Case Studies

Well Placement and Optimization of SAGD Recovery Process

Subsurface Dynamics is an independent engineering and geoscience consulting firm with extensive experience in reservoir characterization, modeling and simulation.  We provide a full spectrum of engineering and geophysical services from data acquisition to final data integration and full field development programs.

"Subsurface Dynamics was tasked with determining the optimal horizontal well pair location in the McMurray heavy oil formation for SAGD recovery. Two key challenges were to avoid natural faults in the area and ensure efficient steam chamber development coupled with reduced SOR."

Project Summary

Subsurface Dynamics was tasked with determining the optimal horizontal well pair location in the McMurray heavy oil formation for SAGD recovery.  Two key challenges were to avoid natural faults in the area and ensure efficient steam chamber development coupled with reduced SOR.

CLIENT: UNDISCLOSED

FORMATION: Wabiskaw-McMurray

SSD Case Study 7 well placement and optimization of sagd recovery process Graph 1

Scope of Work

Using proprietary data from the Client including available completion characteristics, Subsurface Dynamics constructed a geological static, and history matched the dynamic model.  The dynamic model was then used to perform a full well placement optimization workflow with the main focus on steam chamber growth and optimal geological location of good pair. After the optimal location was determined, operational conditions were optimized to minimize SOR.

SSD Case Study 7 well placement and optimization of sagd recovery process Graph 2
Well Placement and Optimization of SAGD Recovery Process 3

Result

As a result of the full cycle modeling, the following operational improvements were achieved:

  • 66% increase in cumulative oil production with consistent and efficient steam chamber distribution
  • 26% decrease in SOR due to optimized operation conditions
  • During the data interpretation stage, it was established that certain reservoir properties require additional measurements to reduce uncertainty.  As a result, a future field measurement plan was provided to the client.

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