Evaluation of rock/fracture interactions during steam injection through vertical hydraulic fractures

A. R. Kovscek*, R. M. Johnston, T. W. Patzek

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The design, results, and analysis of a steamdrive pilot in the South Belridge diatomite, Kem County, California, are reviewed. Pilot results demonstrate that steam can be injected across a 1,000-ft-tall diatomite column using hydraulically fractured wells and that significant oil is produced in response to steaming. A computationally simple numerical model is proposed and used to analyze reservoir heating and volumetric sweep by steam. Results from the analysis show that hydraulic fractures undergoing steam injection can be dynamic and asymmetrical.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)100-105
Number of pages6
JournalSPE Production and Facilities
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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