New Technique for Heavy Oil Recovery
Leif Van Cise | UAF
New research by the Petroleum Development Lab at the UAF Institute for Northern Engineering demonstrates the potential for commercial production of heavy crude at existing North Slope oil fields.
Polymer Flood
UAF engineers and Hilcorp Alaska have successfully deployed an enhanced oil recovery method using a process known as polymer flooding to pull thick, viscous oil to the surface at Milne Point.
The process injects a mixture of polymer and seawater into the reservoir, substantially increasing the production of heavy oil compared to traditional water injection. The research demonstrates that the technology works on the North Slope. UAF researchers are encouraged by the progress they are making and believe higher production can be achieved over the next decade.
“This project demonstrates how UAF is contributing to developing Alaska’s economy while also educating and training the workforce,” says UAF Chancellor Dan White.
Current Issue
November 2024
The polymer flood technique could allow for development of shallower reservoirs where crude oil is as viscous as molasses. Researchers note that the lighter output from the main Prudhoe Bay wells could dilute the heavy crude for transport down the Trans Alaska Pipeline System.
The Dunleavy administration directed $5 million for the next phase of the research project in its FY23 state budget after the US Department of Energy eliminated funding for heavy oil research this year.
“The next state-funded phase of the heavy oil project underway at UAF could unlock the tens of billions of barrels of heavy oil lying underneath Alaska’s North Slope. That is a resource too large to ignore,” says Governor Mike Dunleavy. “If we have a breakthrough, heavy oil will extend the lifespan of the oil pipeline and provide substantial revenue for the state, and the Alaska Permanent Fund. University of Alaska research, whether it is heavy oil, renewable energy, or drone technology, can propel Alaska’s economy into the future.”
A Two-Year Degree in Half the Time at UAF Community and Technical College
An Associate of Arts degree in a year is possible through a new UAF Community and Technical College program.
Alaska Employment: Annual Job Growth Up Slightly in October by 2.1 Percent
Unemployment in Alaska held steady at 4.6 percent despite 7,000 more jobs than in October 2023, driven by oil and gas and construction job growth.
RMG Real Estate Emphasizes Professionalism as Independent Brokerage
RMG Real Estate Network founder Reed Moore is shifting his team of almost forty agents away from the Keller Williams brand and starting his own brokerage.
