SAGD laboratory experimental and numerical simulation studies: A review of current status and future issues

This paper focuses mainly on laboratory and numerical simulation studies, not field experiences. The attempt is to draw a picture of the developments on the physics and technical aspects of the process and its future needs. Specific attention, was given to (a) the effect of geological environment on the physics of the process, (b) evaluation of the laboratory scale procedure and results, (c) problems faced in numerical modelling (capturing the physics of the process, relative permeability curves, dynamics of gravity controlled counter-current flow), and (d) operational and technical challenges.