00908318108946015Search in Google Scholar

Keshavarz M, Okuno R, Babadagli T. Efficient oil displacement near the chamber edge in ES-SAGD. J Pet Sci Eng 2014; 118: 99–113.10.1016/j.petrol.2014.04.007Search in Google Scholar

Keshavarz M, Okuno R, Babadagli T. Optimal application conditions for steam/solvent coinjection. SPE Reserv Eval Eng 2015; 18: 20–38.10.2118/165471-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Kissel CL. Petroleum recovery with organonitrogen thiocarbonates. US Patent No. 5076358, 1991.Search in Google Scholar

Kumar R, Pooladi-Darvish MO. Effect of viscosity and diffusion coefficient on the kinetics of bubble growth in solution-gas drive in heavy oil. J Can Pet Technol 2001; 40: 30–37.10.2118/99-105Search in Google Scholar

Leaute RP. Liquid addition to steam for enhancing recovery (LASER) of bitumen with CSS: evolution of technology from research concept to a field pilot at cold lake. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium and International Horizontal Well Technology Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2002.10.2118/79011-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Leaute RP, Carey BS. Liquid addition to steam for enhancing recovery (LASER) of bitumen with CSS: results from the first pilot cycle. J Can Pet Technol 2007; 46: 22–30.10.2118/2005-161Search in Google Scholar

Leaute RP, Corry KE, Pustanyk BK. Liquid addition to steam for enhancing recovery of cyclic steam stimulation or LASER-CSS. US Patent No. 6708759, 2004.Search in Google Scholar

Li W, Mamora D, Li Y. Light- and heavy-solvent impacts on solvent-aided-SAGD process: a low-pressure experimental study. J Can Pet Technol 2011a; 50: 19–30.10.2118/133277-PASearch in Google Scholar

Li W, Mamora DD, Li Y. Solvent-type and-ratio impacts on solvent-aided SAGD process. SPE Reserv Eval Eng 2011b; 14: 320–331.10.2118/130802-PASearch in Google Scholar

Li S, Li Z, Sun X. Effect of flue gas and n-hexane on heavy oil properties in steam flooding process. Fuel 2017; 187: 84–93.10.1016/j.fuel.2016.09.050Search in Google Scholar

Liu H, Cheng L, Xiong H, Huang S. Effects of solvent properties and injection strategies on solvent-enhanced steam flooding for thin heavy oil reservoirs with semi-analytical approach. Oil Gas Sci Technol – Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles 2017; 72: 20.10.2516/ogst/2017015Search in Google Scholar

Maini BB. Foamy-oil flow. J Pet Technol 2001; 53: 54–64.10.2118/68885-JPTSearch in Google Scholar

Marciales A, Babadagli T. Solvent-selection criteria based on diffusion rate and mixing quality for steam/solvent applications in heavy-oil and bitumen recovery. SPE Reserv Eval Eng 2016; 19: 620–632.10.2118/180933-PASearch in Google Scholar

Mehrotra AK, Garg A, Svrcek WY. Prediction of mass diffusivity of CO2 into bitumen. Can J Chem Eng 1987; 65: 826–832.10.1002/cjce.5450650517Search in Google Scholar

Mendez Z, Alvarez JM, Escobar E, Colonomos P, Campos E. Cyclic steam injection with additives: laboratory and field test results of steam/foam and steam/solvent processes. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition Washington, DC, USA, 1992.10.2118/24632-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Metcalfe RS. Effects of impurities on minimum miscibility pressures and minimum enrichment levels for CO2 and rich-gas displacements. SPE J 1982; 22: 219–225.10.2118/9230-PASearch in Google Scholar

Metwally M. Effect of gaseous additives on steam processes for Lindbergh field, Alberta. J Can Pet Technol 1990; 29: 26–30.10.2118/90-06-01Search in Google Scholar

Mohammadzadeh O, Rezaei N, Chatzis I. Pore-scale performance evaluation and mechanistic studies of the solvent-aided SAGD (SA-SAGD) process using visualization experiments. Transport Porous Med 2015; 108: 437–480.10.1007/s11242-015-0484-ySearch in Google Scholar

