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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 573

Last Page: 573

Title: The Gulf/AOSTRA Surmont Project--South Athabasca Oil Sands Deposit, Alberta, Canada: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Keith S. Glenday, T. R. Lennox

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

In September 1979, Gulf Canada Resources Inc. and the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority entered into an agreement to determine the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of recovering bitumen from oil sands utilizing a system of horizontal wells and a steam recovery process. Two methods of access to the bitumen-bearing formation were to be considered: wells drilled from the surface and whipstocked to the horizontal, and wells drilled from tunnels located either above, within, or below the pay zone. It is believed that a horizontal well system is more cost effective, will have better recoveries, and have less environmental impact than a vertical well system.

The project site is located approximately 330 km (205 mi) northeast of Edmonton, Alberta, in the southern extent of the Athabasca oil sands deposit. The oil-bearing, Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation occurs at a depth of 275 m and ranges in thickness from 64 to 87 m. Gross oil pays range in thickness from 25 to 43 m. At this location, the McMurray Formation is interpreted as having been deposited in a fluvial environment grading upward into a coastal plain and shallow-marine environment.

Due to the complex nature of the in-situ recovery process, it is essential that the geology of the oil-bearing sands is accurately interpreted with respect to channel and permeability trends. Other geological problems associated with the recovery process involve water supply and disposal. Steam recovery systems require large quantities of boiler quality water; hence, a reliable supply of relatively inexpensive water must be in place prior to pilot start-up. Also, owing to the large amounts of water produced, adequate underground disposal must also be available.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists