Mass transfer at an organic solid – organic liquid interface within reservoir rock under creeping flow conditions

• Author / Creator

  Di Pietro, Thomas

• There is a growing recognition that knowledge gaps related to the molecular and phase state complexity of hydrocarbon resources, and their interactions within production and processing environments have begun impeding development of new or improved processes that protect the natural environment and provide the ongoing social licence to operate in an increasingly regulated industrial sector. This work focuses on understanding mass transfer at a solvent-hydrocarbon resource interface within reservoir rock. Solvent injection is one of a suite of proposed enhanced oil recovery processes for improving their environmental and economic performance. More specifically, the displacement of wax (n-octacosane) by imbibed heptane in porous silica and limestone is explored as a first step toward studying the displacement of bitumen with solvent in porous media. The experimental measurement method, based on local speed of sound measurements is validated, and governing mass transfer relationships are explored at a spatial resolution of ~ 200 μm. The physical orientations of the interface and nature of the porous medium are the principle variables. Under creeping flow conditions, Single-File diffusion appears to influence mass transfer at these interfaces.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Bitumen recovery
  • Fickian diffusion
  • Solvent
  • Carbonate
  • Single-File diffusion
  • Mass transfer
  • Porous media
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Sandstone

• Graduation date

  Fall 2018

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3GQ6RJ3F

• License

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