Production Performance Analysis and Application Instructions of the Well Trajectory Adjustment Technology in SAGD Process

As we grapple with the imminent depletion of conventional oil and gas resources, the focus is progressively shifting towards harnessing unconventional resources, characterized by their substantial reserves and exceptional developmental potential. This paper specifically addresses the application of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), a widely adopted technique for the exploitation of oil sands, pertinent to certain burial depth ranges. In the SAGD production process, the maintenance of uniformity at the steam-liquid interface is paramount, as it significantly impacts the conformance and productivity of a well pair. This is, however, a formidable challenge due to inherent reservoir heterogeneity and the stringent precision required in horizontal well drilling. In an endeavor to maximize the production capacity of a SAGD well pair, this study explores the implementation of well trajectory adjustment technology, piloted in the MRCP Phase I at the Mackay River Block. This involves a comprehensive analysis of the production performance, supported by a theoretical examination of the technology. The investigation recommends the adoption of SAGD injector re-drill technology to navigate reservoir conditions presenting mud lamination and a bottom transition zone. This innovative approach involves drilling a new horizontal injector above the original well pair, thus establishing a SAGD well pair positioned more optimally within the reservoir. In the wake of the elevation, a reduction in the steam-oil-ratio and pressure differential is evident, leading to the inference that mud lamination and the bottom transition zone cease to be limiting factors. This remarkable enhancement in performance validates the efficacy of injector re-drill technology in alleviating the adverse effects of reservoir heterogeneity, particularly in the lower vertical section. This paper’s findings offer valuable insights for the future application of well trajectory adjustment technology and the strategic deployment of SAGD well pairs, laying the groundwork for further exploration in the field of SAGD development.