Cenovus Energy. has filed a patent for a method to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir by injecting steam and a silica-based asphaltene-sorbent. This process allows for the production of upgraded hydrocarbons while adsorbing asphaltenes, without producing them. GlobalData’s report on Cenovus Energy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Cenovus Energy, Wellbore drilling optimization was a key innovation area identified from patents. Cenovus Energy's grant share as of January 2024 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Enhanced hydrocarbon production using silica-based asphaltene-sorbent
A patent application (Publication Number: US20230417129A1) discloses a method for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The method involves injecting steam and a silica-based asphaltene-sorbent into the reservoir, allowing the sorbent to adsorb asphaltenes from the hydrocarbons, resulting in upgraded hydrocarbons and asphaltenes adsorbed to the sorbent in the reservoir. The upgraded hydrocarbons are then produced without the asphaltenes adsorbed to the sorbent. The silica-based asphaltene-sorbent can be in the form of nanoparticles or silica, and the process can be repeated in cycles with varying concentrations of the sorbent.
Furthermore, the method includes injecting the steam and sorbent as a mixture or sequentially, with the option of using a carrier fluid like ethyl acetate, water, hydrocarbon, nitrogen, or methane. The concentration of the silica-based asphaltene-sorbent can be controlled, and the process can be focused on a near wellbore region or integrated into a Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operation. The sorbent is designed to have a specific surface area per mass, and the method is suitable for reservoirs with temperatures ranging from 200 to 300 C and pressures from 500 kPa to 9 MPa. Overall, the patent application outlines a detailed process for enhancing hydrocarbon production efficiency from subterranean reservoirs using a silica-based asphaltene-sorbent.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Cenovus Energy, buy the report here.
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