Introduction

This course provides an in-depth examination of heavy oil production technologies, focusing on the unique challenges associated with extracting and processing heavy oil. Participants will learn about various extraction methods, reservoir management techniques, and advancements in technology that improve recovery rates and efficiency.

Objectives

• Understand the properties and characteristics of heavy oil and bitumen.
• Learn about different extraction methods: thermal, chemical, and mechanical.
• Develop skills in reservoir management and optimization strategies for heavy oil.
• Explore technologies for upgrading and refining heavy oil into marketable products.
• Analyze future trends in heavy oil production, including environmental considerations and sustainability practices.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

• Reservoir engineers, production engineers, and geologists focused on heavy oil.
• Project managers and operations staff involved in heavy oil production.
• Environmental specialists interested in sustainable practices in heavy oil extraction.
• Recent graduates in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or related fields.

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Heavy Oil

• Introduction to Heavy Oil and Bitumen
  • Overview of heavy oil properties, viscosity, and behavior in reservoirs
  • Differences between heavy oil, bitumen, and conventional crude oil
• Heavy Oil Reserves and Global Distribution
  • Overview of major heavy oil reserves and producing regions
  • Economic importance of heavy oil in the global energy market
• Challenges in Heavy Oil Production
  • Key challenges: high viscosity, formation damage, and extraction costs
  • Overview of regulatory and environmental issues associated with heavy oil production

Day 2: Extraction Techniques for Heavy Oil

• Thermal Recovery Methods
  • Overview of thermal methods: steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) and cyclic steam stimulation (CSS)
  • Techniques for designing thermal recovery operations and optimizing steam injection
• Non-Thermal Recovery Methods
  • Overview of non-thermal methods: solvent extraction, gas injection, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques
  • Techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of non-thermal recovery options
• Well Design and Completion for Heavy Oil Production
  • Techniques for designing and completing wells for heavy oil extraction
  • Importance of wellbore stability and completion integrity in heavy oil reservoirs

Day 3: Upgrading and Processing Heavy Oil

• Overview of Heavy Oil Upgrading Technologies
  • Techniques for upgrading heavy oil into synthetic crude: coking, hydrocracking, and visbreaking
  • Role of hydrotreating and refining in improving heavy oil quality
• Refining Processes for Heavy Oil
  • Overview of refining techniques specific to heavy oil and bitumen
  • Techniques for optimizing refining processes to maximize yield and minimize costs
• Environmental Considerations in Heavy Oil Processing
  • Understanding environmental impacts: emissions, waste, and resource use
  • Techniques for minimizing environmental footprints and ensuring compliance

Day 4: Reservoir Management and Production Optimization

• Reservoir Management Strategies for Heavy Oil
  • Techniques for characterizing and modeling heavy oil reservoirs
  • Role of surveillance and monitoring in managing heavy oil production
• Production Optimization Techniques
  • Techniques for optimizing production rates and recovery factors
  • Importance of integrating real-time data and technology for performance improvement
• Economic Considerations in Heavy Oil Production
  • Understanding the economics of heavy oil production: costs, pricing, and market dynamics
  • Techniques for evaluating project viability and investment decisions

Day 5: Case Studies and Future Trends in Heavy Oil Production

• Case Studies in Heavy Oil Production Technologies
  • Analysis of successful heavy oil projects and lessons learned
  • Review of innovative technologies and strategies that improved heavy oil recovery
• Emerging Trends and Innovations in Heavy Oil Production
  • Trends in technology: automation, digitalization, and AI applications
  • Exploring the future of heavy oil in the context of global energy transition
• Final Project: Heavy Oil Production Strategy
  • Participants develop a comprehensive heavy oil production strategy for a hypothetical project, including extraction methods, upgrading, and sustainability practices
• Preparing for Future Challenges in Heavy Oil Production
  • Techniques for adapting to market changes, environmental pressures, and regulatory requirements
  • Role of continuous innovation and collaboration in the future of heavy oil production