Randy Rudolph, Steven Young, Claes Palmgren, Elizabeth Logan, and Piotr Staniaszek
fog, plume dispersion, flue gas condensation, oil sands
Steam generators at SAGD facilities in the oilsands area of Alberta produce significant amounts of water vapour emissions that can cause visible plumes. Alberta Oil Sands has incorporated novel condenser technology into its SAGD plant design to cost-effectively reduce vapour emissions. The process uses cold process fluids to cool the steam generator flue gas below its condensing point. The flue gas contains significant water as a product of combustion which is recovered and used in the SAGD process. The system reduces fuel consumption in the boiler and reduces the source water requirements of the project. The impact of emission reductions on visible plume formation was determined using the CALPUFF dispersion model in PLUME mode which provides statistics on the frequency and characteristics of visible plume. Using meteorological data from five years at the Fort McMurray airport and 70-75% reduction in water vapour emissions, AOS showed that the frequency of plume visibility was reduced from 45% of the time with un-reduced water vapour emissions to 33% of the time. The length of the longest visible plumes was reduced from 3000 to 1300 m. The longest plumes were formed in very cold, stable air and light winds, and most often in winter nights. Visible plumes were not predicted to reach the ground and contribute to surface-based ice fog.
Important Links:
Go Back
