Influence of temperature-viscosity behaviors of Karamay oil sand bitumen on the geomechanics in the SAGD process

Abstract Viscosity-temperature behavior is important for the thermal recovery of bitumen: firstly, it a criterion evaluating evolution mobility with temperature, which affects oil production; and secondly, determines role bitumen in geomechanics sand reservoir. To quantitatively evaluate effect temperature on dynamic viscosity, some experimental modeling investigations were conducted. The viscosity Karamay over range 20 ~ 350 °C was measured, viscosity-temperature simulated by modified three-parameter model using least square method. It found that drops sharply increase. SAGD process discussed terms reservoir deformation, fluid flow, heat transfer behaviors. behaviors at varying show significant differences drained, partially undrained geomechanical zones. structure’s bulk modulus, effective stress, volumetric strain drained zone are lower than those zone; while Peclet number opposite tendency. changes strain, mobility, due to phase change increase saturation. This study can provide field engineers guidance design proper scheme before its implementation, useful relation coupled thermal-flow-structure analyses.