Well configurations for limited reflux
a technology of limited reflux and configuration, which is applied in the direction of fluid removal, borehole/well accessories, earth-moving drilling and mining, etc., can solve the problems of limiting economic returns, reducing the temperature of the drainage interface, and presenting technical and economic challenges for bitumen recovery from oil sands
Inactive Publication Date: 2014-02-06
CONOCOPHILLIPS CO
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Benefits of technology
The patent describes a method and system for recovering hydrocarbons from a formation using a gas mixture of steam and non-condensible gas (NCG) introduced into an injection well. The gas mixture passes through a horizontal length of the injection well and is accompanied by a steam chamber that generates within the formation. The method involves recovering a petroleum fluid from adjacent production wells that are oriented horizontal and parallel to the injection well. The technical effect of this invention is an improved recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations.
Problems solved by technology
Bitumen recovery from oil sands presents technical and economic challenges due to high viscosity of the bitumen at reservoir conditions.
However, costs associated with energy requirements for the SAGD operations limit economic returns.
Accumulation in the reservoir of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) and / or solvent that may be injected with the steam in some applications can further present problems.
For example, the gaseous CO2 / solvent acts as a thermal insulator impairing heat transfer from the steam to the bitumen, decreases temperature of the drainage interface due to partial pressure impact, and decreases effective permeability to oil as a result of increased gas saturation.
Method used
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[0017]Turning now to the detailed description of the preferred arrangement or arrangements of the present invention, it should be understood that the inventive features and concepts may be manifested in other arrangements and that the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described or illustrated. The scope of the invention is intended only to be limited by the scope of the claims that follow.
[0018]For some embodiments, methods and systems produce petroleum products by steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) with dual producers separated vertically and laterally from at least one injector. Placement of the producers limits temperature rise of draining fluids and hence reflux of non-condensable gases (NCG) injected with steam. In particular, the fluids drain along a steam chamber boundary for recovery at positions that are not in a direct downward path from where the injector is introducing heat into the formation.
[0019]The NCG refers to a chemical that remains in t...
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Methods and systems produce petroleum products by steam assisted gravity drainage with dual producers separated vertically and laterally from at least one injector. Placement of the producers limits temperature rise of draining fluids and hence reflux of non-condensable gases injected with steam. In particular, the fluids drain along a steam chamber boundary for recovery at positions that are not in a direct downward path from where the injector is introducing heat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 679,248 filed Aug. 3, 2012, entitled “WELL CONFIGURATIONS FOR LIMITED REFLUX,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]None.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]Embodiments of the invention relate to producing hydrocarbons by steam assisted gravity drainage with dual producers separated vertically and laterally from at least one injector.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Bitumen recovery from oil sands presents technical and economic challenges due to high viscosity of the bitumen at reservoir conditions. Steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) provides one process for producing the bitumen from a reservoir. During SAGD operations, steam introduced into the reservoir through a horizontal injector well transfers heat upon condensation and devel...
Claims
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Login to View More IPC IPC(8): E21B43/30E21B43/24
CPCE21B43/24E21B43/30E21B43/2406E21B43/2408
Inventor CHEN, QINGLO, LILIANAKINLADE, OLAJIDE
Owner CONOCOPHILLIPS CO