Oil and Gas Separation Process Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Why is steam injection used in the extraction of heavy oil from oil sands?

To increase the overburden on the oil sands

To reduce the viscosity of bitumen for it to flow (correct)

To enhance the geological formations of the oil sands

To mix bitumen and sand together

What are SAGD and CSS mainly used for in heavy oil extraction?

Increasing overburden in oil sands

Enhancing the viscosity of bitumen

Separating bitumen from sand underground (correct)

Surface mining of bituminous sand

What is the main responsibility of Power Engineers in the SAGD and CSS processes?

Operating steam boilers and water treatment facilities (correct)

Managing the earth-moving machinery for surface mining

Monitoring the overburden stripping process

Supervising the oil processing facilities

How is bitumen typically found in oil sands?

Mixed with sand Signup and view all the answers

Why are SAGD and CSS preferred over surface mining for deep bitumen deposits?

Because bituminous sand is not located near the earth's surface Signup and view all the answers

What role does steam play in the SAGD and CSS processes?

Reducing the viscosity of bitumen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of WAC and SAC units in the SAGD and CSS facilities?

To convert hardness to highly soluble sodium compounds Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Why is fresh makeup water becoming less common in SAGD and CSS facilities?

As a result of environmental regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if a SAGD facility operates with a high steam to oil ratio (SOR)?

Economic unviability leading to plant shutdown Signup and view all the answers

Why are brackish water sources preferred over fresh makeup water sources?

Due to current environmental restrictions on fresh water usage Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of lime softeners in SAGD facilities?

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

What is the purpose of using once-through steam generators (OTSGs) in the SAGD process?

To facilitate easy cleaning using mechanical methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of separators in the SAGD process?

To remove impurities and dry the wet steam Signup and view all the answers

Why is cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) not used for shallow reservoirs?

Shallow reservoirs lack a thick shale cap Signup and view all the answers

How do CSS and SAGD differ in terms of recovery process?

SAGD takes place in stages while CSS is continuous Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the injection stage in the cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) process?

To melt the bitumen by allowing steam to soak through oil sands Signup and view all the answers

Why are once-through steam generators (OTSGs) preferred over drum-type boilers in SAGD?

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

What is the role of geological pressure in forcing the emulsion towards the wellhead in SAGD?

To assist in transporting the emulsion through producer wells Signup and view all the answers

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

To form an oil froth in the produced water Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the bitumen leaving the knockout vessel?

It is diluted and made less viscous Signup and view all the answers

How is the de-oiled produced water softened in the process plant?

Through hot lime precipitation softener Signup and view all the answers

What is added to the softener to remove temporary hardness from the de-oiled water?

Soda ash Signup and view all the answers

Which vessel in the process helps remove water from the bitumen by electrostatic attraction?

Treater vessel Signup and view all the answers

What is used in oil removal filters (ORFs) to attract oil from the produced water?

Walnut shells Signup and view all the answers

Why is diluent added to the bitumen leaving the knockout vessel?

To make bitumen less viscous Signup and view all the answers

What does the final sales dilbit contain in terms of water content?

<0.5% water Signup and view all the answers

What is done in a knockout vessel in the emulsion separation process?

"Free water" is separated from bitumen and emulsion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Steam Injection and Heavy Oil Extraction

Steam injection is used to extract heavy oil from oil sands because it lowers the viscosity of the oil, making it easier to pump.
Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) are primarily used for extracting heavy oil from deep deposits.
Power Engineers are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the steam generation and injection systems in SAGD and CSS facilities.
Bitumen is typically found in oil sands as a viscous, tarry substance mixed with sand, clay, and water.
SAGD and CSS are preferred over surface mining for deep bitumen deposits because they are less disruptive to the environment, have lower operating costs, and have a higher recovery rate.

SAGD and CSS Processes

Steam plays a crucial role in SAGD and CSS by heating the oil sands and lowering the bitumen's viscosity.
Water Accumulator (WAC) and Steam Accumulator (SAC) units in SAGD and CSS facilities stabilize the steam pressure and provide a buffer for steam demand fluctuations.
The steam to oil ratio (SOR) in SAGD and CSS facilities measures the amount of steam required to produce a unit of oil.
Fresh makeup water is becoming less common in SAGD and CSS facilities due to concerns about water scarcity and the potential for environmental damage.
If a SAGD facility operates with a high steam to oil ratio (SOR), it can result in reduced oil production and increased operating costs.
Brackish water sources are preferred over fresh makeup water sources because they are more readily available and less likely to cause environmental damage.
Lime softeners in SAGD facilities remove calcium and magnesium ions from the produced water to prevent scaling in equipment.
Once-through steam generators (OTSGs) in the SAGD process generate steam directly from the feedwater without being recirculated, maximizing efficiency.
Separators in the SAGD process separate the oil, water, and gas in the produced emulsion.
Cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) is not used for shallow reservoirs because the high pressure could fracture the formation, leading to uncontrolled steam losses.
CSS and SAGD differ in terms of recovery process: CSS utilizes intermittent steam injection and production cycles, while SAGD relies on continuous steam injection and production.
The injection stage in the cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) process involves injecting steam into the reservoir to heat the bitumen and increase its mobility.
Once-through steam generators (OTSGs) are preferred over drum-type boilers in SAGD because they are more efficient, have a lower environmental impact, and require less maintenance.
Geological pressure plays a crucial role in forcing the emulsion towards the wellhead in SAGD by pushing the heated bitumen through the injection and production wells.

Emulsion Separation and Water Treatment

The induced gas flotation (IGF) vessel in the water de-oiling process removes oil droplets from the produced water using air bubbles.
After leaving the knockout vessel, the bitumen continues to separate from water through gravity and settling.
The de-oiled produced water is softened in the process plant using chemical treatment to remove hardness and reduce scaling potential.
Lime is added to the softener to remove temporary hardness (calcium and magnesium bicarbonate) from the de-oiled water.
The electrostatic separator in the process helps remove water from the bitumen using electrostatic attraction.
Coalescing media is used in oil removal filters (ORFs) to attract oil from the produced water through surface tension.
Diluent is added to the bitumen leaving the knockout vessel to reduce its viscosity and make it easier to transport through pipelines.
The final sales dilbit typically contains less than 0.5% water.
The knockout vessel in the emulsion separation process separates the initial stages of the oil and water emulsion by gravity and settling.

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Test your knowledge on the separation process of oil and gas emulsions at the wellhead, including the use of heat exchangers, knockout vessels, and demulsifier chemicals.