The Chinese mainland has taken a significant leap in heavy oil extraction by unveiling the world's first mobile thermal-injection platform, named \"Recai No.1\", or \"Thermal Recovery No.1.\" This groundbreaking platform was launched by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) in the waters off Weihai City, Shandong Province.
The introduction of the Recai No.1 platform opens new avenues for the Chinese mainland to harness advanced heavy oil recovery technology and tap into its vast oil reserves. Heavy oil, characterized by its high viscosity and challenging extraction process, accounts for over two-thirds of the world's known oil reserves. The Chinese mainland alone is estimated to hold approximately 19.87 billion tonnes of heavy oil.
Measuring 82 meters in length and 42 meters in width, the Recai No.1 platform is engineered to enhance the efficiency and scalability of heavy oil extraction through its innovative thermal injection process. The platform utilizes high-temperature steam to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil, facilitating easier extraction. This is achieved through a mobile thermal-injection system complemented by compensation technology for high-temperature, high-pressure steam pipelines.
Designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, the Recai No.1 platform features four legs that stand over 70 meters high, allowing it to operate in waters up to 35 meters deep and endure typhoons of up to Category 16 strength. The platform's two-deck structure spans more than 3,000 square meters and has a weight exceeding 10,000 tonnes, making it comparable in height to a 20-story building.
With the deployment of the Recai No.1, the Chinese mainland is set to significantly boost its heavy oil extraction capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge technology to maximize extraction efficiency and support the nation's energy needs.
Reference(s):
World's first mobile thermal-injection platform unveiled in China
cgtn.com
