Producer snorkel or injector toe-dip to accelerate communication between SAGD producer and injector

摘要

Methods and systems relating to steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) utilizing well pairs that are at least initially in fluid communication through drilled bores toward their toe ends. At least one of a horizontal injection well and horizontal production well of such a well pair includes a hooked length toward toe ends of each other connecting said injection well and said production well. The methods and systems improve SAGD oil production, reduce SAGD start-up time and costs, and improve overall SAGD performance.

主权项

1. A process for steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) hydrocarbon production, comprising:
installing a horizontal production well comprising a production tubing and a horizontal injection well comprising an injector tubing in a hydrocarbon reservoir, wherein at least one of said wells comprise a hooked length toward the other of said wells and thus fluidly connecting said horizontal injection well and said horizontal production well, wherein said hooked length is a solid wall blank liner with a flow control device for selectively blocking fluid communication between the production and injection wells through the hooked length; injecting steam into said injector tubing; and producing hydrocarbons from said production tubing.