Using Inflow Control Devices (ICD) in SAGD Recovery of Heterogeneous Athabasca MCMurray Oil Sands

Summary In the pilot study, a new geomodeling technology is presented for developing 3D heterogonous geomodels for Athabasca McMurray (MCMR) oil sands. The geomodels were used to simulate SAGD thermal recovery. Both conventional SAGD completions and SAGD with ICD completions were tested. The simulation results show that for a heterogeneous Athabasca McMurray oil sand reservoir, the ICD completion technology enhances oil production and reduces steam consumption. As a result, the economics of SAGD recovery from the heterogeneous sands is improved.