CA2947727A1 - Processes for effecting interwell communication during hydrocarbon production - Google Patents
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- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 title claims abstract description 139
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 137
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- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000010796 Steam-assisted gravity drainage Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 8
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- Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)
Abstract
There is provided a hydrocarbon production process comprising producing hydrocarbon material with a well pair within a reservoir, wherein the producing includes injecting a production-initiating fluid via an injection well of the well pair into a communication zone such that hydrocarbon material is mobilized and conducted to a production well of the well pair, and producing the mobilized hydrocarbon, that has been received by the production well, via the production well; suspending the production of the hydrocarbon material; and after the suspension of the production, injecting fluid communication-initiating fluid, via the production well, into an interwell region disposed between the injection well and the production well.
Description
PROCESSES FOR EFFECTING INTERWELL COMMUNICATION
DURING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to improvements in production of hydrocarbon-comprising material from hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.
BACKGROUND
DURING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to improvements in production of hydrocarbon-comprising material from hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Thermal enhanced oil recovery methods are used to recover bitumen and heavy oil from hydrocarbon reservoirs. The most dominant of these methods is steam-assisted gravity drainge ("SAGD"). However, SAGD operations often suffer from poor well conformance. As well, from time to time, maintenance operations must be conducted, requiring suspension of SAGD, and, in at least some instances, well conformance deteriorates during this period of non-operation.
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, there is provided a hydrocarbon production process comprising, producing hydrocarbon material with a well pair within a reservoir, wherein the producing includes injecting a production-initiating fluid via an injection well of the well pair into a communication zone such that hydrocarbon material is mobilized and conducted to a production well of the well pair, and producing the mobilized hydrocarbon, that has been received by the production well, via the production well; suspending the production of the hydrocarbon material;
and after the suspension of the production, injecting fluid communication-initiating fluid, via the production well, into an interwell region disposed between the injection well and the production well.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
and after the suspension of the production, injecting fluid communication-initiating fluid, via the production well, into an interwell region disposed between the injection well and the production well.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:
[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system for implementing steam assisted gravity drainage ("SAGD") for producing hydrocarbon material from a reservoir;
[0006] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a steam chamber that has developed by operating a SAGD process using the system illustrated in Figure 1; and
[0007] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the system illustrated in Figure 1, with an injection string having been deployed within the production well for injecting fluid communication-initiating fluid into the interwell region.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] The present disclosure relates to use of a production-initiating fluid for effecting production of hydrocarbon material from a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir 10 disposed below the earth's surface 12.
[0009] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
[0010] "Hydrocarbon" is an organic compound consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon, and, in some instances, may also contain heteroatoms such as sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen.
[0011] "Hydrocarbon material" is material that consists of one or more hydrocarbons.
[0012] "Heavy hydrocarbon material" is material that consists of one or more heavy hydrocarbons. A heavy hydrocarbon is a hydrocarbon that, at conditions existing with the hydrocarbon-containing reservoir, has a an API gravity of less than 26 degrees and a viscosity of greater than 20,000 centipoise. An exemplary heavy hydrocarbon material is bitumen.
[0013] A well, or sections of a well, can be characterized as "vertical" or "horizontal" even though the actual axial orientation can vary from true vertical or true horizontal, and even though the axial path can tend to "corkscrew" or otherwise vary. The term "horizontal-, when used to describe a section of a wellbore, refers to a horizontal or highly deviated wellbore section as understood in the art, such as, for example, a wellbore section having a longitudinal axis that is between 70 and 110 degrees from vertical.
[0014] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a system 100 for carrying out a process for producing hydrocarbon material from a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir 102. In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon-containing reservoir includes an oil sands reservoir, and the hydrocarbon material includes heavy hydrocarbon material, such as bitumen.
[0015] The system 100 includes a well pair 101. The well pair 101 includes a pair of wells 104, 106. Each one of the wells 104, 106, independently, includes a respective horizontal section. The well 104 functions as an injection well and the well 106 functions as a production well. The injection well 104 injects production-initiating fluid to effect production of the hydrocarbon material via the production well 106.
