Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT)
Maximize Thermal Efficiency and Reduce Energy Loss in Thermal Well Operations
Imex Canada’s Vacuum Insulated Tubing (VIT) is engineered to deliver exceptional thermal insulation performance in demanding oil and gas applications, such as Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). Our VIT decreases heat loss along the wellbore, reduces steam consumption, and supports both operational and environmental efficiencies for high-performance wells.
How Vacuum Insulated Tubing Works
VIT features a double-walled tubing system with a high-integrity vacuum layer in the annular space between two concentric tubes. This vacuum creates an insulating barrier that dramatically limits heat transfer by conduction and convection. Additional multi-layer insulation and advanced getter materials inside the joint area further minimize energy loss, ensuring heat remains in the steam as it travels to the reservoir.
Key Benefits
Superior Thermal Insulation:
Minimizes wellbore heat loss by up to 90% compared to conventional tubing, maximizing steam delivery efficiency.
Reduced Operating Costs:
Lower fuel consumption for steam generation and reduced water usage directly translate to substantial cost savings.
Environmental Stewardship:
Less natural gas used to create steam means lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainable energy production.
Faster Well Start-Up:
VIT can cut pre-heating times by more than 50%, allowing earlier ramp-up to commercial production.
Imex Canada VIT: Technical Advantages
Enclosed, Welded Double-Wall Construction
Each tubing joint is precision manufactured for optimal longevity and vacuum integrity.
Multi-Layer Insulation Structure
Engineered insulation sleeves and getter materials minimize the risk of vacuum degradation.
Premium & Durable Connections
Industry-leading connection design with a single leak path per joint reduces thermal bridging and maximizes operational reliability.
Shell Approved Manufacturing
Our joint-venture manufacturer has been fully certified by Shell for VIT and other well completion products.
Tailored for Stringent Applications
Designed for producers, injectors, and multi-lateral wells, with options for semi-premium or standard threaded connections.
Applications
Thermal oil sands recovery (SAGD)
Cyclic steam stimulation (CSS)
Deep geothermal wells
Any high-thermal-loss wells needing improved energy and environmental performance
Proven Results
Operators deploying VIT from Imex Canada achieve:
- Up to 30% reduction in steam oil ratio (SOR)
- Pre-heating periods as short as 75 days vs. several months with conventional tubing
- Significantly lower water and fuel use across the well lifecycle
Download Technical Specifications
For dimensional, material, and performance details, please download our technical datasheet (PDF).
Ready to Optimize Your Thermal Wells?
Imex Canada’s VIT solutions are field-proven, Shell-approved, and supported by a responsive technical team. Contact us to discuss your application, request customized quotations, or arrange an engineering consultation.
Request a Quote | Call us at +1 (403) 269-9999 | Email: sales@imexcanada.com
Vacuum Insulated tubing (VIT) reduces heat loss in steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations, reducing steam consumption; therefore making wells more energy, time and cost efficient.
In SAGD operations, steam is injected into the ground to heat the bitumen, increasing its mobility so it can be extracted through a producer well. Both wells must be heated prior to use - a process that can take up to five months.
As steam travels down the well to the bitumen-bearing zone, it loses heat. Frequently additional steam is injected to make up for this heat loss, but Vacuum Insulating Tubing (VIT) significantly reduces the need for adding additional steam, in turn reducing the consumption of water and natural gas.
By reducing heat loss, significantly less natural gas is needed to heat the water involved in SAGD operations. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, because less steam is needed to soften the bitumen, the quantity of water used is also reduced. Research suggests, that wells equipped with VIT may need as little as 75 days of "pre-heating," saving time, water and fuel required for wells to begin production.
Unlike conventional VIT, Imex Canada's new premium VIT has only 1 leak path per connection, which further reduces heat loss. The simple running procedure and durability will save you time and money. With premium VIT, the connection is made on the inside tube with our semi premium connection.
VIT with other connections is also available.
