16 Sequencing Technologies

MBDCI
Sequencing Technologies to
Increase Recovery Factors
16_Shell_Sequencing Technologies
Maurice B. Dusseault
MBDCI
The Ultimate Goal

Increase recovery factors (RF) in heavy oil
( > 100 cP) production technologies
Go back to old conventional reservoirs,
and extract more oil
Develop resources more rationally
Plan ahead for subsequent extraction phases

Take advantage of new technologies
Exploit changes in the reservoir
Reduce thermal energy costs
~60% of worlds oil > 10,000 cP in place

MBDCI
World Oil Endowment

Probably the total endowment is 11-13 trillion barrels
Venezuela and Canada together have ~30% of this
Conventional Oil Heavy Oil

30% 15%
Extra Heavy
and Bitumen
55%
MBDCI
Where is the Heavy Oil Found?

>60% in sands Core from Venezuela
~ 27-31%
Unconsolidated sands
>55% > 10,000 cP
>80% < 1000 m deep
90% is onshore (?)

Probably >70% in beds
>10 m thick (potential
thermal recovery)
Thin beds ? CHOPS?
Oil sand slopes - Alberta
16_Shell_Sequencing Technologies MBDCI
70 m of Athabasca Oilsands,
= 30%, So = 0.8, > 1,000,000 cP
North of Fort McMurray, Alta
MBDCI
The Old Technologies

Steam drive, steam flood
RF 15-40%, high thermal costs SOR > 3
Cyclic steam stimulation
RF 15-40%, SOR 2.0 to 3.5
Conventional vertical or horizontal wells,
waterfloods
Only for < 5000 cP, low RF, <15%
Solvents, biological methods, polymers
These usually fail: mobility ratio problems
MBDCI
Old Technology Problems

High heat losses in thermal techniques
Conductive heat losses to surrounding strata
A lot of heat left behind in the reservoir rock
Losses in conversion (e.g. electrical heating)
Difficult instability problems

- Gravity instabilities (WAG, steam rise)

p, - Advective instability (coning, fingering)
- Capillary instabilities (isolated ganglia, S )

or
These all act to reduce RF and increase

unit production costs
MBDCI
Sequencing Technologies to
Increase RF
MBDCI
The Concept
Plan in advance to use appropriate
technologies together or sequenced, to:
Achieve synergism with complementary
technologies used together
Take advantage of physical changes in the
reservoir (, , , k) to increase
subsequent technologies in a planned sequence

Find ways of using the heat left behind from
a steam injection process

To do this rationally, geology and
technologies must be well-understood
16_Shell_Sequencing Technologies MBDCI
The Geological Model

MBDCI
Geology - Technology
The screening process is vital
A good 3-D geological model is necessary
A clear view of the technologies and the best
conditions for them is necessary

A commitment to monitoring is beneficial
Screening criteria may change with

sequencing of technologies
Example: CSS is limited to h > ~12m if intact.
If already conditioned (high k, ), this limit
may drop to as low as 8-9 m!

MBDCI
Lets look at some possibilities

MBDCI
Fast SAGD (SAGD + HCS)
Single horizontal well

Initial SAGD chamber operated as a CSS well,
after SAGD pair is mature
breakthrough
countercurrent countercurrent
flow flow
steam + oil
+water + CH4
Startup 2-3 years
after SAGD begins
liquid
level 15-30 m
oil and water
Lateral symmetry 50-75 m
SPE #65509
MBDCI
The SAGD Phase

When communication is established
Either reperforate and use CHOPS wells as
inert gas injectors for 2-well SAGD, or
Use same perfs and do single well SAGD
Now, SAGD processes will be accelerated

Lower heat losses (speed)

More rapid fluid flow
Lower overall SOR needs

MBDCI
Fast SAGD Lateral Extensions

Gas injection Gas injection
Second phase First two adjacent HCS zones Second phase

HCS well HCS well
SAGD zone
H
L2 = ? L1 = 3 3.5 H H > 15 m seems best
The Fast SAGD process is stepped out laterally, for at least two stages (L1, L2)
The value of L1 appears to be optimum at about 3-4H, it is less clear for L2
There may be value in slow inert gas injection at the crest of the HCS region
This may reduce vertical heat losses and provide another process control factor
MBDCI
Fast SAGD
This combination of two technologies will
Reduce well costs to about 60% of SAGD
Supposedly increase thermal efficiency by
25% or so (more rapid process, etc.)

