Method for reducing startup time during a steam assisted gravity drainage process in parallel horizontal wells
A method to reduce startup time in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Process where parallel horizontal wells are utilized in a reservoir is described comprising: (a) circulating steam within upper and lower horizontal wells while maintaining a substantial pressure gradient between said wells which causes hot fluids to be forced from the upper well to said lower well; (b) continuing steam circulation until steam breaks through from the upper to said lower well thereby making a steam breach zone between the wells; (c) directing a liquid into the upper well which liquid contains sufficient surfactant along with the steam which causes a foam to form in the steam breached zone so as to increase the pressure gradient there between; and (d) displacing hydrocarbonaceous fluids between the wells because of the pressure gradient increase which causes the formation of a complete steam chamber along said wells which reduces the startup time during a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage process.
- Assignee:
- Mobil Oil Corp., Fairfax, VA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5215146; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-752139
- OSTI ID:
- 6424253
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 29 Aug 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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