Effect of solvent composition on heavy oil displacement while modeling

Authors: M.R. Yakubov, D.N. Borisov (Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Kazan Research Center, RAS, RF, Kazan), Sh.G. Rakhimova, M.I. Amerkhanov (TatNIPIneft, RF, Bugulma), R.S. Khisamov (Tatneft OAO, RF, Almetyevsk)

Key words: heavy oil production, solvent injection, asphaltene deposits.

The paper discusses the issues of modeling of heavy oil production processes. Results of laboratory modeling of oil displacement with a composite light-alkane based solvent in different in-situ conditions are presented. It has been shown that adjustment of solvent composition may preclude asphaltenes deposition, which, ultimately, increases heavy oil displacement efficiency.
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