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Horizontal drilling a heavy' topic

Journal Article · · AAPG Explorer; (United States)
OSTI ID:5437563
This paper reviews the use of horizontal drilling technology for the extraction and development of heavy oils from Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada. The paper reviews a number of heavy oil recovery projects going on in these areas although it concentrates on the Cold Lake and Athabasca oil sands. The results have shown production figures as much as 5 times the rate of vertical wells. In addition to productivity, there appears to be a reduced maintenance cost, not having to use progressive cavity pumps, large tubing, and production through a slotted liner which virtually eliminates sand intrusion. The paper goes on to briefly discuss the disadvantages of horizontal drilling, such as facies changes which limit the contact area of the well bore with the hydrocarbon bearing units.
OSTI ID:
5437563
Journal Information:
AAPG Explorer; (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Explorer; (United States) Vol. 13:2; ISSN AAPEE; ISSN 0195-2986
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English