SCIHOW: Serial Cavity Completions in Horizontal Heavy Oil Wells

  • Cavity Completions are controlled extraction of several hundred cubic meters of near wellbore sand resulting in oil inflow 4 to 6 times greater than theory predicts, and increases recovery more than 5 fold over sand exclusion completions.
  • Controlled sand extraction is accomplished by a Fit-for-Purpose perforation and sand extraction equipment design.
  • Performed at Maximum Drawdown sand extraction rapidly diminishes to less than 1% for the life of the well.
  • Total sand volume extracted is less than 2% of the volume of reservoir sand in the drained area.
  • Sand extraction need only be conducted every 100 meters from Toe to Heel for a horizontal well to experience up to 80% OOIP recovery.