Abstract: Systems and methods for partially upgrading a produced heavy hydrocarbon resource at the production site (at the pad or a central processing facility) using indirect hydrogen addition, comprising a blender for blending the hydrocarbon with a hydrogen donator and a reactor for elevating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to hydrogenate the hydrocarbon to an API level required for pipeline specifications. The partially upgraded hydrocarbon can then be transported by pipeline to a refinery for further processing. The presence of catalysts and on-site hydrogen production equipment conventionally required for upgrading is eliminated. Further, the need for diluent which is conventionally used to enable pipeline ability of produced heavy hydrocarbon is reduced or eliminated, thus reducing the diluent freight cost and the required pipeline volume.

Abstract: A boiler blowdown recycle method and system for increasing recycle and water recovery percentages for steam generation units used in thermal hydrocarbon recovery processes such as SAGD and CSS methods. Blowdown from a steam generating unit is elevated to supercritical temperatures and pressures, and an oxidizing agent added, thereby oxidizing organic and inorganic compounds in the blowdown and simultaneously reducing solubility of inorganics within the blowdown allowing them to precipitate out or be more easily separated therefrom, leaving a purified stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for partially upgrading a produced heavy hydrocarbon resource at the production site (at the pad or a central processing facility) using indirect hydrogen addition, comprising a blender for blending the hydrocarbon with a hydrogen donator and a reactor for elevating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to hydrogenate the hydrocarbon to an API level required for pipeline specifications. The partially upgraded hydrocarbon can then be transported by pipeline to a refinery for further processing. The presence of catalysts and on-site hydrogen production equipment conventionally required for upgrading is eliminated. Further, the need for diluent which is conventionally used to enable pipeline ability of produced heavy hydrocarbon is reduced or eliminated, thus reducing the diluent freight cost and the required pipeline volume.

Abstract: A method and system for producing steam for use in heavy hydrocarbon recovery operations. In an arrangement with or without a central processing facility and/or a plurality of well pads in communication with the central processing facility, each well pad is provided with equipment for separation of materials produced from its respective wells, and steam generation equipment for that well pad, thus allowing for simplified piping transport.

Abstract: A method and system for producing steam for use in heavy hydrocarbon recovery operations. Water, containing impurities, produced from the well is separated from hydrocarbons and other materials, and subsequently directly passed to a produced water boiler with online pigging. The boiler is indirectly heated by means of a hot flue gas, such as a gas turbine exhaust, which produces electricity (for powering a central processing facility, or alternatively a burner to heat the boiler) and exhaust heat for heating the boiler.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to steam generation systems. The disclosed steam generation systems, in some aspects, may relate to a forced circulation boiler that may be used in association with low energy water treatment systems. In certain aspects, the disclosed steam generation systems may allow for more environmentally-responsible steam generation.