SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING DILUTED BITUMEN IN LATE LIFE IN SITU RESERVOIRS

Provided herein are systems and methods for storing hydrocarbons, such as diluted bitumen, in late life in situ reservoirs (LLISRs). One of such methods comprises injecting hydrocarbons into an LLISR to establish a quantity of stored hydrocarbons in the LLISR, and producing back at least a portion of the stored quantity. Permanent loss of hydrocarbons into the LLISR can be reduced by minimizing the time between injection and production. Containment of hydrocarbons in the LLISR can be improved by performing multiple consecutive injection/production cycles due to progressive saturation of so-called far field areas of the LLISR. When storing diluted bitumen, controlling LLISR pressure can be important to minimize vaporization of diluent from dilbit stored in the LLISR.