Sensitivity Analysis to Operational Parameters of the Offset Well During Fast-SAGD Process in Naturally Fractured Reservoir

Abstract

Few studies were done to investigate performance of the Fast steam-assisted gravity damage (SAGD) recovery method especially in naturally fractured reservoirs (NFR). The authors studied some cyclic steam stimulated operational parameters effects on the Fast-SAGD performance in NFR. A synthetic 2D homogenous model was constructed by Computer Modelling Group's (CMG) and simulated using the STARS module. Comparison between SAGD and Fast-SAGD recovery methods in this model shows great increase in the oil production but small increase of thermal efficiency in the Fast-SAGD recovery method. Simulation outcomes represent 17% increment in ultimate recovery factor but small reduction in steam-oil ratio. Results show that increasing the number of offset cycles and injection period yield increment in the oil production. Increasing the offset injection rate causes growth in the oil production, but has an optimal value. By increasing the distance between the offset well and SAGD well pairs up to a certain value, oil production increases but decreases after that point. This is due to the ability of the fractures in making connection between the steam chambers in higher distances. When production bottom-hole pressure decreases, the heated oil in near well region is subjected to more pressure drop and causes more oil to be produced. More offset wells result in higher production but simultaneously lower recovery factors. Increasing and decreasing soak time as the last investigated parameter did not affect the trend of production anyway.