Case Studies

Case Histories:

C-FUSE: A client has a “super-heavy” oil reservoir that can go more than 50,000 cp at 50 ⁰C. Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) process has been used for its production. BitCan’s FUSE technology has been able to reduce steam use during the circulation time by nearly 70%. This significant success has emboldened the operator to see more improvements— further reduced steam use and improved initial production. One answer that is successfully proven in the field is to combine geomechanical dilation and chemical stimulation by injecting a cost-effective catalyst, i.e., a chemically-assisted FUSE process (C-FUSE) was born. A recent paper by BitCan provides more information on the subject (link to SPE 184981). As of December 2016, C-FUSE had been applied in 12 SAGD wells, all of which have performed to the expectations: further reduced steam circulation time and improved initial production rate. More profoundly, success of C-FUSE has proven a new paradigm for reservoir stimulation: first, geomechanics dilation creates a large reservoir contact volume and then, chemicals are injected to follow these contact areas to a large depth into and to target locations inside the reservoir. A combination of geomechanical and chemical stimulation means yields a great synergetic effect.

Staged FUSE: Steam first enters into the heel side of the horizontal section in a SAGD well completion. Thus, it is generally more difficult to achieve good thermal communication at the toe. This was one particular challenge a SAGD operator had encountered when BitCan met them. Therefore, BitCan conducted a staged FUSE process, similar to the concept of multi-staged hydraulic fracturing, in order to cause more dilation around the toe side of the SAGD wells. This staged FUSE process has been applied in 5 SAGD wells. All proved that a more uniform thermal conformance indeed resulted.

Diverted FUSE: Because of improper drilling practices and/or presence of linear geological features, a SAGD well pair was found, before the steam started, in communication at two isolated locations along the horizontal well length. BitCan set to temporarily block the localized communication spots first with a diverting agent. Then, the normal FUSE process was executed. After steam circulation was completed, the well was confirmed having 100% thermal conformance according to temperature monitoring along the producer.

MOP design for thermal stimulation: A client set out an ambitious plan to develop a shallow heavy oil reservoir. The caprock is a geologically young formation and has a thin thickness. Directly above is a regional aquifer that needs to be protected. After bidding, BitCan was selected for designing a balanced pressure for the steam injection. In 2 years, BitCan completed an integrated study program comprising of field tests, lab tests and simulations. This has been one part of BitCan’s total solution to reservoir containment integrity management. In addition to the MOP design, BitCan offers a continuous diagnosis and prognosis system.