SPE Projects, Facilities & Construction
Volume 4, Number 4, December 2009, pp. 141-145

SPE-117470-PA

Comparative Proof of Concept Results for Electrothermal Dynamic Stripping Process: Integrating Environmentalism With Bitumen Production

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DOI  More information 10.2118/117470-PA http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/117470-PA

Citation

  • McGee, B.C.W., McDonald, C.W., and Little, L. 2009. Comparative Proof of Concept Results for Electrothermal Dynamic Stripping Process: Integrating Environmentalism With Bitumen Production. SPE Proj Fac & Const  4 (4): 141-145. SPE-117470-PA. doi: 10.2118/117470-PA.

Discipline Categories

  • 5.7 Operations Management
  • 1.7 Fundamental Research in Drilling & Completions
  • 4.11 Fundamental Research in Projects, Facilities and Construction

Keywords

  • oil sands, in-situ, electrical heating, ET-DSP

Summary

The electrothermal dynamic stripping process (ET-DSP™) was commercialized as an environmental remediation technology to remove volatile soil contaminants. After nearly 10 years of use, it has been adapted for the thermal stimulation and recovery of bitumen from oil sand reservoirs. A proof of concept field pilot (McGee 2008) in the McMurray formation was conducted in 2007 and was deemed to be successful. Using a tight well spacing, the pilot demonstrated the effective recovery of approximately 75% of the original bitumen in place. Sand production was minimal, and the produced bitumen was emulsion-free. An expanded field test is currently under way to establish commercial viability of the ET-DSP process as an in-situ recovery process. Validation and calibration of the computer simulation model from the initial pilot test is presented along with details of the expanded field test.

The Athabasca oil sands are well known to the public as open-pit mining or steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) in-situ projects. Approximately two-thirds of the Athabasca oil sands resource base occurs at depths that are defined as either too deep to surface mine or too shallow for currently available in-situ techniques. Furthermore, concerns regarding environmental issues that arise from these methods have the potential to slow their development. The ET-DSP process represents an alternative in-situ recovery technology that delivers significant environmental advantages in addition to its ability to access bitumen reserves that otherwise would be not recoverable. With growing public expectations for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fresh water usage, and improved management of waste water, as well as the accelerated reclamation of disturbed land and boreal forest, there are many drivers to support the commercial development of the ET-DSP technology.

© 2009. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

  • Original manuscript received: 22 August 2008
  • Meeting paper published: 20 October 2008
  • Revised manuscript received: 24 March 2009
  • Manuscript approved: 28 March 2009
  • Published online: 14 January 2010
  • Version of record: 14 January 2010