Optimisation of SAGD Processes by Injection of Light/Heavy Hydrocarbons

C10 OPTIMISATION OF SAGD PROCESSES BY INJECTION OF LIGHT/HEAVY HYDROCARBONS Abstract 1 In this paper we will use thermal simulations of “steam+solvent” processes to investigate the influence of the composition of the co-injected hydrocarbon on the efficiency of the thermal recovery of heavy oil or bitumen. Effectively theoretically “steam+solvent” injection would work best with a pure component like n-hexane or n-heptane since this component would condense approximately in the same pressure-temperature conditions as steam and thus would mix with heated bitumen thus reducing their viscosity. However from a practical point of view more industrial solvents easily available like naphthas will