Blog
Opinions and thoughts from Dr. Kambiz Safinya.
ESP performance and reliability in heavy oil
SPE paper, "The Quest To Understand ESP Performance and Reliability at 220C Ambient and Beyond", presented at the 2009 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans discusses how new and improving high-temperature electric submersible pump (ESP) systems allow for more efficient production and reduced costs in heavy oil SAGD production.
Evaluation of high rate artificial lift in Oman's heavy oil fields
In the northern region of Oman, PDO operates a heavy oil field produced from naturally fractured carbonates. In order to increase and extend production, various thermal EOR methods combined with advances in artificial lift are being evaluated.
Geophysical monitoring of heavy oil
In our recent feature article, we discussed the use of geophysical monitoring in heavy oil with Bob Godfrey, Principal Geophysicist at the Schlumberger Heavy Oil Regional Technology Center in Calgary.
Modeling steam injection pressures during SAGD ramp-up
In our recent look at the importance of reservoir cap rock integrity we discussed a number of topics including new approaches to monitor and optimize high pressure steam injection in thermal heavy oil recovery that will produce optimal recovery while minimizing undesired effects associated with thermal expansion.
Polymer flooding in heavy oil environments
This SPE paper discusses a new approach to improve the performance of polymer flooding in heavy oil environments.
Mapping heavy oil behavior
The Schulich School of Engineering has launched a research program to map heavy oil characteristics.
Cap rock integrity and heat distribution during steam injection
This SPE article details how new cap rock and reservoir monitoring approaches combined with forward modeling can be used to manage thermal expansion and optimize steam injection.
Evaluating heavy oil performance with continuous monitoring
Downhole temperature monitoring combined with surveillance logging and 3D reservoir models enable improved heavy oil reservoir recovery while reducing fuel and water requirements. This article covers a number of heavy oil monitoring and logging technologies that can improve steam conformance, reduce steam oil ratio, and boost production.
Steam development areal surveillance
This article explores factors in designing and monitoring a steam flood in a mature heavy oil field in Oman.
4D Seismic Monitoring of Subsurface Fluid Flow
This article from the Canadian SEG provides a good overview of time lapsed seismic monitoring and it's applications in heavy oil or CO2 sequestration.
