GEOL0306-1 : Techniques for extracting non-conventional hydrocarbons

Study Programmes 2015-2016

GEOL0306-1

Techniques for extracting non-conventional hydrocarbons

Duration :

15h Th

Number of credits :

Master in geology (120 ECTS)		3
Master in geology (60 ECTS)		3

Lecturer :

Xavier Limpens

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

As a starting point, a worldwide review of the production and developed reserves of the non conventional oil is presented including future outlook.

The « methodology to produce hydrocarbon in general » and the basis for « hydrocarbon numerical simulation in porous media » are reviewed.

The petroleum and mining production techniques are described for the extra heavy oil.(cold and hot production) .

The main refining process units are also explained.

Finally an introduction to the shale gas is proposed.

Learning outcomes of the course :

Introduction to the non conventional oil production and in particular the heavy oil.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

15 first hours of " Hydrocarbon origin and production " (GEOL0008-1).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

The course will have a total of 12 hours of formal presentation and 3 hours of workshop to work out exercises as follows :

1. Context (countries, resources, reserves and importance).

2. Fluids and sands characteristics and flowing properties.

3. Production techniques :
3.1. Petroleum techniques (natural flow and steam injection); Sincor example in Venezuela.
3.2. Mining techniques; example in Canada.

4. Surface facilities for the extra heavy oil process:
4.1. Oil / water / gas separation.
4.2. Oil / sand separation and water handling..
4.3. Extra heavy crude transportation.

5. Crude oil refining: Sincor upgrader example.

6. Business and environment evaluation:
6.1. Cost estimate.
6.2. Introduction to the economics.
6.3. Environment impact assessment.

7. Introduction to the gas shales.

Workshops : the exercises are based on the main formulas for the hydrocarbon oil in place, reservoir flow and ultimate recovery.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

Face-to-face.