A simple analytical model is developed in this paper to predict the performance of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations. The oil drainage portion of the model is based on the work of Butler et al. (1981, 1998) to describe individual phases of SAGD operation. The steam consumption portion of the model builds on the work of various authors which include Reis (1992), Edmunds et al. (2007) and Miura et al. (2010), in which the various components of heat consumption within the reservoir are considered to determine steam injection requirements.

This model extends existing models presented in literature, and accurately parameterizes model inputs using lab measured data and field performance data (including 4D seismic). The model is validated with over 10 years of field performance data, which previously has not been possible over such a long time frame owing to the fact that SAGD is a relatively new technology.