More Bitumen: at Long Lake
Nexen boosts Long Lake
Canadian player Nexen said today that it has pumped up output at its Long Lake bitumen production project by pushing steam production up to 105,000 barrels per day.
The increased steam production has resulted in a bitumen production rate of around 18,000 bpd, at a steam-to-oil ratio of six, the company said in a statement.
“We continue to expect a long term steam-to-oil ratio of 3 over the life of the project,” Nexen added.
Prior to the turnaround, which was completed late last year, production for the fourth quarter came in at 13,600 bpd.
“Now that we are in a position to provide consistent steam to the reservoir, we are focusing on optimising steam injection and individual well performance,” Nexen's chief executive Marvin Romanow said.
“To advance well productivity, we have converted about 40% of our wells from gas lift to electric submersible pumping and expect to have about 80% converted by year end.
“This offers more flexibility to optimise steam injection and grow bitumen production."