Team Viking has refined PW cleaning at a major SAGD producer via team collaboration and innovation. A Customized chemical cleaning program featuring electric-powered, modular equipment, eliminating the need for open flame burners and reducing diesel consumption thus increasing safety, efficient operation and reliability.
Most SAGD operators utilize oil/water separation vessels, such as FWKO’s and treaters, that operate at elevated pressures and temperature. Amongst other considerations, these vessels operate at these conditions to ensure optimum density differential between the oil and water phases to speed up the process of separations. However, these vessels are not 100% efficient and additional oil removal steps are needed to ensure the PW is ready to be recycled for use in steam generation. Typically, these additional oil removal steps occur at atmospheric pressure in Skim Tanks and Oil Removal Filters. For these pieces of equipment to function properly the PW must be cooled to below 100°C to prevent boiling. Heat exchangers are used cool the PW. Over time the heat exchangers foul because of impurities in the water. This fouling reduces heat transfer and inhibits cooling of the PW. Ultimately an inability to maintain the required temperature in the downstream process can result in a loss of facility throughput and performance.
By challenging conventional methods and embracing innovation, Team Viking delivers a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solution. The success of this project highlights the value of customized solutions and the potential for technological advancements to transform established industry practices.