Some physical effects include
HCS process fractures through shale barriers

T, shearing: higher porosity& perm.
And, there are additional variants

CHOPS first?
IGI or AI afterwards to scavenge heat?
MBDCI
Horizontal Well Cyclic Steam
Horizontal cyclic steam pad

Surface drilling
and well pad
Wells may be monobores, multi-

exits or multilaterals
Oblique view
Plan view
MBDCI
Pattern for HCS Very High
Maximum steam transmission

Block A distance on surface is ~500 m
Block A is steamed while Block B

~1 km
Drilling and is produced. Typically, steaming

production pad of the entire block will continue
for 12-20 weeks
Steam generation
and heat scavenging Then, the processes are
reversed: A is produced while B

~1 km
Drilling and is steamed

production pad
This is cycled (10-12 cycles?)
Block B 1.6-1.8 km
If a soak period is required
This pattern is repeated between cycles, production is
delayed accordingly (e.g. 15 d)
across the property
MBDCI
Wells and Pump Locations
Mother well
Production tubing
H
~0.85H
reservoir
Daughter wells
Production pump
The single vertical well may
have up to four daughter
wells (more is problematic)
MBDCI
Horizontal Well CS
Depending on the nature of the reservoir,
RF values should be in the range 30-45%
Are there improvements that could be
made in the process?
Better well lay-outs?
Pre-conditioning the reservoir with CHOPS?
Post HCS options?
Can we plan in advance for subsequent

technologies to improve RF?
MBDCI
Multilaterals and Pad HCS
~1 km
MBDCI
Multilaterals and HCS

It is technically feasible to drill
multilaterals from the mother wells
The tuning fork becomes a two-level
multilateral well
3 main wells plus multilateral drains from the
mother wells
However, the completions will have to be:

4th or 5th level junctions
Slotted liner production string
Would this approach be more economical?

MBDCI
After HCS??
h
~0.15h inj. prod. inj. prod. inj.
~3.5h A: SAGD after HCS

inert gas (or solvent) injection insulated zone from

and withdrawal wells inert gas injection
h
~0.15h inj. prod. inj. prod. inj.
~3.5h B: Post-HCS SAGD with IGI

MBDCI
Post-HCS Inert Gas Injection
Inert gas injection wells Mature HCS Pad

MBDCI
HCS Followed by IGI
Plan view
After HCS (RF ~ 35%), IGI is

implemented to displace the hot
oil to the horizontal wells. Extra
thermal cycles are possible as
well, or steam may be injected
into the vertical wells cyclically
with a non-condensing gas
vertical
IGI wells
gas
Section view
HCS wells 70-100 m oil production

MBDCI
HCS Followed by IGI

The IGI phase displaces the hot fluids
toward the horizontal wells
This should give 5-8% additional RF
In fact, the vertical wells could be steam
injectors in a modified SAGD approach
However, there are issues

The vertical wells may be susceptible to
shearing because of high shear stress
concentrations
Other difficulties?
MBDCI
Donald Rumsfeld - 2005

What you know is no problem
What you know you dont know you can
plan for
What you dont know you dont know will
surprise you
In a sense, the same applies here

Be vigilant, watching for things that you
didnt know you didnt know
MBDCI
Reservoir Changes May Help

CHOPS generates massive disturbance
Porosity and reservoir permeability increased
Compressibility increased greatly
Massive loss of horizontal stress (low P )

F
Breaching of shale barriers

These are good changes for T processes

More rapid reservoir contact
Better conformance (lowered )
h
Better recompaction drive

Better vertical permeability
MBDCI
HCS + CHOPS SAGD?
Sequence: CHOPS, then HCS, then conversion to SAGD using vert/horz wells combination
steam injection
Rapid spreading Converted
occurs when hot zones CHOPS wells
touch disturbed zones
yielded
zone
Converted
HCS wells
MBDCI
HCS + CHOPS, then SAGD?

