Report on DTI UKCS Heavy Oil Recovery Seminar 2004, 29 April 2004, Aberdeen, UK
Many of the more viscous (heavy) oil reservoirs discovered on the UKCS are as yet undeveloped. The DTI has been working with Industry to address this problem. This seminar was held to disseminate the information obtained in the sub-surface, facilities and marketing areas from studies commissioned by the DTI. ChevronTexaco also presented work on their Captain Field. David Hughes (david.hughes@senergyltd.com), Principal Reservoir Engineer with Senergy Ltd in Aberdeen, reports on the seminar.
This seminar, held at the Aberdeen Treetops Hotel, attracted 60 delegates from operating companies (and partners), many SMEs (including Xcite, Corsair and Ingen who received “heavy oil” licences in the 21 st Round), universities and the commercial and banking sector. 17 delegates attended the associated master class held on the previous afternoon on Heavy Oil Recovery in the context of the UKCS given by Nigel Brealey.
To coincide with the seminar the DTI launched a new part of the SHARP website dedicated to UKCS heavy oil matters (http://www.dti-sharp.co.uk/heavyoil). There is more about this elsewhere in this issue. In particular the PowerPoint presentations used on the day are available to download from the site (under the “Events” tab).
The first presentation was “Opportunities and DTI Support for UKCS Heavy Oil Development” by Simon Toole, Director of LCU-LED and Colin Cranfield, Senior Reservoir Engineer, LCU-LED, DTI.
The second presentation was by Gert de Jonge, Advisor Reservoir Engineering, Captain Sub-Surface Team at ChevronTexaco on “Captain Field: Past, Present and Future”.
The third presentation “UKCS Heavy Oil - A Subsurface Perspective” was given by Nigel Brealey, Principal Reservoir Engineer with Senergy Ltd.
The fourth presentation was by Tom Baxter, Technical Director of Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants Ltd on “Heavy Oil Facilities Review and Hot Water Flood Case Study”.
Howard Simons of MW Kellogg Ltd Making His Presentation
The final presentation “Marketing/Processing Heavy Oils” was by Howard Simons, Technology Consultant, Refining of MW Kellogg Ltd.
Posters were displayed by the University of Bath and by Advanced Gel Technology Ltd
The Posters Proved Popular During the Tea and Coffee Breaks
Presenters Were Given an Engraved Whisky Tumbler and Bottle of Whisky – Here Nigel Brealey Receives His From Colin Cranfield
There was a lively debate during the various question and answer, and discussion sessions. A more detailed report of the discussion and some suggestions for the next steps to take in relation to undeveloped UKCS heavy oil will be available on the SHARP heavy oil portal soon (http://www.dti-sharp.co.uk/heavyoil).