Data integration improves oil sands characterization

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how a multidisciplinary team integrates a variety of measured rock and fluid characteristics in order to interpret and map reservoir heterogeneities impacting SAGD operation. It also illustrates that data integration unavoidably leads to non-uniqueness of interpretation that requires evaluation of different geological concepts by active participation of many team members. A comprehensive integration of data is fundamental to achieve efficient development of a multibillion-dollar oil sands project. Nexen Inc. and OPTI Canada are joint-venture partners developing the $6.1-billion Long Lake Project in the Athabasca oil sands region of northern Alberta, 40 km southeast of Fort McMurray. The Long Lake Project will upgrade bitumen into a premium, sweet synthetic crude oil at a significant cost advantage over competitive technologies, by virtually eliminating the need for externally purchased natural gas. To upgrade the bitumen, the Long Lake Project will use a unique combination of established and proprietary technologies.