HCS creates massive formation disturbance
So does CHOPS (and no thermal costs)
The reservoir properties are enhanced
Higher permeability, especially kw
Shales broken up, excellent k
v
Higher compressibility and porosity as well
Once RF is ~10-20%, convert to SAGD

High flux rates because of good properties
Much reservoir heat from HCS is conserved
Lower well costs, higher R

F
MBDCI
CHOPS First, Then HCS SAGD

Because of the disturbance of CHOPS,
the reservoir is helped for HCS
Drill all wells before to avoid LC during
later drilling
Do a CHOPS phase first if the reservoir
permits this technology

Then, start HCS
When communication established
CHOPS wells are steam HCS SAGD
MBDCI
Passive SAGD + CHOPS??
Combining passive SAGD wells with CHOPS wells and steam injection
into a central steam trunk well may be a cheaper and useful idea
1600 m steam well
oil+
CHOPS wells
800 m
ls
el
w
ve
si
s
pa
D
G
SA
MBDCI
Combined SAGD and CHOPS?
Proposed Layout
CHOPS wells
SAGD wells
MBDCI
Combined SAGD and CHOPS
Cross-Sectional View
1000 m
CHOPS
wells
SAGD well
water zone
MBDCI
Stage 1: CHOPS and SAGD
Stage 1: Before
linkage among wells
CHOPS wells
yielded zone
SAGD wells
MBDCI
CHOPS First, Then SAGD

CHOPS conditions the reservoir through
the removal of sand
Increases in k, , Cc
The stresses also change
Lateral stress drops throughout the zone

Above and below, increases

h
These changes should be good

Faster thermal contact (lower losses)
Higher drainage rate
Shales are breached (at least locally)

MBDCI
Stage 2: Full SAGD
Stage 2: Chamber CHOPS wells used

growth continues Steam, CH4... for injection, moni-
toring, p-control ...
reperforated zones
SAGD wells
MBDCI
The SAGD Phase

When communication is established
Either reperforate and use CHOPS wells as
inert gas injectors for 2-well SAGD, or
Use same perfs and do single well SAGD
Now, SAGD processes will be accelerated

Lower heat losses (speed)

More rapid fluid flow
Lower overall SOR needs

MBDCI
HCS + CHOPS, then SAGD?

HCS creates massive formation disturbance
So does CHOPS (and no thermal costs)
The reservoir properties are enhanced
Higher permeability, especially kw
Shales broken up, excellent k
v
Higher compressibility and porosity as well
Once RF is ~40%, convert to SAGD

High flux rates because of good properties
Much reservoir heat from HCS is conserved
Lower well costs, higher R

F
MBDCI
Sequenced HCS and SAGD

A B C D
3.5-4.5h
double or single HW
Sequence from A to D:
A: Early cycle HCS, shales being
HCS phase
broken by thermal shearing,
v expansion, high-p fracturing
B: Late cycles HCS, steam
pressure - p
SAGD phase conformance is fairly good, oil

po rates/cycle just start to decline
A B C D C: Early SAGD, chamber walls being
smoothed out by gravity flow
time
D: Late SAGD, chamber fully
Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 mature, oil flows easily through
fractured shales
MBDCI
HCS SAGD?
HCS is highly aggressive: the high-p
injection phase breaks up shales, etc.
Also, a great deal of thermal shearing
Conversion to SAGD is now interesting
The heat transfer rate should be faster
Barriers to vertical flow have been breached
The horizontal wells are already in place
Single-well SAGD (SW-SAGD) may be easier
to control because of improved properties

HCS R ~ 35-40% SAGD R ~70-75%
F F
MBDCI
CHOPS CSS Steam Drive

Inert Gas Injection
MBDCI
The CHOPS Phase
Produce until cumulative

PHASE A sand = ~1000 m3/well (?)
CHOPS wells
Altered zone:
channels, dilation
Progressing
cavity pump
Note: ~ 10 vertical exaggeration

