RPS in Canada
Heavy Oil and Bitumen
Given the magnitude of Western Canada’s heavy oil resources, Alberta has become a world centre of technology related to production techniques for heavy oil and bitumen. RPS involvement in this key area has included well design, artificial lift studies, production optimization, reservoir simulation and development planning peer reviews. Typical project examples include:
Assistance to a number of potential new entrants into the Alberta Oil Sands in understanding the subsurface risks; SOR/production forecasting issues; and the differences between SAGD and more traditional thermal operations.
Independent advisors on subsurface issues to Senior Management, Boards and Lenders for a major SAGD development in N.E. Alberta.
Well design and artificial lift studies for very shallow low pressure SAGD operations, including analysis of vapor handling options and the use of downhole shut-off tools for ESP servicing.
Multi-client study to assess Canadian SAGD well and field performance, and to estimate the range of likely recovery factors for currently producing fields.
