The effect of conductive fracture on the performance of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)

Abstract

Conductive fractures as a reservoir heterogeneity can impact on steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) mechanism. Numerical simulation of Athabasca field scale SAGD with and without vertical, horizontal, and oriented fractures and sensitivity analyses of fracture properties is conducted. Contrary to previous studies that explain change of oil recovery of conductive fractured reservoirs due to change in steam chamber expansion, we explained it as result of change in steam chamber expansion and fluid transfer pattern. Furthermore, we found, depending on location of fractures; three types of fractures can enhance or reduce oil production rate, but do not have influence on ultimate oil recovery.