A new process that uses antenna heat to enhance oil sands recovery has been successfully tested by a consortium that includes Laricina Energy, Nexen, Suncor Energy, and Harris Corporation, with plans for a pilot project to be conducted next year.

 

Global communications and information technology company Harris Corp., which has been mostly focused on providing communications to a number of industries, including oil and gas, aerospace and defense, unveiled this new application of technology at the Global Petroleum Show in Calgary in June.

 

The electromagnetic heating technology was first evaluated and tested in Florida, then moved to Fort McMurray for the proof-of-concept field testing. The test took place at Suncor's Steepbank mine facility north of Fort McMurray.

 

The radio frequency emitted from the antenna preheats the bitumen, allowing the solvent to dissolve the bitumen more quickly, said Dr. Mark Prautman, chief technologist for the project team. The combination of the two causes a large reduction in the oil's viscosity.

 

By using this method, the formation does not have to be brought up to steam temperature. By not having to bring the formation up to steam temperature, it allows for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, it can be a greenhouse gas emission-free process if the power source comes from a wind power source, said Mark Blue, a system engineer for the project.

 

The technology can also lower costs because of a smaller initial capital investment is needed versus the cost of steam systems, which could mean some pay zones that are not economically feasible to produce with existing methods could now financially be within reach.

 

While Harris can't release details, the economics of the technology look good enough for the consortium to advance to the next stage of testing, said Travis Berrier, head of business development for the project team.