Conocophillips Company

Sergei A Filatyev

Thomas James Wheeler

Pradeep Ananth Govind

Thomas J Wheeler

Pradeep A Govind

Described herein are methods for accelerating the start-up in SAGD type processes wherein the volume between the injector and the producer is preheated utilizing open-holes drilled between wells. The recovery of hydrocarbons is also improved due to a viscous fluid drive in the open-holes during SAGD operations.

Accelerated interval communication using openholes

The present disclosure relates to a particularly effective well configuration that can be used for SAGD and other steam based oil recovery methods. Fishbone multilateral wells are combined with SAGD, effectively expanding steam coverage, but the fishbones are preheated to mitigate plugging problems, with e.g., resistive heating, EM heating or chemical heating.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Sergei A Filatyev