Abstract: Enhanced methods for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation as a follow-up to thermal recovery processes. The methods include injecting a solvent flood vapor stream into a first thermal chamber, which extends within the subterranean formation, via a solvent flood injection well that extends within the first thermal chamber. The injecting includes injecting to generate solvent flood-mobilized viscous hydrocarbons within the subterranean formation. The methods also include, at least partially concurrently with the injecting, producing the solvent flood-mobilized viscous hydrocarbons from a second thermal chamber, which extends within the subterranean formation, via a solvent flood production well that extends within the second thermal chamber.

Abstract: Enhanced methods for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation as a follow-up to thermal recovery processes. The methods include injecting a solvent flood vapor stream into a first thermal chamber, which extends within the subterranean formation, via a solvent flood injection well that extends within the first thermal chamber. The injecting includes injecting to generate solvent flood-mobilized viscous hydrocarbons within the subterranean formation. The methods also include, at least partially concurrently with the injecting, producing the solvent flood-mobilized viscous hydrocarbons from a second thermal chamber, which extends within the subterranean formation, via a solvent flood production well that extends within the second thermal chamber.

Abstract: A bitumen stream is upgraded by heating to near-critical or super-critical conditions in the stream. The bitumen stream may be from a water-based extraction process, an in situ bitumen recovery process, or a solvent-based bitumen extraction process. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water and/or clay may be added. The clay offers a catalytic effect. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water may alternatively be removed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering heavy oil, such as bitumen, by steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) from subterranean formations having a water and/or gas containing layer overlying a heavy oil containing layer. A fluid blocking agent is injected into the water and/or gas containing layer above at least one pair of horizontal wells. The blocking agent undergoes a change of density, viscosity or solidity when elevated to a temperature between an initial ambient reservoir temperature and 175 degrees by heat from steam used in the SAGD process, thereby creating a seal within the reservoir above the at least one pair of horizontal wells limiting or preventing movements of fluid through the seal.

Abstract: A bitumen stream is upgraded by heating to near-critical or super-critical conditions in the stream. The bitumen stream may be from a water-based extraction process, an in situ bitumen recovery process, or a solvent-based bitumen extraction process. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water and/or clay may be added. The clay offers a catalytic effect. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water may alternatively be removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of processing bitumen streams using membrane filtration. In one aspect, membrane filtration replaces paraffinic froth treatment, with one or more filtration steps replacing gravity settling. In another aspect, the bitumen stream is subjected to paraffmic solvent treatment at much higher flow rates, with an “almost cleaned” product being subsequently filtered by the membrane system. In this case, some contaminants are removed by conventional gravity settling equipment, while additional contaminants are removed by membrane filtration. In another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to a bitumen product effluent stream following naphthenic froth treatment. In another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to a bitumen product effluent stream from a solvent-based extraction process. In yet another aspect, membrane filtration is applied to a bitumen product effluent stream from a solvent extraction with solids agglomeration process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the integration of at least two viscous oil recovery processes (VORPs), at least one of which is a solvent-dominated recovery process (SDRP). Integration of the SDRP and the VORP may be achieved through at least one of: solvent, heat, a production stream, and a viscous oil reservoir.

Abstract: Bitumen within raw oilsands may be cracked and fully recovered by light hydrocarbon extraction following exposure to modified natural zeolite catalysts under cracking conditions. The recovered bitumen is reduced in viscosity, with lower boiling point distributions. Effective cracking of oilsands bitumen using economical, abundant and readily disposable natural zeolites represents a significant step towards a waterless and environment friendly extraction process.

Abstract: Thermal oil recovery operations, such as SAGD, result in waste heat that is typically released to the environment. Bitumen mining operations require heat input for heating fluids used in the mining process. A method and system of recovering heat from a thermal recovery operation for use in bitumen mining operation may include a heated donor fluid from a thermal recovery operation which heats an acceptor fluid for use in bitumen mining via proximal heat exchange using a power cycle or heat exchange module, such as an ammonia and water based Kalina® Cycle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering heat and water from waste streams produced during oil sands extraction to form dry, stackable tailings. A tailings stream is preheated in a heat exchanger, thereby reducing the energy required to dry the tailings. The preheated tailings are then dried, thereby reducing the tailings to dry stackable tailings or thickened tailings suitable for mine backfill. Heat and high-quality water are recovered from the drying operation and re-used in the preheat operation, or in other steps of oil sands extraction or treatment processes, thereby reducing the overall heat and water requirements.

Abstract: Thermal oil recovery operations, such as SAGD, result in waste heat that is typically released to the environment. Bitumen mining operations require heat input for heating fluids used in the mining process. A method and system of recovering heat from a thermal recovery operation for use in bitumen mining operation is described. A heated donor fluid from a thermal recovery operation is used to heat an acceptor fluid for use in bitumen mining via proximal heat exchange using a power cycle or heat exchange module, such as an ammonia and water based Kalina® Cycle. By utilizing waste heat from thermal recovery operations to heat fluids used in bitumen mining, thermal efficiencies are realized.

Abstract: Bitumen within raw oilsands may be cracked and fully recovered by light hydrocarbon extraction following exposure to modified natural zeolite catalysts under cracking conditions. The recovered bitumen is reduced in viscosity, with lower boiling point distributions. Effective cracking of oilsands bitumen using economical, abundant and readily disposable natural zeolites represents a significant step towards a waterless and environment friendly extraction process.

Abstract: A process for production of sweet heavy crude oil is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: removing contaminants from heavy oil, bitumen or bitumen froth to form a substantially dewatered deasphalted oil; and subsequent desulfurization of the substantially dewatered deasphalted oil using sodium metal desulfurization to produce a sweet heavy crude oil. The step of removing contaminants is conducted using extraction with a paraffinic solvent.

Abstract: A gate latch for selectively securing a pivoting gate to a stationary member and selectively retaining the gate in a closed position. The gate latch is formed of a hollow tube and is received on a vertical component of the gate. The hollow tube includes an elongate opening with a first width section and a second width section. The second width section is radially wider than the first width section. A horizontal component of the gate extends through the tube elongate opening and acts as a stop member for limiting both longitudinal and radial movement of the tube. A U-shaped bar is affixed to the hollow tube and forms two arms extending therefrom adapted for engaging the stationary member. The gate is retained closed by placing the stop member in the first width section and effectively preventing radial movement of the gate latch.