The patented N-Solv technology builds upon the commercially proven gravity drainage concept and the commercially proven horizontal well technology.

In N-Solv, heated solvent vapour is injected at moderate pressures into the gravity drainage chamber. The vapour flows from the injection well to the colder perimeter of the chamber where it condenses, delivering heat and fresh solvent directly to the bitumen extraction interface. The N-Solv extraction temperature and pressure are very gentle compared to in situ steam processes. The use of solvent also preferentially extracts the valuable components in the bitumen while the problematic high molecular weight coke forming species (asphaltenes) are left behind. The condensed solvent and oil then drain by gravity to the bottom of the chamber and are recovered via the production well.

The in situ solvent deasphalting is very selective and leaves the asphaltenes evenly dispersed throughout the extracted portion of the chamber. Post extraction core analyses show that the residue contains 60 to 70% asphaltenes. By leaving the majority of the asphaltenes behind the produced oil contains less sulphur, heavy metals (zinc, vanadium, iron) and carbon residue. This partially upgrades the oil to 13-16°API from a value of approximately 8°API for the raw bitumen. The produced oil is also less viscous, thus it requires less diluent for pipeline transportation to the refinery.

It is recognized by N-Solv scientists that the (negative) impact of non-condensable gases on the extraction rates is critical. Non-condensable gases are released from the bitumen and accumulate in the reservoir if no special measures are taken. Increasing concentrations of non-condensable gases slow down the production rates. This effect can be severe and must be mitigated. The right circulation of solvent in the N-Solv process provides sufficient capacity to minimize and stabilize the concentration of non-condensables inside the reservoir. Through this built-in principle the process is able to sustain high production rates throughout.