Selection of optimal parameters of horizontal wells with SAGD technology based on numerical simulation

As the development of reserves of traditional oil takes place, an important component of the raw material base is the reserves of highly viscous oil and natural bitumen, one of the effective methods for the development of which is the SAGD technology. This paper is devoted to optimizing the length of the horizontal section of wells with the SAGD technology using numerical modeling for one of the fields of high-viscosity Caribbean oil and finding the analytical dependence of the technological characteristics of the method on the parameters of the wells. The solution of the tasks was carried out using a thermohydrodynamic simulator «CMG STARS» (Computer Modeling Group). The paper presents the results of calculations to determine the optimal rate of steam injection and the length of a horizontal wellbore at the SAGD, as well as the analytical dependence of the technological characteristics of the parameters of the well, which can be used for an initial assessment of the effectiveness of technology for specific geological and physical conditions in this area. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2019.