Saner Ranch Pilot Test of Fractures Assisted Steamflood Technology

Abstract

Recovery of superheavy oils and tars from thin reservoirs poses formidable technical challenges.The steam injectivity achievable with conventional steamflood processes is low and will generally result in low recovery and poor thermal efficiency. In a second pilot test of the fracture-assisted steamflood technology (FAST) process, Conoco Inc. demonstrated that the process can be used to recover efficiently -2 to 3°API [1.093-to 1.052-g/cm 3 ] tar in south Texas. This paper describes the pilot design and operation. Results of a variety of project monitoring and evaluation techniques, such as temperature surveys, reservoir tracer tests, seismic reflection mapping, and postpilot coring, are reviewed. In addition, the results of a numerical simulation model used for a history match of the pilot performance are described. On the basis of these data, conclusions regarding the dominant flow mechanisms are made.

Practical Applications of Time-lapse Seismic Data

“…More reliable pressure and stress predictions from geomechanical models can be used to better plan new production and injection wells and sidetracks and to predict future productivity (Tura et al, 2005;Staples et al, 2007). Although compaction can provide much of the energy required to produce hydrocarbons, it also can lead to significant subsidence-related impacts on surface facilities, shear failure of wellbores above the reservoir, sand production in the reservoir, and changes in reservoir permeability.…”

“…However, as discussed in Chapter 3, this compaction deforms the rocks outside the reservoir. Staples et al (2007) (included as Appendix C of this book) describe a good example of time-shift interpretation in a compacting clastic reservoir. Time shifts above and below compacting reservoirs have been observed on many fields in a wide range of geographic areas and geologic settings.…”

A study of steam injection in fractured media

“…Britton et al [lo] Stang and Soni [80] described a second FAST process pilot test in Saner Ranch, Maverick County, Texas. The reservoir contained tar ranging from -2 to 3" API gravity.…”

Silica Removal From Steamflood-Produced Water: South Texas Tar Sands Pilot

“…C Si02 =853.9-74.26pH (r=0.734) (1) or C S i0 2 =784.9-58.51pH-0.4226 CCa+ 2 (r=O.77l), (2) where C S i0 2 is the silica concentration and CCa +2 is the Ca +2 concentration expressed in mg/L and r is the correlation coefficient. A common practice in the water-treating industry is to add dolomite or other magnesium salts to hot-lime softeners when silica removal is desired.…”