WECO expands Cold Lake heavy-oil production

From gas supplier to heavy-oil producer is the story of one independent operator active in north Alberta. Worldwide Energy Co. Ltd. (WECO) operates in the Cold Lake Area, about 150 miles east of Edmonton. In 1974, the company produced 831.5 mmcf of natural gas and no oil. By 1977, heavy-oil production was up to 77,000 bbl annually. Starting with shallow gas wells, and then a 6-well pilot project in 1975, the company continues to expand its thermal production and technology at Fort Kent. Two expansion phases and 31 additional producing wells followed the pilot. The company estimates its 1979 production will exceed 292,000 bbl of oil and 3 billion cu ft of gas. Over the next 20 yr, WECO expects to produce 85 million bbl of oil from leases that contain 313 million bbl of oil in place. Steam injection is used to reduce oil viscosity, allowing the heavy oil to be pumped to the surface. After a well has received a given quantity of steam, steaming is stopped and the well is allowed to soak for a short time before production resumes. The basic process involves heat treatment, quiet time, chemicals, and gravity.