Mohammed-Singh LJ, Singhal AK, Sim SS-K. Screening criteria for CO2 Huff ‘n’ Puff operations. Paper presented at the SPE/DOE Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, 2006.10.2118/100044-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Mohsenzadeh A, Al-Wahaibi Y, Al-Hajri R, Jibril B, Mosavat N. Sequential deep eutectic solvent and steam injection for enhanced heavy oil recovery and in-situ upgrading. Fuel 2017; 187: 417–428.10.1016/j.fuel.2016.09.077Search in Google Scholar

Mukhametshina A, Kar T, Hascakir B. Asphaltene precipitation during bitumen extraction with expanding-solvent steam-assisted gravity drainage: effects on pore-scale displacement. SPE J 2016; 21: 380–392.10.2118/170013-PASearch in Google Scholar

Nasr TN, Ayodele OR. New hybrid steam-solvent processes for the recovery of heavy oil and bitumen. Paper presented at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2006.10.2118/101717-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Nasr TN, Isaacs EE. Process for enhancing hydrocarbon mobility using a steam additive. US Patent No. 6230814, 2001.Search in Google Scholar

Nasr TN, Beaulieu G, Golbeck H, Heck G. Novel expanding solvent-SAGD process “ES-SAGD”. J Can Pet Technol 2003; 42: 13–16.10.2118/03-01-TNSearch in Google Scholar

Nguyen TA. Scaled model studies of the immiscible carbon dioxide WAG flooding process under various conditions. PhD Dissertation, University of Alberta, 1997.Search in Google Scholar

Nguyen TA, Farouq Ali SM. Effect of nitrogen on the solubility and diffusivity of carbon dioxide into oil and oil recovery by the immiscible WAG process. J Can Pet Technol 1998; 37: 24–31.10.2118/95-64Search in Google Scholar

Oballa V, Butler RM. An experimental study of diffusion in the bitumen-toluene system. J Can Pet Technol 1989; 28: 63–69.10.2118/89-02-03Search in Google Scholar

Oguztoreli M, Farouq Ali SM. A mathematical model for the solvent leaching of tar sand. SPE Res Eng 1986; 1: 545–555.10.2118/12256-PASearch in Google Scholar

Orr B. ES-SAGD; past, present and future. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 2009.10.2118/129518-STUSearch in Google Scholar

Palmgren C, Edmunds N. High temperature naphtha to replace steam in the SAGD process. Paper presented at the SPE International Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 1995.10.2118/30294-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Rattia AJ, Farouq Ali SM. Effect of formation compaction on steam injection response. Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 1981.10.2118/10323-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Redford DA. Method for establishing communication path in viscous petroleum-containing formations including tar sand deposits for use in oil recovery operations. US Patent No. 3908762, 1975.Search in Google Scholar

Redford DA. The use of solvents and gases with steam in the recovery of bitumen from oil sands. J Can Pet Technol 1982; 21: 45–53.10.2118/82-01-03Search in Google Scholar

Redford DA, McKay AS. Hydrocarbon-steam processes for recovery of bitumen from oil sands. Paper presented at the SPE/DOE Enhanced Oil Recovery Symposium, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, 1980.10.2118/8823-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Riazi MR. A new method for experimental measurement of diffusion coefficients in reservoir fluids. J Pet Sci Eng 1996; 14: 235–250.10.1016/0920-4105(95)00035-6Search in Google Scholar

Riazi MR, Whitson CH. Estimating diffusion coefficients of dense fluids. Ind Eng Chem Res 1993; 32: 3081–3088.10.1021/ie00024a018Search in Google Scholar

Richardson C, Mims DS, Kimber KD, Deemer AR. Hydrocarbon-assisted thermal recovery method. US Patent No. 5685371, 1997.Search in Google Scholar

Rivero JA, Mamora DD. Production acceleration and injectivity enhancement using steam-propane injection for Hamaca extra-heavy oil. Paper presented at the SPE/DOE Improved Oil Recovery Symposium, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, 2002.10.2118/75129-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Schmidt T. Viscosity dependence of the diffusion coefficient of carbon dioxide in bitumen. Paper presented at the 4th UNITAR/UNDP international Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 1988.Search in Google Scholar

