... stage, often called a pulsation study, would have almost certainly resulted in a design that was free of serious or significant problems. Modeling at the design stage reduces the risk of post startup, show-stopping problems, helps to ensure efficient operation, and contributes to reduced maintenance...

.... The resulting simulator has been applied to simulate circulating startup in SAGD processes with steam trap control. The model calculated horizontal wellbore pressure losses compare very favourably with a process simulator. The simulator SAGD oil rates for 2D cases with steam trap control match published results...