The effects and costs of climate change and other environmental factors are hastening a global energy transition in which the drive for the cleanest possible fuels is gaining momentum. It is becoming clear that environmental responsibility, sound economics and breakthrough technologies must be applied to the production of heavy oil and oil sands for both combustion and non-combustion uses.
Through electrification, Acceleware’s RF XL enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology is expected to be well equipped to lead the way. When applied in conjunction with a renewable energy source, RF XL is projected to deliver zero or near zero-GHG emissions heavy oil production at significantly lower capital and operating costs when compared to steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). By design, RF XL requires no external water, is quick to deploy and produce, and removes the requirement for steam distribution and produced water recovery systems, allowing for a much more compact surface footprint.
RF XL System
The RF XL system is an all-electric system designed to enhance bitumen and heavy oil recovery and can be deployed and become operational quickly. The system comprises the electromagnetic (EM) energy converter, a waveguide connecting the converter and the radiator, and two radiator lines. The converter, deployed next to the wellhead at surface, produces an EM signal at a frequency range categorized as belonging to the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The generated RF signal is carried to the radiator by a waveguide, comprising two coaxial lines. The coaxial lines are connected to two RF XL radiators, placed in the pay zone horizontally, approximately 4 – 6 m above the producing well.
The amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an RF XL system depends on the type of AC power source used. If a renewable power source such as hydro, wind, nuclear, geothermal or solar is used, the GHG emissions associated with production can be reduced to zero.
A zero-carbon means of producing heavy oil and the oil sands could play a vital role in helping to advance Alberta’s position as an environmental, social and governance (ESG) leader in clean energy transition. To that end, the Zero GHG white paper provides a techno-economic analysis of the potential impact of deploying of a local solar energy array to support a 5,000 bbl per day pad-based RF XL heavy oil project in three different geographies. The goal is to demonstrate scenarios where transformative technologies and ideas could quickly and efficiently modernize the heavy oil and oil sands industry.
Download the whitepaper for full details on how we anticipate that once RF XL is commercialized, it will be possible to deliver efficient, zero-GHG heavy oil production via modern technologies and pricing, in various location around the world.
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