Cyclic steam injection: Guadalupe Field, California

A case history is presented of cyclic steam injection, the related problems, and how they were solved. There are 4 basic approaches to the solution of a casing failure problem for wells which are to be subjected to cyclic elevated temperature. These are as follows: (1) permit free expansion of the casing to avoid compressive stresses; (2) prestress the casing string in tension to reduce compressive loads when expansion occurs; (3) select casing grade of sufficient strength to withstand stresses from the anticipated temperatures; and (4) limit the maximum temperature to which the casing is subjected to maintain stresses below the yield strength for the particular grade of casing used. The average initial primary production rate per well in Guadalupe field is 45 to 50 bopd. The average initial production rate after first cycle steaming is 250 bopd and the average first cycle oil recovery is 30,000 to 33,000 bbl. The production decline rate per steam cycle varies, but averages between 10 to 12% per yr. Most of the wells are steamed once every 11 to 12 months.