Top tips for overcoming #HeavyOil challenges in the Middle East
EOR and Heavy Oil World MENA 2012 speaker Dr. Hussain Ahmed is an experienced engineer in production, reservoir and EOR and an internationally recognized training consultant in petroleum technology with over 30 years experience. Here he shares with us his views on the importance of heavy oil in the Middle East now, top technologies and techniques for heavy oil recovery and his views on the ultimate challenges facing heavy oil projects in the MENA region.
1. What makes Heavy Oil projects so important in the Middle East right now?
As global light crude oil reserves continue to decline due to over-dependence as a major source of energy, the global demand for oil continues to rise, in 2011 reaching 89.16 million BPD. It is therefore imperative to ensure that these demands are met and production is sustained to avoid deficit in energy supplies. It is heavy oil that bridges this anticipated deficit and ensures continuity in supply as a substitute to traditional light oil sources.
2. Please describe the top technology/technique you are currently implementing in your heavy oil projects?
In order to extract heavy oil it is important to subject it to a separation process and to blend it in order to reduce viscosity to improve transportation to upgrading facility situated on an out of site location. Vis-breaking, coking, thermal/hydro-cracking as well as catalytic processes are used to make oil more marketable. Downstream production is often hindered by operational concerns and equipment selection due to compound formation during processing. It is envisaged that with proper planning and organization prior to setting up downstream production facility, the operational concerns can be effectively curtailed in order to improve processes and achieve set targets.
3. What in your opinion is the ULTIMATE issue/challenge/experience facing heavy oil projects in the Middle East at this point in time?
Challenges associated with downstream production of heavy oil are common due to the nature of heavy oil and its molecular set0up which poses both technical and environmental challenges. There are several more challenges, but in my view these are the most prevalent –
· Fluid Flow / Flow assurance
· Wax, Sulphur, Vanadium and Asphaltene concern
· Capital intensive venture
· Refining Capability
· Environmental challenges
To hear these same questions answered by experts from TOTAL, ENI, PDVSA and more click here to download our Heavy Oil EBook.
Dr. Hussain will be joining our list of esteemed speakers at EOR and Heavy Oil World MENA 2012 in Abu Dhabi from 27th – 31st May 2012 – for more information download our brochure today!
