Thermodynamics and kinetics studies of hydrocarbons/water/salts systems at near- and supercritical conditions - Applications to flash steam generation and bitumen partial upgrading

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As the environmental impacts and energy efficiency of oil sands are concerned, means to reduce the energy intensity and environmental footprint should be considered. Untreated emulsions produced during bitumen production can be heated up and flashed to generate steam. This process is called Flash Steam Generation (FSG). FSG has shown potential to reduce water treatment, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reduce capital cost. Steam generation by flashing the produced heated emulsions at near- and supercritical supercritical conditions provides a unique opportunity to reduce the GHG emissions and improve the energy efficiency of oil sands upstream operations. In this collaborative research program with Cenovus Energy, we plan to study thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrocarbons/water/salts systems at near- and supercritical conditions with applications to flash steam generation and bitumen partial upgrading. These studies allow us to develop predictive models that can be used for design of industrial scale steam flash generation and bitumen partial upgrading. In addition, the outcome of this study fill the existing knowledge gap in solid-liquid vapor equilibria and kinetics of complex organic/in-organic electrolyte solutions, which find applications in other areas such utilization of geothermal energy resources, waste oxidation and decomposition, bio-mass and fossil fuels extraction and upgrading. The aim of this research is to help industry develop better understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics of water/bitumen/salts mixtures at near- and supercritical conditions to optimize operating conditions required for simultaneous steam production and partial upgrading. The outcome of this project will assist commercialization of the steam flash generation at field scale. The most notable benefits are decrease in the energy consumption, water usage, and emissions, which are well-aligned with the Canada climate change mitigation strategy. The program will provide the opportunity to build laboratory infrastructure to perform fundamental research and train three undergraduate students and two postdoctoral fellows capable of undertaking a broad range of endeavors related to oilsands industry.