Petro-Canada Resources and the Alberta Research Council invite you to attend an industry information meeting on maximizing heavy oil recovery and in-situ upgrading by using Toe-to-Heel Air Injection (THAI). This is a multi-partner, international research project, conducted at the Petroleum Recovery Institute (PRI), Computer Modelling Group (CMG), Capri PetroleumTechnologies Ltd (CPTL) and University of Bath (U of Bath), England. The objective of this meeting is to present plans for further development of THAI/CAPRI technology and to solicit industry participation. 

Background
Since 1992, Petroleum Recovery Institute and University of Bath, UK have co-operated to develop a short-distance oil displacement process, similar to SAGD and VAPEX processes.  This has resulted in development of THAI and its variation CAPRI (catalytic THAI) for in-situ upgrading of oil during its production.  Making use of both horizontal and vertical wells, the THAI process has potential application in thick oil formations and in formations as thin as 5 m.

The goals of this all-inclusive project are to:

• carry out physical model tests
• conduct numerical simulation
• develop surface process facilities and required well and reservoir operations technology for successful THAI implementation in the field, and
• investigate catalysts for in-situ upgrading.

Presentations will include an overview of the multi-partner research program and a brief presentation of the following sub-projects (SP):

• SP1:  Laboratory testing of THAI in a high-pressure 3-D model (U. of Bath)
• SP2:  Numerical simulation of THAI (CMG)
• SP3:  Well and reservoir operations technology for THAI/CAPRI (PRI)
• SP4:  Investigations of catalysts for CAPRI (Capri Petroleum Technologies)
• SP5:  Surface Facilities
  A panel Q&A will follow.

Cost & Benefits
For an annual fee, participating companies can play a major role in developing and directing the proposed three-year research and development program. Participating companies will obtain all results, including high-pressure laboratory testing, upscaled numerical simulation, field application technology and in-situ upgrading know-how.  The field piloting is the final goal of this project.

PTAC makes no representation regarding ownership or quality of the subject technology.