Connacher said that steam had been circulated into all 15 well pairs as part of its 90 day circulation and reservoir pre-heating phase. The first well pair has reportedly demonstrated that the upper horizontal well was ready to receive full time steam injection, while, as the reservoir continues to heat up, the lower well will become a full-time producer.
The company stated that additional well pairs will be converted to full time injection and production wells as the expected and targeted operating parameters are met. This will continue into early first quarter 2008 until all well pairs are converted to full-time steam injection and bitumen production.
Connacher anticipates that Pod One production will ramp up to 10,000 barrels per day of bitumen from all 15 well pairs later in 2008. The company said that it was pleased with the reservoir performance in the circulation phase, as it has essentially performed as anticipated.
The company continues to produce and recover small but significant amounts of bitumen at surface in the circulation phase.
