Discussion of Steam Loss Prediction Methods in the Development of Oil Sand with SAGD Technique

SAGD technique is one of prospect method in situ to exploit oil sand in Alberta Canada that is the most important oil sand production area. This paper introduced the SAGD theory, production characterization in different stages and well pattern. The author analyzed the causes of steam loss in SAGD exploitation. Studied the principle of steam loss prediction and raise the classification standard of steam loss. Mud losses during the drilling of the horizontal sections of the wells, the mini troll pump test and “soaking” test with diesel in the horizontal section were tested in Athabasca L oil sand ore, analyzed the difference of the steam loss results between the above three predictions methods and actual production after regular operation. The method of mud losses during the drilling of the horizontal sections of the wells shows best match results between prediction and actual steam loss, whose cost of logging data is the lowest in these three methods. Finally, the paper discussed the possible reasons for the errors of the three methods.