Successful Deployment of Thermal Simulation Technology to Field Office

Summary We successfully deployed thermal simulation technology to a field office to enable the staff responsible for operating steamfloods to conduct on-site studies of their projects. The success was attributed to a number of factors, including (1) placement of a simulation expert in the field office, (2) formation of a thermal modeling focus group, (3) introduction of simulation software on PC's, (4) increased speed and memory of desktop PC's, and (5) designation of reservoir heat management as a key job responsibility for thermal engineers. Field engineers now routinely use this technology to evaluate investment decisions and development alternatives, manage steamflood reservoirs, and optimize project operations. Field engineers have carried out many simulation studies by use of the desktop technology. Examples include (1) optimizing slim-hole injector-injector spacing and injector-horizontal producer spacing in a dipping reservoir, (2) fine-tuning water and steam injection periods in a fieldwide application of the water-alternating-steam process, and (3) evaluating the economic potential of heavy oil, trough reservoirs. These studies have resulted in adding value to heavy oil assets by reducing operating costs or increasing reserves.