ProVEn TEChnoLogiES
technoLogies
Water/ polymer flood Waterflooding is the most widely used fluid injection process for oil recovery in the world today. Although more commonly used in lighter reservoirs, there are a number of heavy oil projects employing this recovery method. Two major projects at Pelican Lake, owned by Cenovus Energy Inc. and Canadian Natural Resources Limited, also incorporate polymers in the flood to improve production.
Oil Water injection well
Water
Oil
SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) CSS was developed by Imperial Oil Limited at Cold Lake, Alta. In the same area, it is now also used by Canadian Natural Resources Limited, and a variation has been used by Shell Canada Limited at Peace River since the 1980s. A single well is used to inject high-pressure steam into the reservoir to heat the oil and reduce its viscosity. The pressure dilates the formation, inflating the reservoir. As it cools, the reservoir deflates, providing a drive mechanism. Following injection, the well remains suspended for a required period of time to allow heat to soak into the formation. After the soak phase, the operation of the injector well is reversed to produce the oil.
SOURCE: GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
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STAGE
Steam injection
01
STAGE
Soak time
02
STAGE
03
Melted bitumen production