Analysis of the Solution Gas Effect on SAGD Slope Drainage Rate
Non-condensible gases tend to accumulate at a steam (condensation) front, and act as an insulating blanket on the SAGD convection mechanism. This can have a material impact on the drainage rate, for example as calculated by Butlers equation for SAGD rate. The effect of varying amounts of liberated solution methane on a SAGD front is approached by calculating the temperature drop that would be due to a given blanket thickness, and thus deriving a correction factor to the normal (Butler) rate. In addition to the usual petrophysical parameters, the corrected rate is also a function of the reservoir GOR and the SAGD operating pressures. Results indicate that small amounts of accumulated methane can reduce drainage rates by factors of up to 2 or more. The required amounts are small fractions of the normal, initial solution gas/oil ratio in the McMurray formation; it is therefore concluded that further understanding of SAGD chamber methane content, accumulation, and removal is essential to confident reservoir forecasting and optimization.
NElL EDMUNDS
Laricina Energy Ltd.
国际会议
首届世界重油大会(The Technical Sessions of the First World Heavy Oil Conference)
北京
英文
1-8
2006-11-12（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）