[0016] A hydrocarbon production process may be implemented via the well pair 101, so long as fluid communication is effected between the wells 104, 106 via a communication zone 110 (i.e. fluid is conductible (for example, by flowing)) such that the injected production-initiating fluid effects mobilization of the hydrocarbon material within the reservoir, and the mobilized hydrocarbon material is conducted to the production well 106 via the communication zone 110 for production via the production well 106. The conduction of the hydrocarbon material to the production well 106 is effected in response to an applied driving force (for example, application of a fluid pressure differential, or gravity, or both). In some embodiments, for example, the production-initiating fluid functions as a drive fluid effecting conduction (or transport) of hydrocarbon material to the production well 106. In some embodiments, for example, the production-initiating fluid functions as a heat transfer fluid, supplying heat to the hydrocarbon material, such that viscosity of the hydrocarbon material is sufficiently reduced (in such state, the hydrocarbon material is said to be mobilized), such that the hydrocarbon material may be conducted to the production well 106 by a driving force, such as, for example, a pressure differential or gravity. In some embodiments, for example, the production-initiating fluid functions as both a drive fluid and a heating fluid. While the wells 104, 106 are disposed in fluid communication through the communication zone 110, production-initiating fluid is injected into the reservoir 102 such that the hydrocarbon material is conducted to the well 106, via the communication zone 110, and produced through the well 106. In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material that is received by the well 106 is produced via the well 106 by artificial lift. In some embodiments, for example, the producing of the hydrocarbon material via the production well 106 is effected while the production-initiating fluid is being injected by the injection well 104. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon production process is a continuous process.
[0017] In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon production process includes a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process that is implemented via the well pair 101. In such embodiments, the horizontal section of the well 104 is vertically spaced from the horizontal section of the well 106, such that the horizontal section of the well 104 is disposed above the horizontal section of the well 106, such as, for example, by at least three (3) metres, such as, for example, by at least five (5) metres. In some embodiments, for example, the production-initiating fluid includes steam. A production phase (i.e. when hydrocarbon material is being produced via the well 106) of the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process occurs after the communication zone 110 has been established. The establishing of the communication zone 110 includes at least the establishing of interwell communication, through the interwell region 108, between the wells 104, 106. "Interwell communication", in the context of a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, describes a condition of the reservoir which permits hydrocarbon material within the reservoir 102, mobilized by heat supplied from the injected production-initiating fluid that is injected via the injection well 104, to be conducted, by at least gravity drainage, to the production well 106. In this respect, the interwell communication is established when the injected production-initiating fluid is able to communicate heat to hydrocarbon material within the reservoir such that the hydrocarbon material is mobilized, and the mobilized hydrocarbon material is then conducted, by at least gravity, through the interwell region 108, to the production well 106.
[0018] With respect to thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production processes being implemented via the well pair 101, in some of these embodiments, for example, initially, the reservoir 102 has relatively low fluid mobility (such as, for example, due to the fact that the hydrocarbon material within the reservoir 102 is highly viscous) such that the communication zone 110 is not present. In order to enable the injected production-initiating fluid (being injected through the injection well 104) to promote the conduction of the reservoir hydrocarbons, within the reservoir 102, to the production well 106, the communication zone 110 must be established. This establishing of the communication zone 110 includes establishing interwell communication between the wells 104, 106 through the interwell region 108. By establishing the interwell communication, the conduction of the mobilized hydrocarbon material, through the interwell region 108, is enabled such that the mobilized hydrocarbon material is collected within the production well 106. The interwell communication may be established during a "start-up" phase of the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process. In some embodiments, for example, during the start-up phase, the interwell region 108 is heated. In some embodiments, for example, the heat is supplied to the interwell region 108 by circulating a start-up phase fluid (such as steam, or a fluid including steam) through one or both of the wells 104, 106. The heat that is supplied to the interwell region 108 heats the reservoir hydrocarbons within the interwell region 108, thereby reducing the viscosity of the reservoir hydrocarbons. Eventually, the interwell region 108 becomes heated to a temperature such that the hydrocarbon material is sufficiently mobile (i.e.
the hydrocarbon material has been "mobilized") for displacement to the production well 106 by at least gravity drainage. In this respect, eventually, sufficient hydrocarbon material becomes mobilized, such that this space (the interwell region 108), previously occupied by immobile, or substantially immobile, hydrocarbon material, is disposed to communicate fluid between the injection well 104 and the production well 106 in response to a driving force, such that at least hydrocarbon material is conductible through this space in response to the driving force.
