eMVAPEX Pilot, Phase 3
Strategic Area
Energy - Technology and Innovation
GHG and air emissions
Status
Active
Partners
Emissions Reduction Alberta
Alberta Innovates
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)
Fund
Clean Growth Program
Year
2018
CGP Contribution
$ 8 M
Project Total
$ 46.4 M
Location
AB
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Lead Proponent
MEG Energy Corp.
Project Objectives
The main objectives of the enhanced Modified VAPour Extraction (eMVAPEX) technology are to efficiently increase bitumen production, achieve sustainable cost savings and minimize environmental impacts. This project will demonstrate up to 10 well pairs and 11 infill wells utilizing the eMVAPEX technology.
Expected Results
Steam generation is the main contributor to the GHG emissions and operating costs associated with bitumen production. eMVAPEX involves infill wells and the injection of a light hydrocarbon instead of steam after initial SAGD operation when bitumen recovery reaches between 20-30%. It is anticipated that, by employing eMVAPEX, an industry standard SAGD asset with a steam oil ratio (SOR) of 3.0 could increase bitumen production by up to 76% with the same steam assets employed for SAGD bitumen production. The resulting overall GHG emissions and water usage intensities are anticipated to be reduced by as much as 43%.
Anticipated Environmental Benefit(s):
Reduction in water use and reduction in GHG emissions by using a light hydrocarbon instead of steam after initial SAGD operation.
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