Cenovus Energy Inc.
GAS-PHASE SOLVENT MANAGEMENT DURING PRODUCTION OF IN-SITU HYDROCARBONS

Abstract:

Methods for producing hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs are disclosed herein. The methods utilize a production well that comprises a plurality of fluid-inlet components are spaced apart to define a plurality of production-well fluid-inlet zones. The methods comprise injecting an injection fluid comprising a solvent into the reservoir, such that a drainage fluid comprising a liquid phase and a gas phase occupies one or more of the production-well fluid-inflow zones. The method further comprises producing a production fluid at a production-flow rate via a pump, and modulating the gas phase:liquid phase ratio of the production fluid by orchestrating variations in the pump speed and one or more of the plurality of fluid-inlet components to prioritize hydraulic communication with a subset of the plurality of production-well fluid-inlet zones.