CIPC conference, Calgary, 2006

presented a paper that carried the title " Micro-Bubbles in Cold Production of Heavy Oil - Are they Present? Are they Important?

The non-equilibrium behavior of the gas in cold production of heavy oil has inspired many to conduct experimental and modeling studies. It is believed that geo-mechanical effects that are manifested in sand production are responsible for generation of wormholes that act as high permeability conduits into the reservoir. At the same time, a special form of dispersed gas flow, referred to as foamy-oil flow, restricts excessive gas production and results in pressure maintenance. In one popular theory, the dispersed gas is in the form of micro-bubbles; bubbles smaller than the pore size that flow with the oil. The current research focuses on the existence and flow of micro-bubbles and their importance in heavy oil recovery.