The impact of operational parameters on asphaltene deposition and bitumen recovery by cyclic solvent injection

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SAGD (steam assisted gravity drainage) process has been commonly used for the development of oil-sand resources. The industry has developed modified techniques such as solvent-aided processes to reduce consumption of water and energy in the SAGD process to mitigate its environmental impacts. This research aims at conducting laboratory and modelling studies to optimize cyclic solvent processes by understanding the factors controlling asphaltene precipitation as a potential problem in such processes. Rock and fluid samples used in the proposed experiments are from the Clearwater Formation at Cold Lake, Alberta. The research team will conduct cyclic-solvent-injection (CSI) experiments using a custom-designed visualization cell under simulated field conditions. The cell allows visualization and sampling of asphaltene formed during CSI experiments. The team will analyze recorded images of bitumen-solvent-rock interactions, composition and asphaltene content of produced and remaining oil, and morphology of the core surface before and after the CSI experiments. It is expected that the outcomes of this study will help oil-sand producers to optimize cyclic solvent processes by controlling operational parameters such as injection pressure, soaking time, and depletion strategy to mitigate asphaltene deposition during this process. This innovative research will be conducted by two PhD students, and is expected to bring significant environmental and economic benefits to Canada.