A Study of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Performance in The Presence of Non-Condensable Gases

The objective of this research is to discuss the applicability of carbon dioxide and steam injection methods to Batı Kozluca and similar heavy oil fields.  In order to reach this goal experiments and thermal numerical simulaton techniques were used.  Different horizontal and vertical well combinations, steam and carbon dioxide injection rates were used in order to create a database that can be used to evaluate pilot and field applications in such fields.  The experimental results showed that steam assisted gravity drainage systems show better performance compared to vertical and horizontal injection systems with steam and steam/carbon dioxide.  Steam/n-butane injection is not superior to steam/carbon dioxide injection.  Similar results were obtained in experiments where limestone core plugs were used.  The experiments were simulated using a thermal numerical simulator.

Related Publications

• 1.      Canbolat S., Akin S., and Kovscek A.R.: “A Study of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Performance in the Presence of Noncondensable Gases” SPE/DOE Improved Oil Recovery Symposium, 13-17 April 2002, Tulsa Oklohama,  U.S.A.
• 2.      Canbolat S., Akin S. and Kovscek A.R.: “Noncondensable Gas Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 45, 1-2, 83-96, 2004.
• 3. Canbolat S., Akin S.,and Kovscek A.R.: “Asphaltene Deposition during Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage: Effect of Non-Condensable Gases” Petrol. Sci. & Tech., 24, 69 – 92, 2006.