SAGD added CSS to make hybrid thermal scheme

Evolution or Revolution?

How do you rejuvenate a poorly performing CSS installation? Why not add an element of SAGD to make a hybrid thermal scheme? Is this a revolution or an evolution?

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One operator chose a variation to bitumen steam technology in a maturing reservoir. He added continuous injection similar to SAGD to his aging CSS project. SAGD turned CSS is rejigged with new injectors perpendicular to the producers. He hoped that injecting steam from the top down might improve production. We found this information using AppIntel AI.

He also includes an interesting discussion of why CSS efficiency drops over time. He gives his thoughts about what to do about that drop in efficiency.

Get all his reasoning and design in our self-serve portal.

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In AppIntel AI you can find all the project associated with CSS variations. Just type into the AppIntel AI search bar:   css improvement.

Inject. Soak. Produce. Repeat.   Change it up.

CSS (Cyclical Steam Stimulation) has been around for a very long time. Huff-and-puff for production of heavy oil was the recovery method of choice back before the 90's.

Since SAGD became popular, CSS has suffered an unpopularity complex. But it is coming back in vogue as an additional element to some of the most famous thermal recovery schemes.

For example, CSS has been added to some SAGD schemes.

Rotating CSS has also become popular.

In addition, CSS using horizontal wells has also become a favorite production scheme.

Low pressure CSS is being used where concerns about oil flow to surface exist.

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Oil companies have always turned to automation to improve the productivity of a leaner work force.

Just like carrying large loads by hand was replaced by hand trucks, and hand stitchers were replaced by sewing machines, so AppIntel AI can help your workforce become more productive. AppIntel AI allows you to quickly search for how other operators have solved thermal problems. It sends email alerts on new industry activity. It allows you to see your competitor's geological mapping. It helps you meet deadlines by understanding regulatory approval times.

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Tags: Thermal, Heavy Oil

Granger Low   Updated 20 Apr 2026

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