Artificial Lift System for High Gas-Volume-Fraction Thermal Oil Sands Production Wells

Challenge Overview
Reservoir EngineeringWell ConstructionWell OperationsProduction TechnologyMechanical EngineeringProcess EngineeringRotating EngineeringControl and AutomationSand and Solids ManagementOilGas/LNGRefining/Chemicals
Description

Challenge Description:

We are seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges associated with efficiently producing high Gas-Volume-Fraction (GVF) fluid in the Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) thermal recovery process. The primary goal is to identify and develop technologies or strategies that can effectively mitigate or overcome the negative effects on the Artificial Lift (AL) systems caused by the changing production conditions due to the usage of Non-Condensable Gas (NCG). This would enable the broader adoption of NCG as a cost and environmentally beneficial practice.

 

Background:

The injection of Non-Condensable Gas into SAGD reservoirs has emerged as a promising approach for reducing Steam to Oil Ratio (SOR) and mitigating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the oil extraction process. However, one significant hurdle hindering the widespread adoption of NCG (re)injection is its adverse impact on the AL systems (e.g., Electric Submersible Pump ESP). The introduction of NCG can disrupt the efficiency and reliability of the AL systems due to higher gas production, leading to operational challenges and increased maintenance costs. A high-level overview is provided in the attached presentation.

 

Scope:

All proposed technologies must be suitable for operations within an artificial lift process utilizing steam and a non-condensable gas such as methane for bitumen production within an oil sands environment. In-scope technologies include but are not limited to:

 - Novel artificial methods or next-generation electric submersible pumps better able to handle the incoming mixture of bitumen, methane, steam and solid particulates

 - Novel designs for ESP intakes which exclude, or redirect select mixture components

 - Innovative impeller/diffusers capable of moving the pumped mixture without seizure

 

All proposed technologies, regardless of type, must be suitable for reliable, efficient downhole operations under extreme conditions. See attached documentation for operating parameters.

 

Technologies closest to commercial readiness are of greatest interest to Pathways Alliance members. However, member companies conduct regular pilot-scale evaluations of new technologies. As a result, less mature technologies are still of interest in this Challenge. Regardless of current technical maturity, all proposed technologies must have a clear development plan to achieve pilot-scale readiness, at minimum.

 

Technologies adapted from non-oil and gas industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, defense, and metallurgy are also of interest to Pathways Alliance members.

Location where the technology is required
Canada
Deadline: February 26, 2025
Published
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Pathways Alliance
Pathways Alliance

Pathways Alliance (Pathways) is made up of Canadian Natural, Cenovus, ConocoPhillips Canada, Imperial, MEG Energy and Suncor representing about 95% of Canada’s oil sands production. The oil sands industry is a key economic driver for Alberta and Canada contributing billions to the economy annually. To ensure our industry is able to continue providing these benefits for decades to come, we’re also focused on advancing environmental innovation and projects, including carbon capture and storage.
In 2022, Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) became part of Pathways Alliance. Formed in 2012, COSIA is focused on collaborative action and innovation in oil sands environmental technologies.

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