WorldOil

Electro-thermal pilot in the Athabasca oil sands: Theory versus performance

From September 2006 to August 2007, a Proof Of Concept (POC) test of Electro-Thermal Dynamic Stripping Process (ET-DSP) was completed by E-T Energy, Ltd. A numerical simulation study was done prior to the field test to quantify performance metrics, such as the amount of water usage per m3 of produced oil, the energy input requirements, kWhr/m3 of oil (i.e., an equivalent Steam Oil Ratio (SOR) value), greenhouse gas emissions, drilling performance, operating costs and process facility design. Field performance met or exceeded expectations. The recovery factor was greater than 75%, the energy requirement per m3 of oil produced was 23% less than calculated, and peak production rates were greater than expected. The Water-Oil Ratio (WOR) was one with no greenhouse gas emissions in heating the oil. An insignificant volume of sand was produced, and the oil recovered had very little to no emulsions.