Sedaee Sola B, Rashidi F. Feasibility experimental investigation of steam/methane flooding in a heavy oil reservoir. Paper presented at the SPE International Petroleum Conference, Puebla Pue, Mexico, 2004.10.2118/91968-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Seyyedsar SM, Farzaneh SA, Sohrabi M. Experimental investigation of tertiary CO2 injection for enhanced heavy oil recovery. J Nat Gas Sci Eng 2016; 34: 1205–1214.10.1016/j.jngse.2016.08.020Search in Google Scholar

Sharma J, Gates I. Steam-solvent coupling at the chamber edge in an in-situ bitumen recovery process. Paper presented at the SPE Oil & Gas India Conference & Exhibition, Mumbai, India, 2010.10.2118/128045-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Sheikha H, Pooladi-Darvish M, Mehrotra AK. Development of graphical methods for estimating the diffusivity coefficient of gases in bitumen from pressure-decay data. Energy Fuels 2005; 19: 2041–2049.10.1021/ef050057cSearch in Google Scholar

Sheikha H, Mehrotra AK, Pooladi-Darvish M. An inverse solution methodology for estimating the diffusion coefficient of gases in Athabasca bitumen from pressure-decay data. J Pet Sci Eng 2006; 53: 189–202.10.1016/j.petrol.2006.06.003Search in Google Scholar

Sheng JJ, Maini BB, Hayes RE, Tortike WS. Experimental study of foamy oil stability. J Can Pet Technol 1997; 36: 31–37.10.2118/97-04-02Search in Google Scholar

Sheng JJ, Maini BB, Hayes RE, Tortike WS. Critical review of foamy oil flow. Transport Porous Med 1999; 35: 157–187.10.1023/A:1006575510872Search in Google Scholar

Shu WR, Hartman KJ. Solvent assisted steam injection process for recovery of viscous oil. CA Patent No. 1228021, 1987.Search in Google Scholar

Shu WR, Hartman KJ. Effect of solvent on steam recovery of heavy oil. SPE Res Eng 1988; 3: 457–465.10.2118/14223-PASearch in Google Scholar

Song L, Kantzas A, Bryan JL. Experimental measurement of diffusion coefficient of CO2 in heavy oil using X-ray computed-assisted tomography under reservoir conditions. Paper presented at the Canadian Unconventional Resources and International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2010.10.2118/137545-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Stape P, Hascakir B. Wettability alteration during solvent assisted-steam flooding with asphaltenes-insoluble solvents. Paper presented at SPE Latin America and Caribbean Heavy and Extra Heavy Oil Conference, Lima, Peru, 2016.10.2118/181148-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Suranto AM, Bae W, Permadi AK. An investigation of hybrid steam-solvent injection for increasing economy and reducing CO2 emission. Pet Sci Eng 2015; 33: 302–310.Search in Google Scholar

Tharanivasan AK, Yang C, Gu Y. Measurements of molecular diffusion coefficients of carbon dioxide, methane, and propane in heavy oil under reservoir conditions. Energy Fuels 2006; 20: 2509–2517.10.1021/ef060080dSearch in Google Scholar

Thimm HF. Solvent co-injection in SAGD: prediction of some operational issues. J Can Pet Technol 2005; 44: 7–10.10.2118/2004-187Search in Google Scholar

Upreti SR, Mehrotra AK. Diffusivity of CO2, CH4, C2H6 and N2 in Athabasca bitumen. Can J Chem Eng 2002; 80: 116–125.10.1002/cjce.5450800112Search in Google Scholar

Upreti SR, Lohi A, Kapadia RA, El-Haj R. Vapor extraction of heavy oil and bitumen: A review. Energy Fuels 2007; 21: 1562–1574.10.1021/ef060341jSearch in Google Scholar

Vogel JV. Gravity stabilized thermal miscible displacement process. US Patent No. 4697642, 1987.Search in Google Scholar

Wang Z, Li Z, Lu T, Yuan Q, Yang J, Wang H, Wang S. Research on enhancing heavy oil recovery mechanism of flue gas assisted steam flooding. Paper presented at the Carbon Management Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, 2017.10.7122/486093-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Wen YW, Kantzas A. Monitoring bitumen-solvent interactions with low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray computer-assisted tomography. Energy Fuels 2005; 19: 1319–1326.10.1021/ef049764gSearch in Google Scholar

