Research and Demonstration of SAGD Bitumen and Residuals for Industrial Applications

摘要

CANMET Energy Technology Centre of Natural Resources Canada recently developed laboratory protocols for examining and optimizing the performance of several emulsified SAGD bitumen and residuals prepared by Quadrise Canada Fuel Systems Inc. The company is marketing a propriety oil-in-water emulsion fuel known as Multiphase Superfine Atomized Residue (MSARTM) for onsite applications at SAGD projects as the market for this in-situ production of Canadian oil sands has drastically increased. A typical MSAR contains 70% bitumen, 30% water and a surfactant and has fuel droplets less than 10μm. The fuel is being marketed as a lower cost fuel alternative that can replace higher cost natural gas for various industrial processes. A recent laboratory program examined the energy and emission performance of a MSAR and compared with those of natural gas, No. 6 residual fuel oil and SAGD bitumen from which MSAR was prepared. Combustion experiments included combustion performance evaluations and emission measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NO<,x>), sulphur dioxide (SO <,2>), trace elements and particulate matter (PM.) of the fuels. The results showed that oil sands bitumen derived MSAR burned satisfactorily in a O. 7 MW<,th> research furnace equipped with a twin fluid burner, when ignition was assisted with natural gas but no steam atomization was necessary, were measured from The combustion of several MSARs showed 14-20% higher heat transfer potential with higher pollutant emissions than natural gas. When compared to other fuel oils, MSAR ignition properties, flame characteristics and emissions are similar to those of No. 6 heavy fuel oil but are superior to burning bitumen alone without emulsifying. Unlike MSAR, bitumen combustion normally requires steam atomization. The high sulphur content of bitumen produced expected SO<,2>emissions higher than No. 6fuel oil for MSAR but could be captured using pollution control devices. A field demonstration of MSAR combustion at an 18MMBTU/h commercial boiler producing 100 barrels of oil/day showed a successful replacement of natural gas for six months, with a significantly reduced fuel cost.