Upon the interwell region becoming disposed to communicate fluid between the injection well 106 and the production well 106 in response to a driving force, such that at least hydrocarbon material is conductible through this space in response to the driving force, the interwell communication, between the wells 104, 106, is said to have become established. The development of this interwell communication signals completion of the start-up phase and conversion to a production phase.
the hydrocarbon material has been "mobilized") for displacement to the production well 106 by at least gravity drainage. In this respect, eventually, sufficient hydrocarbon material becomes mobilized, such that this space (the interwell region 108), previously occupied by immobile, or substantially immobile, hydrocarbon material, is disposed to communicate fluid between the injection well 104 and the production well 106 in response to a driving force, such that at least hydrocarbon material is conductible through this space in response to the driving force.
Upon the interwell region becoming disposed to communicate fluid between the injection well 106 and the production well 106 in response to a driving force, such that at least hydrocarbon material is conductible through this space in response to the driving force, the interwell communication, between the wells 104, 106, is said to have become established. The development of this interwell communication signals completion of the start-up phase and conversion to a production phase.
[0019]
During the production phase of a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, the communication zone 110 effects fluid communication between the production-initiating fluid, being injected through the injection well 104, with hydrocarbon material within the reservoir, such that the injected production-initiating fluid is conducted through the communication zone 110 and becomes disposed in heat transfer communication with hydrocarbon material within the reservoir such that the hydrocarbon material becomes heated. When sufficiently heated such that its viscosity becomes sufficiently reduced, the hydrocarbon material becomes mobilized, and, in this respect, the hydrocarbon material is able to be conducted, by at least gravity drainage (the conduction may also, for example, be promoted by a pressure differential that is established between the injected production initiating fluid and the production well 106, which may also, in some embodiments, be characterized as a "drive process" mechanism), through the communication zone 110, to the production well 106, and subsequently produced from the production well 106 by artificial lift, such as by a pump. During the production phase, while the production-initiating fluid is being injected into the communication zone 110 via the injection well 104, as the mobilized hydrocarbon material drains to the production well 106, space previously occupied by the hydrocarbon material within the reservoir becomes occupied by the injected production-initiating fluid, thereby exposing a fresh hydrocarbon material surface for receiving heat from the production-initiating fluid (typically, by conduction).
This repeated cycle of heating, mobilization, drainage, and establishment of heat transfer communication between the production-initiating fluid and a freshly exposed hydrocarbon material source results in the growth of the communication zone 110, with the freshly exposed hydrocarbon material being disposed along an edge of the communication zone 110.
Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, for example, the communication zone 110 includes a "vapour chamber". In some embodiments, for example, the vapour chamber may also be referred to as a "steam chamber".
In some embodiments, for example, the growth of the communication zone 110 is upwardly, laterally, or both, and, typically, extends above the horizontal section of the injection well 104.
During the production phase of a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, the communication zone 110 effects fluid communication between the production-initiating fluid, being injected through the injection well 104, with hydrocarbon material within the reservoir, such that the injected production-initiating fluid is conducted through the communication zone 110 and becomes disposed in heat transfer communication with hydrocarbon material within the reservoir such that the hydrocarbon material becomes heated. When sufficiently heated such that its viscosity becomes sufficiently reduced, the hydrocarbon material becomes mobilized, and, in this respect, the hydrocarbon material is able to be conducted, by at least gravity drainage (the conduction may also, for example, be promoted by a pressure differential that is established between the injected production initiating fluid and the production well 106, which may also, in some embodiments, be characterized as a "drive process" mechanism), through the communication zone 110, to the production well 106, and subsequently produced from the production well 106 by artificial lift, such as by a pump. During the production phase, while the production-initiating fluid is being injected into the communication zone 110 via the injection well 104, as the mobilized hydrocarbon material drains to the production well 106, space previously occupied by the hydrocarbon material within the reservoir becomes occupied by the injected production-initiating fluid, thereby exposing a fresh hydrocarbon material surface for receiving heat from the production-initiating fluid (typically, by conduction).
This repeated cycle of heating, mobilization, drainage, and establishment of heat transfer communication between the production-initiating fluid and a freshly exposed hydrocarbon material source results in the growth of the communication zone 110, with the freshly exposed hydrocarbon material being disposed along an edge of the communication zone 110.
Referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, for example, the communication zone 110 includes a "vapour chamber". In some embodiments, for example, the vapour chamber may also be referred to as a "steam chamber".
In some embodiments, for example, the growth of the communication zone 110 is upwardly, laterally, or both, and, typically, extends above the horizontal section of the injection well 104.
