VIT
Vacuum insulated tubing systems (VIT) consists of two concentric, tubing strings. The air between the tubulars is removed, creating a vacuum layer that is difficult for heat to move across. Therefore, vacuum insulated tubing greatly reduces the amount of heat that a well loses to its surroundings above the bitumen-bearing zone.
By reducing heat loss, less natural gas is burned to heat water to make steam. In turn, this reduces greenhouse gas emissions that would’ve been produced by burning more natural gas.
Features and Benefits
○ Proprietary vacuum-seal technology
○ Options for conventional versus integral joints
○ Unique coupler design to mitigate heat loss
○ Thermal conductivity is almost 100 times less than regular/bare pipe
○ Inner tube pre-stressed for consistent thermal expansion
○ Inspections include X-ray, thermal conductivity, and TC testing
○ 4th generation VIT since 1985