Semi-Analytical Proxy for Vapex Process Modeling

• Author / Creator

  Shi, Jindong

• Vapex (Vapor extraction) is a non-thermal process providing a more environmental-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to steam injection. The simulation process using numerical modeling techniques may become difficult when considering the uncertainty due to reservoir heterogeneity.
  In this research, a physical-based semi-analytical proxy is developed to model solvent transport in Vapex process at isothermal conditions, detailed analytical formulations are derived and implemented in a calculation procedure to advance the solvent-bitumen interface and to estimate producing oil rate with time. The proposed approach is first validated against Hele-Shaw experimental data available in the literature, then modified to simulate homogeneous and heterogeneous reservoir cases, and further applied to rank a suit of geostatistical realizations and to assess reservoir uncertainty in subscale heterogeneity. Results from this model are compared against experimental data as well as detailed compositional simulation studies. Computational efficiency of the proxy in comparison to numerical simulations is also emphasized.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Semi-analytical modeling
  • Proxy model
  • Vapex process

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3BR8MP3F

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.