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There are only a few related studies focused on the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) dilation start-up technology (termed as dilation start-up in this paper), especially with true triaxial stress physical modelling experiments in the laboratory. Therefore, in order to better understand the dilation start-up process, four large-scale (1050 mm × 410 mm × 410 mm) true triaxial experiments of SAGD start-up with dual horizontal wells were conducted for the first time by using the oil sands from the Xinjiang oilfield, northwest China. The dilation process characterized by temperature changes at different positions inside the experimental samples was monitored in real time. The performance differences between dilation start-up and conventional start-up were discussed in detail, and the effects of dilation pressure and dilation time on the dilation process were also studied. The experimental results indicate that dilation start-up can significantly reduce the well communication time between injector and producer, and enhance the range of dilation zone and improve the uniformity of dilation zone along the horizontal wellbores. Moreover, we find that dilation pressure is an essential factor influencing the dilation effect. The average communication parameter increases by 5% if dilation pressure increases by 10% whereas the standard deviation of communication parameter decreases. The evolution of dilation zone with time shows that long-time dilation prompts the uniform propagation of dilation zone along the horizontal wellbores. This study provides guidance for the optimization of SAGD dilation start-up in shallow heavy oil reservoirs. • Four large-scale true triaxial experiments of SAGD start-up with dual horizontal wells were conducted. • Dilation process characterized by temperature changes inside the samples was monitored in real time. • Effects of dilation pressure and dilation time on the SAGD dilation start-up were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) methods have been widely applied in oil-sands exploitation globally. SAGD processes are effective only after thermal and hydraulic communication between the injector and producer has been established during the start-up operation of the well pair. The geomechanical SAGD dilation startup has been considered a promising technology that can enhance permeabilities of heavy-oil reservoirs and reduce thermal conformance time. However, limited studies have focused on the practical operational procedures of geomechanical SAGD dilation startup. This paper presents the application of SAGD dilation startup technology in a shallow super heavy-oil reservoir in the Karamay oil field, China. The general reservoir geology and geomechanical characteristics were investigated and used to propose a practical approach to determine dilation initiation pressure. We also summarize the SAGD well completions and geomechanical SAGD dilation startup procedures. A case study using a real SAGD well is presented and analyzed. We then share the field operation procedures and results after dilation startup. The objective of the research was to reduce the steam circulation time and achieve uniform thermal conformance along the SAGD well. Our field results highlight the promising potential of using water injection to create a dilated zone and dramatically enhance reservoir permeability. The performance of SAGD dilation startup in the Karamay oil field is evaluated by comparing the cumulative oil production rate with those from SAGD wells using conventional startup. • The geomechanical properties of Karamay heavy oil reservoirs are characterized. • A practical approach to determine dilation initiation pressure for SAGD startup is proposed. • A field case study of geomechanical SAGD dilation startup is presented and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]