Effect of Fluid, Rock, and Simulator Variables on Liquid Solvent Heavy Oil Extraction

Heavy oil and bitumen in-situ extraction aided by solvent addition is a potential EOR technology that provides an alternative to the current thermal processes. However, its mechanism is not well understood yet. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of solvent based processes by history matching experimental data using a reservoir simulator developed by Shell. At the end of this project, it is expected to find the variables which govern the behavior of the system and also find a suitable approach to history match the data in a short computing time. The benefit to Shell will be new insight into the field-scale modeling of solvent based in situ recovery processes gained by applying some methodologies that have been developed during the execution of the intern?s research project at the University of Calgary.

Faculty Supervisor:

Harvey Yarranton

Student:

Francisco Ramos-Pallares

Partner:

Shell Chemicals

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Chemicals

University:

University of Calgary