Reducing CO2 Emissions by Using Alternatives to Steam Generators

Abstract It is challenging to produce heavy oil because of its high viscosity. As the use of thermal recovery to lower the oil viscosity results in substantial carbon dioxide emissions at steam generators, we looked at other ways to reduce viscosity without steam. We examined two methods: light oil dilution and electrical heating. We computed the energy use balance and concluded that light oil dilution is quite feasible and an economic alternative to steam injection.