Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in SAGD Operations via Pinch Analysis
What is a Pinch Analysis? Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is a common in-situ technique for oil production in Alberta. In this process, steam is injected downhole to reduce the viscosity of bitumen which is then brought to the surface via a production well. SAGD operations require significant amounts of high-pressure steam. Pinch analysis is a methodology for minimizing the utility requirements of a chemical process by calculating thermodynamically achievable targets as well as design rules for heat exchanger network retrofitting. Ultimately, minimizing the utility requirements of the process translates to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and cost savings stemming from r...
