Optimization of the SAGP Process in L Oil-Sand Field with Response Surface Methodology

Abstract In this study SAGP (steam and gas push) technology was designed to improve the thermal recovery efficiency in L oil-sand field, where traditional steam flooding efficiency was unfavorable with high steam oil ratio and expensive operation cost. The optimization of SAGP process were performed with numerical simulation and response surface method "Box-Behnken", which could be done with acceptable accuracy by performing a limited number of runs, hence, reducing the engineering time and effort. With the simplified equation between the EOR and different SAGP parameters including Injection gas type, injection time, injection gas mol% and volume, operators could determine the best combination of all the factors according different conditions efficiently. This study provides critical insights for understanding the SAGP flooding mechanism and its effect on SAGD flooding effectiveness in the oil sand field, which also delivers a good reference for improving the development efficiency of oil sands with better economic benefits.