Toe to Heel Air Injection

What is "Toe To Heel Air Injection"? Toe to Heel Air Injection ("THAI") is a relatively new ( and experimental method) that combines a vertical air injection well with a horizontal production well. The process ignites oil in the reservoir and creates a vertical wall of fire moving from the "toe" of the horizontal well toward the "heel", which burns the heavier oil components and drives the lighter components into the production well, where it is pumped out. In addition, the heat from the fire upgrades some of the heavy bitumen into lighter oil right in the formation. Historically fireflood projects have not worked out well because of difficulty in controlling the flame front and a propensity to set the producing wells on fire. However, some oil companies feel the THAI method will be more controllable and practical, and have the advantage of not requiring energy to create steam. Advocates of this method of extraction state that it uses less freshwater, produces 50% less greenhouse gases, and has a smaller footprint than other production techniques What are the Benefits of Toe To Heel Air Injection? The benefits of THAI are many, including the following: Higher recovery of original oil in place Up to 80% recovery of original oil-in-place Potentially applicable over a wider range of reservoirs including: low pressure, thinner, previously steamed, deeper, removal of gas over bitumen; or top and bottom water

Improved economics Lower capital cost only one horizontal well, minimal steam and water processing facilities Lower operating cost negligible natural gas, minimal steam generation and minimal water processing Potential for higher netbacks for partially upgraded product and less dilutent use

Faster project execution time

Lower environmental impact

Negligible use of fresh water. 50 % less Greenhouse Gas Emissions Smaller footprint on the surface and easier to reclaim the land