2017-2018 / GEOL0306-1

Techniques for extracting non-conventional hydrocarbons

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

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

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

Learning unit 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 learning unit

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.

Recommended or required readings

Powerpoint paper copy only.

Assessment methods and criteria

Written control of the knowledge with sufficient preparation time after receiving two questions, one on theory and one on exercise.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Xavier Limpens
TOTAL, Exploration et Production, détaché à la NCOC à Londres


tél.: +44 203 18 90 702
e-mail : xavier.limpens@ncoc.kz