Microfluidics for analysis of solvent-based bitumen recovery methods and rapid measurement of relevant fluid properties

本文介绍了微流体技术在溶剂型沥青回收方法分析和相关流体性质快速测量中的发展和应用。这项工作将与总部位于卡尔加里的Suncor Energy密切合作，直接为加拿大的石油开采工作提供信息和改进。具体来说，该项目将评估溶剂型沥青回收方法的有效性，以替代传统的原位工艺中的蒸汽。溶剂法有可能大大减少蒸汽的使用、相关的二氧化碳排放和相关的成本。特别是在低油价环境下，这种新方法至关重要，该项目为评估偿债能力战略的潜力提供了新的工具。工作计划包括针对两个主要目标的两个平行部分。第一个目标是开发和应用微观模型来评估溶剂过程中的热动力学和输运动力学。第二个目标是开发和应用基于微流体的溶解度和粘度测量油藏条件下的相关流体混合物。这两个部分都是由集团内部最近实现的新功能实现的，两者都将为行业提供独特的信息。Suncor能源公司通过现金和实物捐助大力支持这个项目，现在已经建立了与研究小组合作的记录。该公司在利用该计划的研究和HQP产出方面处于独特的有利地位。

This proposal describes the development and application of microfluidics for analysis of solvent-based bitumenrecovery methods and rapid measurement of relevant fluid properties. The work will directly inform andimprove Canadian oil recovery operations, in close partnership with Calgary-based Suncor Energy.Specifically, the project will assess the effectiveness of solvent-based bitumen recovery methods in addition to,or instead of, steam in the traditional in situ process. Solvent processes have potential to greatly reduce steamuse, the associated CO2 emissions, and the associated cost. Particularly in a low-oil-price environment suchnew approaches are essential and this project brings new tools to assess the potential of solvent strategies.The workplan involves two parallel segments targeting the two main objectives. The first objective is todevelop and apply micromodels to evaluate the thermal and transport dynamics in solvent processes. Thesecond objective is to develop and apply microfluidic-based measurements of solubility and viscosity forrelevant fluid mixtures at reservoir conditions. Both segments are enabled by new capabilities recentlyachieved within the group, and both will uniquely inform the industry.Suncor Energy is strongly supporting this project through both cash and in-kind contributions, and now has anestablished track record of collaboration with the research group. The company is uniquely well positioned toleverage the research and HQP outputs of the program.