Evaluation of Key Reservoir Drive Mechanisms in the Early Cycles of Steam Stimulation at Cold Lake

Abstract

Summary A history-matched, 2D, single-well numerical model was used to evaluate the contributions of four key drive mechanisms to early cyclic-steam-stimulation (CSS) oil recovery at Cold Lake, Alta. Formation compaction was found to be by far the dominant producing mechanism. Solution-gas drive was the most important of the remaining mechanisms. Fluid expansion had a relatively minor role. Gravity drainage accounted for little of the oil produced in the first two cycles, but increased in importance in subsequent cycles.