What did we learn from steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) applications in three decades, and what is next?

Abstract

This paper evaluates and analyzes three decades of ongoing SAGD projects in Canada, examining their successes, failures, lessons learned, and limitations from multiple perspectives, including geological, technical, environmental, and operational aspects. The reasons for successful SAGD practices are also identified, and recommendations for designing new SAGD projects and future post-SAGD practices in matured fields are provided. The potential of mature SAGD projects was also explored, and new insights for the future of SAGD (new and matured fields), including “zero emission” applications using solvents and reduced emission using steam additives, are also presented. The conclusive analyses done and the recommendations made will lead to more efficient SAGD applications (new and matured) in Canada, also providing a useful road map for the other parts of the world.