First page Back Continue Last page Overview Graphics
Steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)
Steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD)
- Its defining characteristic are horizontal well pairs, one stacked on top of another
- Steam is injected into the higher of the two. The steam heats the bitumen to the point where it can flow to the lower well bore
- Vapex is a similar concept, but instead of using steam a solvent, such as propane or ethane, is used. Due to operational issues the concept has yet to be field tested.