Wen Y, Bryan J, Kantzas A. Estimation of diffusion coefficients in bitumen solvent mixtures as derived from low field NMR spectra. J Can Pet Technol 2005; 44: 29–35.10.2118/2003-017Search in Google Scholar

West RC, Penberthy J, Walter L. Thermal oil recovery technique. US Patent No. 3782470, 1974.Search in Google Scholar

Wilke CR, Chang P. Correlation of diffusion coefficients in dilute solutions. AIChE J 1955; 1: 264–270.10.1002/aic.690010222Search in Google Scholar

Wu CH. A critical review of steamflood mechanisms. Paper presented at the SPE California Regional Meeting, Bakersfield, California, USA, 1977.10.2118/6550-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Yang C, Gu Y. New experimental method for measuring gas diffusivity in heavy oil by the dynamic pendant drop volume analysis (DPDVA). Ind Eng Chem Res 2005a; 44: 4474–4483.10.1021/ie0501430Search in Google Scholar

Yang C, Gu Y. Effects of heavy oil-solvent interfacial tension on gravity drainage in the vapor extraction (VAPEX) process. Paper presented at the SPE International Thermal Operations and Heavy Oil Symposium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2005b.10.2118/97906-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Yang C, Gu Y. Diffusion coefficients and oil swelling factors of carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, propane, and their mixtures in heavy oil. Fluid Phase Equilib 2006; 243: 64–73.10.1016/j.fluid.2006.02.020Search in Google Scholar

Yuan JY, Chen J, Pierce G, Wiwchar B, Golbeck H, Wang X, Beaulieu G, Cameron S. Noncondensable gas distribution in SAGD chambers. J Can Pet Technol 2011; 50: 11–20.10.2118/137269-PASearch in Google Scholar

Zare A, Abdulhameed FM, Hesland B, Hamouda AA. Enhanced heavy oil recovery (SAGD), coinjection of steam and solvent, reduction of CEOR and CSOR. J Pet Sci Technol 2017; 35: 570–577.10.1080/10916466.2016.1267745Search in Google Scholar

Zhang YP, Hyndman CL, Maini BB. Measurement of gas diffusivity in heavy oils. J Pet Sci Eng 2000; 25: 37–47.10.2118/98-63Search in Google Scholar

Zhao L. Steam alternating solvent process. SPE Res Eval Eng 2007; 10: 185–190.10.2118/86957-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Zhao L, Nasr TN, Huang H, Beaulieu G, Heck G, Golbeck H. Steam alternating solvent process: lab test and simulation. J Can Pet Technol 2005; 44: 37–43.10.2118/2004-044Search in Google Scholar

Zheng S, Li HA, Sun H, Yang D. Determination of diffusion coefficient for alkane solvent-CO2 mixtures in heavy oil with consideration of swelling effect. Ind Eng Chem Res 2016; 55: 1533–1549.10.1021/acs.iecr.5b03929Search in Google Scholar

Zhou X, Zeng F, Zhang L, Wang H. Foamy oil flow in heavy oil-solvent systems tested by pressure depletion in a sandpack. Fuel 2016; 171: 210–223.10.1016/j.fuel.2015.12.070Search in Google Scholar

Zhou X, Yuan Q, Zeng F, Zhang L, Jiang S. Experimental study on foamy oil behavior using a heavy oil-methane system in the bulk phase. J Pet Sci Eng 2017; 158: 309–321.10.1016/j.petrol.2017.07.070Search in Google Scholar

Zhu D, Bunio G, Gates ID. Phased heating and solvent injection to enhance recovery of heavy oil and bitumen. Paper presented at the SPE EOR Conference at Oil and Gas West Asia, Muscat, Oman, 2016.10.2118/179761-MSSearch in Google Scholar

Ziritt J, Burger J. Combined steam and solvent injection. Paper presented at the Second UNIT AR International Conference on Heavy Oil and Tar Sands Proceedings, Caracas, Venezuela, 1984.Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2017-02-09
Accepted: 2017-12-13
Published Online: 2018-02-19
Published in Print: 2019-03-26

©2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Downloaded on 6.10.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/revce-2017-0008/html
Scroll to top button