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Method for Recovering Hydrocarbon from Tar Sand Using Nanofluid

a technology of nanofluid and hydrocarbon, which is applied in the field of recovery of tar or tarlike hydrocarbons from tar sands, can solve the problems of large amount of energy required, carbon dioxide and other gases then become emission, and the surface and subsurface recovery is a major challenge, so as to increase the release of bitumen from the sand

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-10-11
FTS INT SERVICES
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]A solution containing nanoparticles in water is provided to contact a tar sand to increase release of bitumen from the sand. The solution may also contain a solvent and other water-wetting surfactants.

Problems solved by technology

There are formidable challenges to both surface and subsurface recovery.
Large amounts of energy are required to heat the sand or reservoir.
Emission of carbon dioxide and other gases then becomes one of the challenges.

Method used

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  • Method for Recovering Hydrocarbon from Tar Sand Using Nanofluid
  • Method for Recovering Hydrocarbon from Tar Sand Using Nanofluid
  • Method for Recovering Hydrocarbon from Tar Sand Using Nanofluid

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0015]Surface separation facilities for mining operations are well known. See, for example, a description of mining operations at www.mining-technology.com / projects / Syncrude. Oil sand is mixed with hot water and caustic soda in tumblers, forming a slurry and conditioning the oil sand for bitumen separation. It is then discharged onto vibrating screens where large material is rejected and the blended slurry is fed into primary separation vessels, where bitumen froth floats to the top and sand sinks. The sand is further treated with surfactants to separate more bitumen. Improved water wetting of the sand by a surfactant solution will increase rate of bitumen removal and total recovery. This can be accomplished by adding nanoparticles as disclosed herein to the prior art surfactant solutions or by adding the nanoparticle-surfactant solutions disclosed herein to the water used to remove bitumen from sand in surface facilities.

[0016]FIG. 1 is a sketch illustrating fluid flow in reservoir...

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Abstract

Method for recovery of bitumen from tar sand is provided. An aqueous fluid containing a wetting agent and nanoparticles is injected into a first horizontal well at a temperature above reservoir temperature. Bitumen is released from sand grains and flows into a second horizontal well, where it is transported to surface. In a surface treatment facility, a slurry of tar sand is formed and surfactant and nanoparticles are added to the slurry.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to recovery of tar or tar-like hydrocarbons from tar sands. More particularly, a wetting agent including nanoparticles in water is used to increase separation of the hydrocarbons from the sand.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]“Tar sands” or “oil sands” are typically about 10% bitumen, 83% silica sand, 3% clay and 4% water, but the composition can vary widely. Bitumen is made up of large, carbon-rich and hydrogen-poor molecules, and is a semi-solid or solid at room temperature.[0005]Production of bitumen from oil sands has been dominated by two processes. The first is based on mining, where relatively thin overburden allows open pit mines of the oil sands. The sand-and-bitumen mixture is removed from open pits and transferred to a tar sand treatment facility, where it is commonly placed in hot water containing surfactants to form a slurry. Air is injected into the slurry, so that air bubbles at...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): C10G1/04E21B43/24
CPCC10G1/047C10G2300/807E21B43/2406C10G2300/805C10G2300/80
Inventor HOLMS, BRADFORD A.HOLCOMB, DAVID L.
Owner FTS INT SERVICES
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