Technical Challenges in Valves in Oil Sand Extraction

Recent developments in heavy oil extraction technology for the Canadian oil and gas industry have created a need for new flow control solutions in steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). SAGD uses a pair of horizontal wells drilled from a central well pad to recover heavy oil.

In a plant nearby, steam generators transform water into steam which is injected to the wells. The steam heats the oil where the steam injection and oil production happen continuously and simultaneously. The resulting oil and condensed steam emulsion is then piped from the producing well to the plant, where it is separated and treated.

In this environment, all components including valves, pumps and production chokes must be able to handle the severe service of highly abrasive materials, high temperatures and a corrosive environment. Canada’s severe cold adds to the challenges for the materials and technology which must stand up to oil, gas and produced/brackish water and multiphase fluids with entrained sand.

Working closely with a flow control partner that understands every stage of the process is essential, and has resulted in development of coatings and alloys that have insured the stability of many specially engineered valves.

Source from internet