This process is used to measure the permeability of the caprock shale to water under temperatures and to evaluate its sealing capacity during thermal stimulation of the oil sands reservoirs (CSS, SAGD, etc). Parameters delivered include: permeability at low and high temperatures as well as breakthrough temperatures and pressures. Representative in-situ stress/deformation conditions such as applied independent vertical and horizontal stresses and constrained horizontal deformation with constant vertical stress are applied. This is one of the unique capacities of BitCan's testing system, which other core analysis laboratories cannot offer.

To ensure caprock integrity, ERCB requires operators to propose the safe steaming pressures/temperatures. The above permeability measurements can be used as a part of the regulatory submission.