Review of Phase A Steam-Assisted Gravity-Drainage Test

This paper presents a case history of the Phase A steam-assisted gravity-drainage (SAGD) test conducted by the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) at its underground test facility (UTF). Reservoir description, the recovery process, design of wells and other critical hardware, production operations history, and performance analysis are discussed. Phase A demonstrated a commercially viable combination of recovery, production rate, and steam/oil ratio (SOR). Completions design and production engineering progressed significantly. Phase B scale up considerations and commercial economic projections also are discussed.