A novel, double-walled, vacuum-insulated tube is being developed for efficient transmission of hot water or steam for enhanced thermal recovery of heat oil from deep oil reservoirs. The concept involved improves the structural reliability while providing improved thermal insulation and a low manufacturing cost. Phase I involved the detailed analysis, design, and optimization of the tubing. A plan was prepared for the testing necessary to prove final feasibility and manufacturing techniques. Phase II implementation of the plan involves finite element modeling of the tubing, experiments with an insulation development unit, fabrication of tubing test samples, experimental testing of the tubing test samples, coupon corrosion testing, and an economic analysis.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Successful development will provide reliable, efficient, economical insulated tubulars for enhanced oil recovery systems using steam or hot water with temperatures up to 700øF. Because of the thin insulating annulus, this concept has the potential for insulating both high temperature and cryogenic tubing where space is limited. Topic 19: Enhanced Oil Recovery and Tar Sands
