Solvent Enhanced SAGD (SE-SAGD) Demonstration Project with Inflow Control Devices (ICDs)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited


Project Type

Demonstration

Project Value

$116,600,000

Project Status

Active

Location

Conklin, AB

Funding Amount

$15,000,000

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (Canadian Natural) aims to develop Solvent-Enhanced Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SE-SAGD). SE-SAGD combines steam with solvent to reduce bitumen viscosity more efficiently than conventional SAGD. Additionally, the SE-SAGD process is different from other solvent co-injection process as solvent selection is based on operating pressure so that solvent boiling temperature is in the range of 80 to 150 °C at operating pressure. Instead of adjusting the solvent concentration in injection mixture, steam rate is reduced by about 50%, and solvent rate is varied to maintain operating pressure. The process targets a 40% to 60% reduction in Steam-Oil Ratio and has the potential to lower emissions intensity and operating costs while maintaining oil rates and reservoir pressure.