APPENDIX C - In-situ production of Utah oil sands - Final Project Report - Reporting period: June 21, 2006 to October 21, 2009

Two oil sand reservoirs located in Utah's Uinta Basin were considered for analysis: Whiterocks, a small, steeply dipping, contained reservoir containing about 100 million barrels, and Sunnyside, a giant reservoir containing over four billion barrels of oil in place. Cyclic steam stimulation, steam assisted gravity drainage, and in-situ combustion processes were considered for the production of oil from these reservoirs. Different well configurations and patterns were examined. It was found that the application of steam-based in-situ processes would be feasible but challenging for Utah oil sands. For most configurations, the steam to oil ratios were higher than five, indicating marginal economic viability. Additionally, the water production rates were high. The in-situ combustion process was simulated with and without the presence of a hydraulic fracture for a homogeneous reservoir. The nature of the combustion front was radial without the fracture and linear with the fracture. Even though the process appears feasible, rigorous evaluation with an appropriate geologic model will be necessary to determine technical and economic viability.