Visualization of Foamy Oil Generation During Solvent Injection

Lecture Topic: Visualization of Foamy Oil Generation During Solvent Injection

Lecturer: Farshid Torabi, Ph.D., P.Eng

Lecture Time: Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, 3:00 p.m.

Lecture Location: State Key Laboratory A4303 Academic Hall

Lecturer's Organization: University of Regina, Canada

All faculties and students are welcome!

Abstract: It is of great importance to investigate the fluid non-equilibrium phase behavior and the efficacy of solvent mass transfer once a solvent-based injection technique is to be implemented to improve heavy oil recovery. Before a pilot test, lab-scale research would be the most direct way to test out the proposed operational scheme.

Therefore, a novel real-time visualization methodology focusing on the study of solvent-heavy oil system equilibrium and non-equilibrium PVT phase behavior, solvent dissolution and exsolution mechanisms in bulk and porous media, solvent-heavy oil interfacial mass transfer phenomenon etc., by utilizing a state-of-the art true 2-dimensional high pressure visual cell, has been developed to overcome the shortcomings of the invisibility of traditional apparatuses.

This new experimental technique has been proved to answer commonly asked questions in a solvent injection process such as how to define the extent of real-time non-equilibrium of the gas-oil system, fluid-fluid interface/contact with/without wormhole, efficacy of cyclic or continuous injection, difference between mixture gas and single gas injection etc.. In addition, the true 2D nature helps to enhance the ease of a numerical simulation.

In addition, for further detailed micro-scale mechanism studies on solvent-heavy oil system, various types of experimental tests can take advantage of the microfluidics laboratory system of Dr.Farshid Torabi’s research group at the University of Regina, equipped with CO2 laser system, accurate pressure control and ultra-low flow rate and pulsation-free pumping system, high resolution image capturing system etc.. Solvent-based processes are to be conducted in such high pressure glass micromodels of different engraved geometries and grain properties, to directly visualize the solvent injection performance at pore scale.

Personal profile:Dr. Farshid Torabi is currently a professor of Petroleum Systems Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Regina. He received his Ph.D. degree in Petroleum Systems Engineering from University of Regina, M.Sc. degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, UK, and B.Sc. degree from Petroleum University of Technology. Dr. Torabi served faculty and university as PSE-program chair (2014-16) and PSE-graduate coordinator (2009-14) and served URFA as VP-Academic (2016-17).

Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Torabi worked for more than 12 years in petroleum industry, on various positions such as Senior Research Engineer with SRC, Group Leader, Senior Engineer, Field Engineer, and Drilling Engineer with NIOC.

Dr. Torabi has been an active member of Society of Petroleum Engineers and served as the Chair of South Saskatchewan Section for about 7 years (2009 until 2016).

Dr. Torabi and his research group at the University of Regina have conducted various research projects for different sectors of Petroleum Industry. Dr. Torabi’s research is focused on heavy oil recovery, miscible and immiscible solvent injection in conventional and unconventional reservoirs, chemical/polymer flooding, waterflooding, etc. Dr. Torabi has published over 100 journal and conference papers in the aforementioned areas of research and has been able to continuously secure funding from various sources such as NSERC, MITACS, PTRC and other industries and funding organizations and supervised over 30 graduate students to completion..

State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation

SWPU Science and Technology Department

School of Petroleum Engineering