Solvent Recovery Injection Profile for Subterranean Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for solvent and hydrocarbon recovery during the blowdown phase of SAP- and SDP-based thermal recovery processes are inefficient due to the complexity of variables involved, lacking a prescriptive approach to prioritize solvent recovery effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining a solvent-recovery-phase injection profile based on the production-phase injection profile, utilizing phase diagrams to determine the dominant state of solvents and adjusting parameters such as temperature, pressure, and composition of injection fluids to prioritize solvent recovery in the gas phase, with specific protocols for varying solvent concentrations and casing-gas reinjection scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional approaches are used for solvent and hydrocarbon recovery during blowdown phase, then the process can be executed with simple protocols, but the recovery efficiency is low due to inability to account for nuances and complexities of SAP- and SDP-based processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying injection fluid composition (solvent-to-steam ratios), injection rates, temperatures, and pressures during different blowdown phases. These parameter adjustments are tailored to match the specific production-phase injection profile, enabling optimized solvent recovery while accounting for the complexities of SAP- and SDP-based processes without requiring overly complex protocol structures
Solution Approach 2:
The blowdown process is segmented into multiple distinct phases (e.g., initial blowdown, intermediate blowdown, final blowdown) with specific protocols for each phase. Each phase has tailored injection profiles that address particular recovery challenges at different stages, allowing the system to manage complexity through structured segmentation while improving overall recovery efficiency
2Loss of substance
If solvent recovery is prioritized in the gas phase with tailored injection profiles, then solvent recovery efficiency is improved, but the process requires more complex parameter adjustments compared to conventional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring production-well inflow parameters during the solvent-recovery phase and using this information to dynamically adjust the injection profile. This feedback loop enables the system to prioritize solvent recovery in the gas phase while automatically adapting to changing conditions, reducing the burden on operators and simplifying the overall process despite the sophisticated parameter adjustments required
Solution Approach 2:
The injection profile is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with parameters such as injection rate, temperature, and composition automatically adjusted based on real-time reservoir conditions and production-phase characteristics. This dynamic approach enables effective gas-phase solvent recovery while the system self-regulates, reducing operational complexity
3Reliability
If a prescriptive approach is adopted to account for production-phase injection profile particulars, then solvent recovery effectiveness is improved, but the protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a framework that pre-defines the relationships between production-phase injection profile characteristics and the corresponding optimal solvent-recovery-phase injection profiles. By pre-characterizing these relationships based on extensive field trials and simulation work, the system can reliably determine the appropriate recovery protocol without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus improving effectiveness while managing protocol complexity through advance preparation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient solvent recovery by tailoring the solvent-recovery-phase to the production-phase conditions, optimizing the recovery of valuable solvents and hydrocarbons, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and profitability of the hydrocarbon production process.
Implementation Method 1
the parameters required to achieve efficient gas-phase solvent recovery are highly sensitive to the production-phase injection profile... the solvent-recovery-phase bottom-hole pressure-temperature condition that lies below the vapourization curve of the solvent
Implementation Method 2
heat energy is introduced to a reservoir to lower the viscosity of hydrocarbons in situ such that they can be recovered from a production well
Implementation Method 3
heat energy is introduced by injecting a heated injection fluid into the reservoir by way of an injection well
Implementation Method 4
Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is a representative thermal-recovery process that uses steam to mobilize hydrocarbons in situ
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for producing hydrocarbons and recovering solvent from a subterranean reservoir that is penetrated by an injection well and a production well, in which a production phase involves injecting solvent (and optionally steam) to mobilize viscous hydrocarbons and a solvent-recovery phase involves non-condensable gas injection. The production phase and the solvent-recovery phase are each defined by an injection profile. The solvent-recovery-phase injection profile is selected: (i) based on the production-phase injection profile, and (ii) to ensure the pressure/temperature conditions in proximity to the production well favor gas-phase solvent recovery.