Characterisation and Emulsion Behaviour of Athabasca Extra-Heavy-Oil Produced by SAGD

摘要

The production of extra heavy oil(or bitumen) through the SAGD method(Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) requires the generation and injection into the reservoir of a great quantity of steam.A typical value of the steam/oil ratio is around 3,which means that a 100,000 bopd development requires the injection of 300,000 bcwepd(barrels of cold water equivalent per day)of steam,and that a corresponding quantity of hot water will be co-produced with the oil.The production of extra heavy oil containing many active components with the tendency to form an emulsion combined with the high water-cut ratio(above 80%)leads to a phase separation process with specific issues.This study considers an extra heavy oil field produced in SAGD in Athabasca.