Visualization of Foamy Oil Generation During Solvent Injection

Lecture Topic: Visualization of Foamy Oil Generation During Solvent Injection

Lecturer: Farshid Torabi, Ph.D., P.Eng

Lecture Time: Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, 3:00 p.m.

Lecture Location: State Key Laboratory A4303 Academic Hall

Lecturer's Organization: University of Regina, Canada

All faculties and students are welcome!

Abstract: It is of great importance to investigate the fluid non-equilibrium phase behavior and the efficacy of solvent mass transfer once a solvent-based injection technique is to be implemented to improve heavy oil recovery. Before a pilot test, lab-scale research would be the most direct way to test out the proposed operational scheme.

Therefore, a novel real-time visualization methodology focusing on the study of solvent-heavy oil system equilibrium and non-equilibrium PVT phase behavior, solvent dissolution and exsolution mechanisms in bulk and porous media, solvent-heavy oil interfacial mass transfer phenomenon etc., by utilizing a state-of-the art true 2-dimensional high pressure visual cell, has been developed to overcome the shortcomings of the invisibility of traditional apparatuses.

This new experimental technique has been proved to answer commonly asked questions in a solvent injection process such as how to define the extent of real-time non-equilibrium of the gas-oil system, fluid-fluid interface/contact with/without wormhole, efficacy of cyclic or continuous injection, difference between mixture gas and