Published Papers
Zama Acid Gas Disposal/Miscible Flood Implementation and Results
JCPT February 1999 Issue
Abstract
During 1994, Pennzoil Canada, Inc. entered into an agree- ment with Novagas Clearinghouse Ltd. (NCL) to re-inject the waste gas produced at their newly constructed Zama gas com- pression/processing facility. Figure 1 highlights the project location.
This paper will provide a general overview of the design, implementation, operation, and available results of this acid gas disposal/miscible flood project. Approval to inject 70 103m3/day waste gas was received from the EUB in March 1995. Injection limits were increased (August 1995) to 120 103m3/day which made the Zama acid gas system the largest in Canada. The acid gas (60% CO2 and 40% H2S) is being injected into the Zama Keg River “X2X” Pool (a previously waterflooded reef). Re- injecting the acid gas has several significant upsides. The imme- diate benefit is reduced atmospheric emissions. This one project is a significant contributor to CAPP’s Climate Change Voluntary Challenge Committee. Additional benefits include tertiary crude oil reserves, subsurface sulphur storage and a more effective use of capital (i.e., compression versus sulphur recovery unit). The acid gas stream (based on theoretical and laboratory work) is miscible under achievable operating condi- tions. Unfortunately, the use of acid gas as a miscible product has not been widely published. Laboratory work has been required to refine our understanding of the process. The key results are included. Zama has not been an area where miscible flooding was considered an economic alternative (i.e., the reefs are relatively small and isolated). The construction of NCL’s plant provided an inexpensive miscible solvent to test the process. The concept has broad applications to other reefs in the Zama area and elsewhere in Alberta.
Electromagnetic Stimulation of Lloydminster Heavy Oil Reservoirs: Field Test Results
JCPT April 1995 Issue
Abstract
The paper will present the field test results of two electromagnetic (EM) stimulation projects conducted in the Lloydminster heavy oil area. The two wells (A1-11-48-25 W3M Lashburn and A8-6-51-27 W3M Northminster) produce heavy crude from the Sparky formation. Detailed production, electrical and operational data was gathered and analysed to quantify the effect EM stimulation had on each well’s producing characteristics.
The main areas covered by the paper include production characteristics (primary and enhanced), in-flow performance relationships (primary and enhanced), operational considerations and some of the related economics. The data discussed to this point has been restricted to reservoir heating.
An additional review of a tubing heating electrical configuration test (ran on the Lashburn well) has been included. The viscous nature of the crude oil being produced cause severe rod fall problems. Tubing heating was initiated to reduce the wellbore fluid viscosity and eliminate the rod fall problem. The paper will conclude with a general overview of the EM stimulation process as applied to the Canada Northwest Energy Limited locations and the potential for future applications.