[0020]
In some embodiments, for example, where, in implementing the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, the production-initiating fluid includes steam, the process that is effecting this production is described as "steam-assisted gravity drainage" or "SAGD". In some embodiments, for example, the communication zone includes a vapour chamber, such as, for example, a "steam chamber". During SAGD, the conduction of the mobilized hydrocarbon material to the production well 106 is accompanied by condensed steam (i.e. water), whose condensation is effected by at least heat loss to the hydrocarbon material (which effects the mobilization of the hydrocarbon material).
In some embodiments, for example, where, in implementing the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, the production-initiating fluid includes steam, the process that is effecting this production is described as "steam-assisted gravity drainage" or "SAGD". In some embodiments, for example, the communication zone includes a vapour chamber, such as, for example, a "steam chamber". During SAGD, the conduction of the mobilized hydrocarbon material to the production well 106 is accompanied by condensed steam (i.e. water), whose condensation is effected by at least heat loss to the hydrocarbon material (which effects the mobilization of the hydrocarbon material).
[0021] As described above, in order for a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process (such as, for example, SAGD) to be operational, the production well 106 is disposed in fluid communication with hydrocarbon material that is being mobilized by the production-initiating fluid being injected by the injection well 104.
In some cases, however, the quality of such fluid communication may not be sufficiently uniform across all portions of the production well. In this respect, for some portions of the production well 106, there may be relatively more interference to fluid communication with mobilized hydrocarbon material than for other portions of the production well 106. A measure of the ability of a production well to uniformly produce mobilized hydrocarbon material across all portions of its horizontal section is known as "well conformance". Departure from well conformance compromises the efficiency of the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process. This may be manifested, for example, in the short-circuiting of the reservoir by the injected production-initiating fluid, and concomitant energy waste.
After having produced hydrocarbon material via the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, to mitigate poor well conformance, the producing may be suspended. In this respect, the suspending of the producing includes suspending of the injection of the production-initiating fluid, via the injection well 104, into the reservoir. After the suspension of the producing, a fluid communication-initiating fluid is injected, via the production well 106, into the interwell region 108. In some embodiments, for example, the suspension is effected in response to detection of a poor well conformance condition.
In some cases, however, the quality of such fluid communication may not be sufficiently uniform across all portions of the production well. In this respect, for some portions of the production well 106, there may be relatively more interference to fluid communication with mobilized hydrocarbon material than for other portions of the production well 106. A measure of the ability of a production well to uniformly produce mobilized hydrocarbon material across all portions of its horizontal section is known as "well conformance". Departure from well conformance compromises the efficiency of the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process. This may be manifested, for example, in the short-circuiting of the reservoir by the injected production-initiating fluid, and concomitant energy waste.
After having produced hydrocarbon material via the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process, to mitigate poor well conformance, the producing may be suspended. In this respect, the suspending of the producing includes suspending of the injection of the production-initiating fluid, via the injection well 104, into the reservoir. After the suspension of the producing, a fluid communication-initiating fluid is injected, via the production well 106, into the interwell region 108. In some embodiments, for example, the suspension is effected in response to detection of a poor well conformance condition.
[0022] As well, in some embodiments, for example, the suspension of the producing (including the suspension of the injection of the production-initiating fluid, via the injection well 104, into the reservoir) is effected to permit a maintenance operation within the injection well 104, the production well 106, or both of the injection well 104 and the production well 106. An exemplary maintenance operation is a work-over. In such cases, because there has been a suspension of the producing (such as, for example, a prolonged suspension, such as, for example, at least 30 days), the reservoir, including the interwell region 108, may have suffered a net heat loss, due to the fact that steam has not been being injected via the injection well 104, resulting in a reduction in temperature. In some embodiments, for example, this heat loss, with concomitant reduction in temperature, within the interwell region is such that the interwell communication becomes compromised or becomes disestablished (due to cooling of the hydrocarbon material within the interwell region, with concomitant reduction in viscosity of such hydrocarbon material). To this end, after the suspending of the producing in these circumstances, the injecting of fluid communication-initiating fluid, via the production well 106, into the interwell region 108 is effected for re-establishing the interwell communication.
[0023]
The fluid communication-initiating fluid is injected for effecting mobilization of hydrocarbon material, within the interwell region, that, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius. When the hydrocarbon material is disposed at this temperature, the hydrocarbon material interferes with flow of mobilized hydrocarbon material (such as, for example, mobilized hydrocarbon material that is draining within the interwell region 108 in response to at least gravity) to the production well 106. In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material, whose mobilization is effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is also disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius prior to the suspension of the production. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material, whose mobilization is effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius continuously from prior to the suspension of the production to up until after commencement of the injection of the fluid communication-injection fluid.
