1999 05 01
In Situ and Refinery Upgrading of Vapex Heavy Oil Production

R&D Providers: Petroleum Recovery Institute (PRI), Nordic Engineering Ltd., Exor Petroleum Ltd., Benhope Energy Ltd., Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI)

The objective of Phase 2, which was successfully launched through PTAC by PRI, is to provide conceptual designs with capital, operating and production estimates for two Vapex field pilots and to develop the technical procedures on "How to Operate the Vapex Process in the Field." The pilot plant designs are to be available by end of May 1999 to allow consideration for budget purposes as potential joint industry participants cost share field pilots in 2000. Phase 1 of the project developed the supply cost economics for commercial scale Vapex production for three oil sands and heavy oil sites in Alberta. The economics are attractive and 17 participants are supporting the project budgeted at $260,000. The Vapex process is a non-thermal process, which uses various solvent gases, which dissolve in the oil to reduce viscosity for production through horizontal wells.

Blaine Hawkins, ARC-PRI
phone: (403) 220-5249
fax: (403) 403-210-5277
hawkinsb@arc.ab.ca