Method for reducing startup time during a steam assisted gravity drainage process in parallel horizontal wells
US5215146A · kind A · utility
72Cited by
8References
9Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/305
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for reducing the time during which steam moves in a lateral direction between two parallel superimposed horizontal wells when utilizing a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) process. Foam is added while injecting steam into an upper horizontal well once steam breakthrough occurs in an interwell region. Foam enters the interwell region thereby causing an increased pressure gradient. This increased pressure gradient adds to the gravity force thereby providing a greater interstitial oil velocity which increases oil drainage between wells during startup.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.