Investigation of Water Treatment and Steam Generation Alternatives for SAGD Operations Using Process Integration and Optimization

Date
2015-05-01
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Abstract
This thesis applies a combination of process integration tools and mathematical optimization techniques to investigate opportunities to improve surface efficiencies in steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) of oil sands operations. The goal of the thesis is to design a distributed effluent treatment system based on the concept of process integration and model this system using mathematical programming methods to minimize cost and energy consumption. Different combinations of water treatment units and steam generation options in SAGD operations are assessed and the tradeoffs between cost, energy, water and GHG emissions within and across these combinations are explored. The results of the thesis show that there are potential cost and electricity savings of up to 19.5% and 12% respectively in the water treatment system of SAGD operations. Interesting tradeoffs have been identified between cost, energy and water which can help oil sands operators make informed decisions about investments in which water treatment technologies for SAGD operations.
Description
Keywords
Engineering--Environmental
Citation
Dadashi Forshomi, Z. (2015). Investigation of Water Treatment and Steam Generation Alternatives for SAGD Operations Using Process Integration and Optimization (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26666