--> Abstract: Optimization of Thermal Recovery Methods of Heavy Oil and Oil Sands Resources Of Western Canada, by Strobl, Rudy; Fustic, Milovan; and Jablonski, Bryce; #90166 (2013)

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Optimization of Thermal Recovery Methods of Heavy Oil and Oil Sands Resources Of Western Canada

Strobl, Rudy1; Fustic, Milovan; and Jablonski, Bryce
1[email protected]

Heavy oil reservoirs where the oil has some mobility at reservoir conditions can be produced via primary production. Primary production has the advantage of lower financial investment, and it is technically simpler than most thermal operations. Advances in drilling technology, such as multi-lateral horizontal wells, have led to significant increases in production efficiency and reduction in water cuts. Additional production enhancement can be achieved by optimal well placement based on: (1) geology; (2) variations in reservoir quality, such as effects of interstitial clays and diagenesis; and (3) oil viscosity variations, especially in the vicinity of bottom water.

For oil sands, where oil is not mobile, the two most common commercially proven thermal methods are Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) and Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD). Technical considerations for choosing which thermal recovery method is most appropriate, and how to further optimize production, can be achieved by linking similar criteria suggested for primary production.

CSS is commonly utilized in coarsening-upwards successions of Clearwater, Wabiskaw and Bluesky reservoirs1. High injection pressures, especially in the first cycle of CSS, can create shearing effects, enhancing permeability and vertical steam chamber growth.

SAGD performs best in fining upward channel successions of the McMurray Formation1. This method requires strong communication between the injector and producer wells; hence, the preference for a thick, laterally continuous high permeability zone at the base of the reservoir. Distinct advantages of SAGD include: economic recovery of extremely viscous bitumen; operation in the presence of bottom water and top thief zones; and stable operations and relatively consistent production rates in suitable reservoirs. Production is particularly controlled by reservoir heterogeneity and associated vertical permeability. Comparison of SAGD to CSS production analogues with similar reservoirs provides insight into how both recovery methods could be optimized. 1Wightman, D.W., 2003, Oil Sands in: Kluwer (ed.), Encyclopedia of Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks, p.499-502

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90166©2013 AAPG International Conference & Exhibition, Cartagena, Colombia, 8-11 September 2013