28 Questions
Why is steam injection used in the extraction of heavy oil from oil sands?
To reduce the viscosity of bitumen for it to flow
What are SAGD and CSS mainly used for in heavy oil extraction?
Separating bitumen from sand underground
What is the main responsibility of Power Engineers in the SAGD and CSS processes?
Operating steam boilers and water treatment facilities
How is bitumen typically found in oil sands?
Mixed with sand
Why are SAGD and CSS preferred over surface mining for deep bitumen deposits?
Because bituminous sand is not located near the earth's surface
What role does steam play in the SAGD and CSS processes?
Reducing the viscosity of bitumen
What is the primary purpose of WAC and SAC units in the SAGD and CSS facilities?
To convert hardness to highly soluble sodium compounds
What does the steam to oil ratio (SOR) measure in SAGD and CSS facilities?
The efficiency of steam usage in relation to oil production
Why is fresh makeup water becoming less common in SAGD and CSS facilities?
As a result of environmental regulations
What is the consequence if a SAGD facility operates with a high steam to oil ratio (SOR)?
Economic unviability leading to plant shutdown
Why are brackish water sources preferred over fresh makeup water sources?
Due to current environmental restrictions on fresh water usage
What is one of the main functions of lime softeners in SAGD facilities?
To make poor quality water suitable for boiler feed
What is the purpose of using once-through steam generators (OTSGs) in the SAGD process?
To facilitate easy cleaning using mechanical methods
What is the function of separators in the SAGD process?
To remove impurities and dry the wet steam
Why is cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) not used for shallow reservoirs?
Shallow reservoirs lack a thick shale cap
How do CSS and SAGD differ in terms of recovery process?
SAGD takes place in stages while CSS is continuous
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
Why are once-through steam generators (OTSGs) preferred over drum-type boilers in SAGD?
They are easier to clean using mechanical methods
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
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
What happens to the bitumen leaving the knockout vessel?
It is diluted and made less viscous
How is the de-oiled produced water softened in the process plant?
Through hot lime precipitation softener
What is added to the softener to remove temporary hardness from the de-oiled water?
Soda ash
Which vessel in the process helps remove water from the bitumen by electrostatic attraction?
Treater vessel
What is used in oil removal filters (ORFs) to attract oil from the produced water?
Walnut shells
Why is diluent added to the bitumen leaving the knockout vessel?
To make bitumen less viscous
What does the final sales dilbit contain in terms of water content?
<0.5% water
What is done in a knockout vessel in the emulsion separation process?
"Free water" is separated from bitumen and emulsion
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.
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