Abstract: A method, a system and a program storage device for predicting a property of a fluid, such as fluid production from a subterranean reservoir containing heavy oil entrained with gas is described. The method includes developing a baseline correlation of gas relative permeability krg versus gas saturation Sg. A capillary number dependent correlation is determined capturing the relationship between at least one of critical gas saturation Sgc and capillary number Nca and gas relative permeability krgro and capillary number Nca phased upon a plurality of depletion rates. Capillary numbers Nc are calculated for a plurality of cells in a reservoir model representative of the subterranean reservoir. The baseline correlation is then adjusted to comport with at least one of Sgc and krgro selected from the capillary number dependent correlation to produce a plurality of corresponding adjusted baseline, correlations.

Abstract: A method, a system and a program storage device for predicting a property of a fluid, such as fluid production from a subterranean reservoir containing heavy oil entrained with gas is described. The method includes developing a baseline correlation of gas relative permeability krg versus gas saturation Sg. A capillary number dependent correlation is determined capturing the relationship between at least one of critical gas saturation Sgc and capillary number Nca and gas relative permeability krgro and capillary number Nca phased upon a plurality of depletion rates. Capillary numbers Nc are calculated for a plurality of cells in a reservoir model representative of the subterranean reservoir. The baseline correlation is then adjusted to comport with at least one of Sgc and krgro selected from the capillary number dependent correlation to produce a plurality of corresponding adjusted baseline, correlations.

Abstract: A steam drive method for low permeability formations is described which utilizes a plurality of wellbores in an elongated pattern configuration. The wells initially undergo a cyclic steaming and production operation, wherein as each steaming cycle is initiated a fracture system is created having a heated zone surrounding each fracture. The cyclic steaming and production is repeated until thermal communication between vertical fracture planes is established, and oil recovery through the single well stimulation is significantly reduced. Thereafter, cyclic steaming is halted and new injection wells, centrally situated, are established and used to initiate a steam drive, wherein the heated zone around the fractures helps to reduce the viscosity of and mobilize the hydrocarbons not initially recovered during the cyclic steaming operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention for optimizing recovery of petroleum from a subterranean, petroleum containing formation by improving the efficiency of a steam drive through a linear heat reduction schedule and a partial shut-in of the producing well after steam breakthrough. The linear heat reduction schedule and the partial shut-in to compensate for steam override results in maximized discounted net oil recovery with optimal utilization of steam generation capacity.

Abstract: A production method for low permeability formations is disclosed. Short steam cycles followed by production of fluids to the surface from a single wellbore is described. The method may be practiced in sequential manner, thereby accessing multiple intervals of hydrogen containing formation. Reflashing of steam into the wellbore allows production of fluids to the surface without a pump in the wellbore.