MBDCI
Phase A: The CHOPS Phase

Wells are completed as thermal wells for
later conversion to steam injection
Spacing predicated by steam flood needs
Perforations low in the zone (note: there
must be no free water)
Do CHOPS aggressively, even if the sand

cuts are very high, in order to:
Generate k, , C enhanced zones
How much CHOPS? Depends on ++
MBDCI
The CSS Phase
production steam
PHASE B Conversion
to CSS wells
Altered zone of
high permeability
Note: ~ 5 vertical exaggeration

MBDCI
Phase B: The CSS Stage

Now, there are massive changes:
, , k, Cc
These are generally favorable for:
More rapid heating (lower conductive losses)
More rapid production
Less fingering, bypassing
Hence, CSS will likely be far more rapid

Rapidity means savings, lower SOR & losses
The same wells can be used, tubing changed,
different lifting for a CSS completion

MBDCI
Megarow CSS is Also an Option

Sectional
view
-z +z -z
Pr
od
+V
uc
-V -V
tio
nro
Inj
w
compaction heave compaction
ec
ti o
nr
Alternate megarow steaming

ow
Pr
helps develop recompaction

od
and also contributes some

uc
tio
line drive component to the

n
cyclic steam injection process

ro
w
MBDCI
The Steam Drive Phase
Sectional
view
Pr
od
uc
ti on
Ste
owr
am
Air
inj
rho
ec
Now, the CSS is converted

ot
ti
on
w
to a line steam drive. This is

ate
continued until SOR values

r in
become too high.

MBDCI
Phase C: Steam Drive

Once CSS clearly leads to wells that are
in thermal communication, high perm
Convert to a steam drive pattern
Possible alternating direction steam drive if
this proves better (i.e. Megarow CSS variant)

As in the case of CSS, the higher
permeabilities and compressibilities will

help speed up the process, compared to a
virgin reservoir
Hot water back flush? Other options
MBDCI
The Inert Gas Injection Phase
oil production
CSS wells, converted
inert gas injection to IGI wells with both
injection & production
gas displacement
oil displacement
blocked perfs hot oil

packer zone
CSS wells
Note: Vertical wells only!
MBDCI
Phase D: IGI
Now, the RF is approaching 50-60% and
the SOR values are rising
But, the reservoir is all hot!
And, the viscosity is low!
So, implement IGI
Gas rises to the top, displaces the oil

downward gravitationally
Takes advantage of altered properties plus
the heat in place

Maybe even CO miscible could be used here
2
MBDCI
Can In Situ Combustion work after

disturbance + another thermal process ?
MBDCI
Phase D Alternative: Air Injection

Air, O2, even hot air + some steam?
In vertical well technologies, use a pattern
After CHOPS, air injection into the wells that
have produced the most sand is advised
In CSS, similar, but which wells to use?
In horizontal well technologies

Likely, air injection will have to be achieved
through added cheap vertical wells
However, many variations will be of interest
Example, toe injection after HCS

MBDCI
Post-HCS Air Injection
Mature HCS Pad

Air injection rows, post-HCS
However, we must have enough fuel in situ!

MBDCI
Other Sequenced Technologies

CHOPS followed by CSS + solvent cycles
CHOPS, then HCS, then IGI
CSS followed by IGI or combustion
CSS followed by steam drive + solvent
HCS followed by gravity drainage
Inert gas or condensable vapor injection

Slow steam injection in vertical wells
HCS followed by inert gas injection

Other ideas?
MBDCI
CHOPS CSS IGI

CHOPS conditions the reservoir
Then, CSS can proceed more effectively
Better conformance, higher k, lower heat
losses
This should allow CSS use in 8-12 m zones
Now the reservoir is hot!

