Enhancement of In-Situ Combustion by Steam Stimulation of Production Wells

Summary Steam stimulation of individual wells was used to improve the performance of an in-situ combustion project operated by BP Resources Canada Ltd. in the Cold Lake oil-sand deposits of northeastern Alberta. In addition, steam was used to protect production wells that were threatened by the combustion front or had experienced oxygen breakthrough. The effectiveness of these steam uses varied. This paper describes the strategy developed for the use of steam injection and case histories and draws conclusions on how to use steam injection for maximum effect.