A novel approach for resolving reverse emulsions in SAGD production systems

The standard method for water clarification in SAGD operations involved the injection of latex polymers to break produced reverse emulsions. Operationally, this resulted in large quantities of oil in the water downstream of the first oil and water separation vessel. Problems occurred because this generated large amounts of oily solids and emulsion. This slop material represented a significant additional expenditure. Champion developed a novel approach to treat these systems and reduce slop. This program has been very successful in removing oil from the water stream during primary separation, thus reducing costs associated with reprocessing slop oil, and resulting in greater oil recovery.