Inert gas injection to increase RF

Thus sequenced cycle should give much
better recovery factors
High k, warm reservoir, + gravity effects
MBDCI
Coal Gasification + CO2 Capture
Oxygen Surface Stockpiles, Industrial Use, or Injection
Geological Sequestration
Slurry
Sulphur CO2 Combined
Gasifier Cycle Plant
H2 Electricity
Sour Acid Gas
Low cost Shift Removal Steam
feedstocks
Coal
Heavy Gas Steam
Coke Turbine Turbine
Resid
Electricity
Biomass Fuel Cells
Slag Heat
Deep Geological Injection

This cycle has high potential for commercial production of clean
power with near zero emissions within the next 10 to 15 years
Modified from Eddy Isaacs, AERI - 2003
MBDCI
Clean Coal and Heavy Oil

Coal combustion produces power and heat
Heat can be scavenged for thermal
processes (SAGD, CSS, HCS)
Hydrogen is also produced
For hydrogenation of heavy oil
For other uses
CO2 is captured
Miscible flooding as an aid to production
Sequestration ($15/tonne credit for CO ?)
2
A natural match for heavy oil!
MBDCI
Role of Other Technologies?

Chemical/polymer flooding has a role, only
in lower viscosity heavy oil (<500 cP ?)
Micellar methods too expensive
Alkali surfactant polymer has promise
Best in thin homogeneous zones

Steam flooding and steam line drive may

be highly appropriate in some conditions
If a primary cold production phase is
possible, it is usually best to do it because
OPEX is very low, compared to steam
MBDCI
Improving Steam Flooding

First, use some basal horizontal wells and
intermingled vertical wells
Second, if possible, use an initial phase of
CHOPS to disturb the reservoir
Third, in the horizontal wells, use a phase
of HCS until there is clear communication

between injection and production wells
Finally, implement steam flood after the
HCS phase, using verticals as injectors
MBDCI
Conclusions
New horizons have been opened recently:
Better understanding and monitoring
Horizontal well use, reservoir changes
High p technologies may be revitalized in

some new well configurations
Technology sequencing is very interesting

For example, there are thousands of inactive
CHOPS wells in zones 4-15 m thick in Canada
Post-CHOPS CSS, or air injection?
Keeping an open mind is vital

16 Sequencing Technologies

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MBDCI

The Ultimate Goal

Plan ahead for subsequent extraction phases

Exploit changes in the reservoir

Reduce thermal energy costs

~60% of worlds oil > 10,000 cP in place

World Oil Endowment

Conventional Oil Heavy Oil

Where is the Heavy Oil Found?

90% is onshore (?)

The Old Technologies

Old Technology Problems

Losses in conversion (e.g. electrical heating)

Difficult instability problems

- Gravity instabilities (WAG, steam rise)

- Capillary instabilities (isolated ganglia, S )

These all act to reduce RF and increase

subsequent technologies in a planned sequence

a steam injection process

The Geological Model

conditions for them is necessary

Screening criteria may change with

may drop to as low as 8-9 m!

Lets look at some possibilities

Fast SAGD (SAGD + HCS)

Single horizontal well

Lateral symmetry 50-75 m

The SAGD Phase

Now, SAGD processes will be accelerated

Lower heat losses (speed)

Lower overall SOR needs

Fast SAGD Lateral Extensions

Second phase First two adjacent HCS zones Second phase

L2 = ? L1 = 3 3.5 H H > 15 m seems best

25% or so (more rapid process, etc.)

HCS process fractures through shale barriers

And, there are additional variants

Horizontal Well Cyclic Steam

Horizontal cyclic steam pad

Wells may be monobores, multi-

Pattern for HCS Very High

Maximum steam transmission

Block A is steamed while Block B

Drilling and is produced. Typically, steaming

reversed: A is produced while B

Drilling and is steamed

Wells and Pump Locations

Pre-conditioning the reservoir with CHOPS?

Post HCS options?

Can we plan in advance for subsequent

Multilaterals and Pad HCS

Multilaterals and HCS

However, the completions will have to be:

Would this approach be more economical?

~3.5h A: SAGD after HCS

inert gas (or solvent) injection insulated zone from

~3.5h B: Post-HCS SAGD with IGI

Post-HCS Inert Gas Injection

Inert gas injection wells Mature HCS Pad

HCS Followed by IGI

After HCS (RF ~ 35%), IGI is

HCS wells 70-100 m oil production

HCS Followed by IGI

However, there are issues