The fluid communication-initiating fluid is injected for effecting mobilization of hydrocarbon material, within the interwell region, that, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius. When the hydrocarbon material is disposed at this temperature, the hydrocarbon material interferes with flow of mobilized hydrocarbon material (such as, for example, mobilized hydrocarbon material that is draining within the interwell region 108 in response to at least gravity) to the production well 106. In some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material, whose mobilization is effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is also disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius prior to the suspension of the production. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the hydrocarbon material, whose mobilization is effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius continuously from prior to the suspension of the production to up until after commencement of the injection of the fluid communication-injection fluid.
[0024]
In some embodiments, for example, the fluid communication-initiating fluid includes steam.
In some embodiments, for example, the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that the pressure of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, that is injected into the interwell region 108, is insufficient to effect fracturing of the interwell region 108.
In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that mobilization of hydrocarbon material, within the interwell region, that, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius, is effected in the absence, or substantial absence, of fracturing effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
[0026] In some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the injection well 104 is shut-in such that the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid is diverted from the injection well 104 and into the interwell region 108.
[0027] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, an injection string 112 is deployed within the production well 106. The injection string 112 is configured for injecting the fluid communication-initiating fluid. In some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, and prior to resumption of the producing, the injection string 112 is removed from the production well 106.
[0028] After mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material by the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid, the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is suspended.
[0029] In some embodiments, for example, the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected only after mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material is such that well conformance exceeds the well conformance that existed when the producing was originally suspended.
[0030] In some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the production, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the effecting of a maintenance operation within at least one of the injection well 104 and the production well 106 is of a sufficient time duration such that interwell communication, between the injection well 104 and the production well 106, has become disestablished, and such that the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected only after the interwell communication has been re-established. In some of these embodiments, for example, the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected only after mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material is such that well conformance exceeds the well conformance that existed when the producing was originally suspended.
[0031]
After the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the producing is resumed (via the production well 106).
[0032]
In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present disclosure.
Although certain dimensions and materials are described for implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions and/or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present disclosure. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In some embodiments, for example, the fluid communication-initiating fluid includes steam.
In some embodiments, for example, the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that the pressure of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, that is injected into the interwell region 108, is insufficient to effect fracturing of the interwell region 108.
In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that mobilization of hydrocarbon material, within the interwell region, that, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius, is effected in the absence, or substantial absence, of fracturing effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
[0026] In some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the injection well 104 is shut-in such that the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid is diverted from the injection well 104 and into the interwell region 108.
[0027] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, an injection string 112 is deployed within the production well 106. The injection string 112 is configured for injecting the fluid communication-initiating fluid. In some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, and prior to resumption of the producing, the injection string 112 is removed from the production well 106.
[0028] After mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material by the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid, the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is suspended.
[0029] In some embodiments, for example, the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected only after mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material is such that well conformance exceeds the well conformance that existed when the producing was originally suspended.
[0030] In some embodiments, for example, after the suspension of the production, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the effecting of a maintenance operation within at least one of the injection well 104 and the production well 106 is of a sufficient time duration such that interwell communication, between the injection well 104 and the production well 106, has become disestablished, and such that the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected only after the interwell communication has been re-established. In some of these embodiments, for example, the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected only after mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material is such that well conformance exceeds the well conformance that existed when the producing was originally suspended.
[0031]
After the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the producing is resumed (via the production well 106).
[0032]
In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present disclosure.
Although certain dimensions and materials are described for implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions and/or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present disclosure. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Claims (21)
1. A hydrocarbon production process comprising:
producing hydrocarbon material with a well pair within a reservoir, wherein the producing includes injecting a production-initiating fluid via an injection well of the well pair into a communication zone such that hydrocarbon material is mobilized and conducted to a production well of the well pair, and producing the mobilized hydrocarbon, that has been received by the production well, via the production well;
suspending the production of the hydrocarbon material; and after the suspension of the production, injecting fluid communication-initiating fluid, via the production well, into an interwell region disposed between the injection well and the production well.
producing hydrocarbon material with a well pair within a reservoir, wherein the producing includes injecting a production-initiating fluid via an injection well of the well pair into a communication zone such that hydrocarbon material is mobilized and conducted to a production well of the well pair, and producing the mobilized hydrocarbon, that has been received by the production well, via the production well;
suspending the production of the hydrocarbon material; and after the suspension of the production, injecting fluid communication-initiating fluid, via the production well, into an interwell region disposed between the injection well and the production well.
2. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 1;
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that mobilization of hydrocarbon material is effected.
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that mobilization of hydrocarbon material is effected.
3. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 1 or 2;
wherein the suspension of the production is effected in response to detection of a poor well conformance condition, such that the process further comprises, prior to the suspension, detecting a poor well conformance condition.
wherein the suspension of the production is effected in response to detection of a poor well conformance condition, such that the process further comprises, prior to the suspension, detecting a poor well conformance condition.
4. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 3;
wherein the hydrocarbon material, whose mobilization is effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius prior to the suspension of the production.
wherein the hydrocarbon material, whose mobilization is effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius prior to the suspension of the production.
5. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
after the suspension of the production, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, effecting a maintenance operation within at least one of the injection well and the production well.
after the suspension of the production, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, effecting a maintenance operation within at least one of the injection well and the production well.
6. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 5;
wherein the suspension of the production is effected for a time duration of at least 30 days.
wherein the suspension of the production is effected for a time duration of at least 30 days.
7. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:
after mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material by the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid has been effected, suspending the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
after mobilization of at least a fraction of the static hydrocarbon material by the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid has been effected, suspending the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
8. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
after the suspension of the production, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, effecting a maintenance operation within at least one of the injection well and the production well such that interwell communication, between the injection well and the production well, is disestablished;
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected until at least the interwell communication has been re-established.
after the suspension of the production, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, effecting a maintenance operation within at least one of the injection well and the production well such that interwell communication, between the injection well and the production well, is disestablished;
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected until at least the interwell communication has been re-established.
9. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 8;
wherein the suspension of the production is effected for a time duration of at least 30 days.
wherein the suspension of the production is effected for a time duration of at least 30 days.
10. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 8 or 9, further comprising:
after the interwell communication has been re-established, suspending the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
after the interwell communication has been re-established, suspending the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
11. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 3 or 4;
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected until at least the well conformance condition has exceeded the poor well conformance condition.
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is effected until at least the well conformance condition has exceeded the poor well conformance condition.
12. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:
after the well conformance condition has exceeded the poor well conformance condition, suspending the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
after the well conformance condition has exceeded the poor well conformance condition, suspending the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
13. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 7, 10 or 12, further comprising:
after the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, resuming the production.
after the suspension of the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, resuming the production.
14. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13;
wherein, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the injection well is shut-in such that the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid is diverted from the injection well and into the interwell region.
wherein, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, the injection well is shut-in such that the injected fluid communication-initiating fluid is diverted from the injection well and into the interwell region.
15. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising:
after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, deploying an injection string into the production well, wherein the injection string is configured for injecting the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injecting of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, deploying an injection string into the production well, wherein the injection string is configured for injecting the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
16. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15;
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that mobilization of hydrocarbon material, within the interwell region, that, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius, is effected in the absence, or substantial absence, of fracturing effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
wherein the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid is such that mobilization of hydrocarbon material, within the interwell region, that, after the suspension of the producing, and prior to the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid, is disposed at a temperature of less than 90 degrees Celsius, is effected in the absence, or substantial absence, of fracturing effected by the injection of the fluid communication-initiating fluid.
17. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16;
wherein the producing of hydrocarbon material includes producing hydrocarbon material with a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process.
wherein the producing of hydrocarbon material includes producing hydrocarbon material with a thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process.
18. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in claim 17;
wherein the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process includes SAGD.
wherein the thermally-actuated gravity drainage-based hydrocarbon production process includes SAGD.
19. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18;
wherein the hydrocarbon material includes heavy hydrocarbon material.
wherein the hydrocarbon material includes heavy hydrocarbon material.
20. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19;
wherein the hydrocarbon material includes bitumen.
wherein the hydrocarbon material includes bitumen.
21. The hydrocarbon production process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20;
wherein the reservoir is an oil sands reservoir.
wherein the reservoir is an oil sands reservoir.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201562252069P | 2015-11-06 | 2015-11-06 | |
| US62/252,069 | 2015-11-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2947727A1 true CA2947727A1 (en) | 2017-05-06 |
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ID=58645977
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2947727A Pending CA2947727A1 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2016-11-04 | Processes for effecting interwell communication during hydrocarbon production |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2947727A1 (en) |
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2016
- 2016-11-04 CA CA2947727A patent/CA2947727A1/en active Pending
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