ConocoPhillips
System and method for accelerated solvent recovery

Abstract:

A system and method for steam assisted gravity drainage of hydrocarbons having increased solvent recovery to improve the economics of steam-only injection processes, such as steam assisted gravity drainage, while reducing environmental impact. Embodiments aid the condensation of solvent either by shutting-in or reducing the steam injection or by injecting a secondary lighter and cheaper solvent post solvent-steam co-injection, after which, normal steam injection at optimized operating conditions is restarted and continued until blow down while primary solvent recovery is continued, thus significantly accelerating and maximizing the recovery of solvent injected without affecting the long term cumulative bitumen production.