Optimization of closed-cycle oil recovery: a non-thermal process for bitumen and extra heavy oil recovery.

ABSTRACT: Energy from unconventional resources includes bitumen and extra-heavy oil that represent two-thirds of the known resources in the world. Extra-heavy oil and bitumen are currently recovered using thermal processes having a large carbon footprint and significant environmental impacts on water resources. A novel process is proposed: closed-cycle oil recovery (C-COR). C-COR is a greener alternative to provide energy from these unconventional resources with minimal water consumption. C-COR relies on recovering oil solubilized within a single-phase microemulsion, eliminating the need for viscosity reduction to both mobilize heavy oil or to transport it. Proof-of-concept work was conducted using conventional phase behavior experiments with extracted oil and surfactant formulations to develop a su

SUBMITTER: Sharma P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9037303 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature