This post concludes the discussion on heavy oil & viscous fluid sand management. This series was started with post B-FSM-186.

Key Takeaway Items from the Heavy Oil & Viscous Fluid training Module

1. Heavy oil production characteristics:

• Low WHP, low GOR, and low-med watercut
• May have low WHT, but always includes heating component somewhere in processing
• Always has high sand production

2. Liquid viscosity is defining challenge for sand handling

• Density has small effect
• Coefficient of adhesion important overlooked parameter

3. Other fluids encountered that have high viscosity

• Emulsions, gels, EOR liquids, etc.

4. Multiphase Desander or Screen can be used

• Balance viscosity, pressure drop, and separation size

5. Sand Cleaning requires heat/scrubbing/chemicals
6. Sand Transport may be as oil-sand slurry

References:

1. Alaska Oil and Gas Association, “Heavy Oil vs. Light Oil”, http://www.aoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/HRES-3.10.11-Lunch-Learn-BP-Heavy-Oil1.pdf, March 2011.
2. Boschee, P., “Sand Separation in Surface Facilities for Heavy and Extra Heavy Oil”, SPE Oil and Gas Facilities, October 2014, pp. 25-29.
3. Chopra, S., Lines, L., Schmitt, D.R., Batzle, M., “Heavy Oils: Reservoir Characterization and Production Monitoring”, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, 2010.
4. Dusseault, M.B., “CHOPS: Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand in the Canadian Heavy Oil Industry”, Alberta Department of Energy (http://www.energy.alberta.ca/OilSands/1189.asp), 2002.