Abstract: Conventional heavy oil thermal recovery process usually needs to burn a lot of natural gas to produce high-temperature steam. Using solar energy for steam production of heavy oil is an energy-saving, cost-effective and environmental-friendly scheme. GlassPoint is one of the main suppliers for solar energy steam production equipment, which is engaged in solar energy EOR application and research. The company^’s core technology is an enclosed trough solar steam generator, including roof washing system, air-handling unit, parabolic mirrors and receivers. This paper also briefs about commercialization of the equipment in California of the United States, Oman and Kuwait. When used for thermal EOR purpose in sunny areas, the solar steam generator can reduce fuel consumption by 80 percent and significantly cut CO2 emission, extending the service life of the system for 30 years and dramatically improving economic value of heavy oil assets. This technology has a series of advantages, such as reducing fuel cost, maximizing natural gas value, producing more crude oil, and stimulating the local economy. It is in line with the present-day social requirements on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Key words: solar energy, heavy oil thermal recovery, EOR, GlassPoing Corporation

摘要： 传统的稠油蒸汽热采工艺需要燃烧大量天然气等产生高温蒸汽，利用太阳能进行稠油蒸汽开采则是节能、 降本、环保的良策。玻点公司是太阳能蒸汽生产设备的主要供应商，从事太阳能提高采收率（EOR）方面的应用与研 究，核心主体技术是封闭槽式集热系统。介绍了屋顶清洗系统、空气处理机组、反射镜、接收器等装备的特点与优势， 以及在美国加州、阿曼、科威特等地开展的相关商业化项目进展。阳光充足地区的太阳能蒸汽生产设备可减少80% 的 燃料消费，CO₂ 排放量大幅减少，系统使用寿命长达30 年，大大提高了稠油资产的经营价值。太阳能稠油热采技术具 有降低燃料成本、使天然气价值最大化、采出更多原油和刺激当地经济等优势，符合当今绿色、可持续发展的社会要求。

关键词: 太阳能, 稠油热采, 提高采收率, 玻点公司