Review of Phase A Steam-Assisted Gravity-Drainage Test

Summary This paper presents a case history of the Phase A steam-assisted gravity-drainage (SAGD) test conducted by the Alberta Oil Sands Technology & Research Authority (AOSTRA) at its underground test facility (UTF). Reservoir description, the recovery process, design of wells and other critical hardware, production operations history, and performance analysis are discussed. Phase A demonstrated a commercially viable combination of recovery, production rate, and steam/oil ratio (SOR). Completions design and production engineering progressed significantly. Phase B scaleup considerations and commercial economic projections also are discussed.