Talisman unveils new technology

In an attempt to prolong the life of the Turner Valley oil field by retrieving more oil from the ground, Talisman Energy has developed and is testing new recovery technology. Nitrogen injection is a process where nitrogen is extracted from the air, pressurized and then pumped into the ground where it forces the oil towards a pump jack which then draws the oil to the surface. The technology was initiated in October of 2002 and was given its official launch Thursday at the well head located about about four kilometres north of Longview. 'You can only do so much on the computer and in the lab. In the end you have to try it in the field.' said Bob Mitchell, vice-president of Canadian Operations for Talisman. Mitchell said that if the technology proves fruitful, the reward is well worth the cost of the project. 'If the pilot is successful, the prize is big. A conservative estimate is 30 to 50 million barrels.' said Mitchell. This is the same amount as found in a typical North Sea discovery and would extend the life of the Turner Valley field by 20 years or more. Nitrogen was chosen for the project for a variety of reasons. 'We weighed the pros and the cons and nitrogen came out on top.' said Andrew Paterson, senior petroleum engineer for Southern Alberta for Talisman. Paterson explained that nitrogen is a non-reactive and nonflammable gas and seeing as how the air we breathe is made up of more than 70 per cent nitrogen, the choice was obvious. Environmentally, Paterson feels that this technology is a real step forward. 'It's conservation and not a big disturbance,' said Paterson. He explained that low impact is one of the benefits of the technology as it will be applied to existing wells. If it proves successful, nitrogen injection could be used in many other areas to further recovery efforts in other oil fields. In the future CO2 is widely distributed in nature and is a minor component of air. It is highly soluble in water and oil, especially under pressure. In water, it occurs as carbonic acid, a weak acid that can donate one or two hydrogen ions in neutralization reactions that produce bicarbonate HCO3- and carbonate CO3-2 salts or ions. CO2, being an acid in water, reacts instantly with NaOH or KOH in an alkaline water mud, forming carbonate and bicarbonate ions. Similarly, it reacts with Ca(OH)2 (lime) to form insoluble calcium carbonate and water. ">carbon dioxide could be used instead of nitrogen. This could create a green house gas reservoir, but Paterson admitted that this application would depend on a successful test and is a long way off. He explained that the nitrogen is no more dangerous than any other gas and that there are no other workplace hazards associated with the technology that would not normally be found in other industrial settings. Talisman invested $8.5 million last year in the project but has no figures for this year. 'Because we're still in the experimental phase, we have no firm plans for spending,' said Paterson. The test period is set for three years and it will take some time for information to be gleaned from the results. According to Talisman, a successful test would yield many benefits for the area including jobs for local residents and continuing economic activity from Talisman in the area. By Shawn Britton Intern reporter from, the OKOTOKS WESTERN WHEEL, February 5, 2003