Emulsion Separation and Demulsifier Chemicals Quiz

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What is the main reason why bitumen needs to be heated before it can flow?

It is too volatile

It is too viscous (correct)

It is too light

It is too dense

Why are steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) used for heavy crude bitumen extraction?

To reduce the viscosity of bitumen (correct)

To separate sand from bitumen

To accelerate the oxidation of bitumen

To increase the density of bitumen

What type of professionals are primarily responsible for operating the steam boilers and water treatment facilities in SAGD and CSS processes?

Geologists

Chemical Engineers

Petroleum Engineers

Power Engineers (correct)

Why was steam injection chosen as a method for heavy oil recovery from oil sands back in the 1950s?

To reduce the viscosity of bitumen Signup and view all the answers

In what geological formations is bitumen typically found mixed with sand?

Sedimentary formations Signup and view all the answers

Why has in situ oil recovery become more common compared to traditional surface mining for bituminous sands?

Easier access to deeper reserves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of lime softeners in SAGD and CSS facilities?

To make poor quality brackish water suitable for boiler feed Signup and view all the answers

What does the steam to oil ratio (SOR) measure in SAGD and CSS facilities?

The barrels of steam consumed per barrel of oil produced Signup and view all the answers

Why is brackish water increasingly used in SAGD and CSS facilities for makeup water?

It is cheaper than fresh water Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the steam to oil ratio (SOR) in a SAGD or CSS facility becomes too high?

The plant becomes uneconomical and will discontinue operation Signup and view all the answers

Why do SAGD and CSS facilities need to monitor environmental emissions closely?

To ensure compliance with operating license agreements Signup and view all the answers

How do governmental regulatory bodies typically react to non-compliance with environmental restrictions by SAGD facilities?

Deal with non-compliance harshly Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason OTSGs are chosen over drum-type boilers in SAGD plants?

OTSGs are easier to clean using mechanical methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of separators in the steam lines of OTSGs in SAGD plants?

To dry the steam to near 100% dry and saturated Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of injection wells in the SAGD process?

To inject high-temperature steam Signup and view all the answers

How does SAGD differ from CSS in terms of recovery process?

SAGD is a continuous process, while CSS is staged or cyclical Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the soaking stage of CSS from the injection stage?

During soaking, steam is allowed to melt the bitumen, while during injection it is shut off Signup and view all the answers

Why is CSS not suitable for shallow reservoirs?

Shallow reservoirs lack a thick shale 'cap' to contain high steam pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of separating bitumen, water, and sand at the plant site?

To recover water for boiler feed and produce sales-quality bitumen Signup and view all the answers

What role do producer wells play in the SAGD process?

Bringing the resulting bitumen and water emulsion to the surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the knockout vessel in the emulsion separation process?

To separate free water from bitumen and emulsion Signup and view all the answers

Why is dilution necessary for the bitumen after leaving the knockout vessel?

To make it less viscous for pumping through pipelines Signup and view all the answers

What is the final water content in the sales dilbit product?

Less than 0.5% water Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of induced gas flotation (IGF) in the water de-oiling process?

To form an oil froth and clean the water further Signup and view all the answers

How are oil removal filters (ORFs) in the de-oiling process filled?

With walnut shells Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a hot lime or warm lime precipitation softener in water treatment?

To remove temporary hardness from de-oiled water Signup and view all the answers

What role does magnesium play in the softening process of water?

It removes dissolved silica from water Signup and view all the answers

Why are weak-acid cation exchangers (WAC units) preferred over strong acid cation exchangers (SAC units) in water treatment?

They cost less to regenerate Signup and view all the answers

What is done to reduce dissolved silica content in softener effluent?

Adding soda ash Signup and view all the answers

Why does the build-up of scale on boiler passes pose a problem?

It decreases heat transfer efficiency and increases boiler metal temperature Signup and view all the answers