Cyclic Steam Pilot in Gravity Drainage Reservoir

Abstract This paper describes the performance of a cyclic steam pilot project in a steeply dipping (40 degrees) heavy oil reservoir in the Sho-Vel-Tum Field in southern Oklahoma. Steam injection was initiated in 1986 and there have been nine cyclic steam stimulations on four new wells to date. The cyclic steam response shows a significant increase in oil production, as expected, relative to pre-stimulation production. The cyclic steam operation is quite unique because of its extremely high injection pressure (up to 1900 psi at the surface). In addition, incremental production from existing offset wells shows evidence of interwell communication of injected steam. Optimization of difficult field operating controls has a major impact on the cyclic steam performance in this reservoir. Techniques developed from the pilot experience may be extended to other areas where production is limited by problems inherent with high injection pressure, high downhole temperature, and excessive sand entry. Use of analytical and numerical models has provided insight in the salient aspect of cyclic steaming and aids in the evaluation of pilot performance.