Steam foam diverters have been utilized to improve oil production in cyclic steaming applications since 1973. As reservoirs have aged and changed due to substantial oil production from both cyclic steaming and steam drive operations, the development of effective steam foam diversion treatment programs has become more complex.

This paper deals with the development of field application methods to optimize the effectiveness of cyclic steam foam diverters. Actual field results of the applications are described. Various foam diversion treatment methods are outline. Several steam foam diversion agents representing different types of chemical structures were utilized. The oil production responses are reported and the effects of changes in foam diverter type, quantity and method of application are correlated. The economic impact of various application methods, different materials and quantities are reported.

Keywords:
treatment method, enhanced recovery, upstream oil & gas, society of petroleum engineers, injection, oil production, steam-assisted gravity drainage, foam diverter, stimulation, diversion
Subjects:
Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Thermal methods
Copyright 1991, Society of Petroleum Engineers
You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.