Oil and Gas Separation Process Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary method of extracting heavy oil from oil sands in fully underground processes?

  • Water separation technique
  • Cyclic steam stimulation (CSS)
  • Steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) (correct)
  • Surface mining

    • Why is bitumen heated before it can flow?

  • To mix it with sand
  • To solidify it
  • To increase its viscosity
  • To reduce its viscosity (correct)

    • What role do Power Engineers play in the extraction process of bitumen?

  • Plant operators using high-pressure steam (correct)
  • Operating large earth-moving machinery
  • Separating bitumen from sand
  • Applying surface mining techniques

    • Why are SAGD and CSS used instead of surface mining for extracting bitumen?

    <p>When bitumen is located too deep for surface mining</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of reducing the viscosity of bitumen in the extraction process?

    <p>To make it flow to the surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common hydrocarbon product that bitumen is processed into?

    <p>Plastic polymers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the lime softener mentioned in the text?

    <p>To make brackish water suitable for boiler feed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the steam to oil ratio (SOR) indicate in the context of the text?

    <p>The efficiency of steam usage in relation to oil production</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To comply with current environmental regulations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a plant's steam to oil ratio (SOR) exceeds the target range mentioned in the text?

    <p>The plant may discontinue operation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the use of brackish water preferred over fresh makeup water in SAGD and CSS facilities?

    <p>Current environmental regulations discourage fresh water use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of adding demulsifier chemicals in the separation process?

    <p>To assist in separating water from bitumen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of diluent in the bitumen extraction process?

    <p>To make bitumen less viscous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final water content in the sales dilbit after going through the treater vessel?

    <p>Less than 0.5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is oil removed from the produced water in an induced gas flotation (IGF) vessel?

    <p>Blowing natural gas through the water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of an oil removal filter (ORF) in the de-oiling process?

    <p>To remove oil using walnut shells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Softener effluent' refers to water that has been treated to remove which impurity?

    <p>Temporary hardness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of weak-acid cation exchangers (WAC units) in water treatment?

    <p>To remove dissolved magnesium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to remove impurities such as bicarbonates and silica from de-oiled produced water?

    <p>To decrease scale formation on boiler passes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Produced water' in the context of this text refers to water that has been:

    <p>'Produced' by de-oiling and treatment processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    'Dilbit' is a term used for bitumen that has been:

    <p>'Diluted' with hydrocarbon fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reason behind using once-through steam generators (OTSGs) instead of drum-type boilers in SAGD plants?

    <p>OTSGs are easier to clean using mechanical methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To dry the steam to near 100% dry and saturated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which direction does the horizontal section of piping extend once in the oil sands formation?

    <p>Sideways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is CSS not used for shallow oil sands reservoirs?

    <p>Shallow reservoirs do not have a thick shale 'cap'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between SAGD and CSS processes in terms of recovery?

    <p>SAGD is a continuous recovery process, while CSS happens in cycles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of injecting high-pressure, high-temperature wet steam in the first stage of CSS?

    <p>To melt the bitumen by soaking through the oil sands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the condensed steam used in SAGD plants to facilitate bitumen flow?

    <p>It mixes with bitumen to form an emulsion that reduces viscosity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does geological pressure assist in bringing the emulsion to the surface in SAGD plants?

    <p>By forcing the emulsion through producer wells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some common components found in the emulsion returning from producer wellheads in both SAGD and CSS processes?

    <p>Bitumen, water, and sand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is CSS considered superior to SAGD for deeper oil sands reservoirs?

    <p>CSS is better at extracting bitumen from deeper reservoirs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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