Oil recovery method and apparatus
This patent describes a method for recovering oil from an oil-containing, outcropping formation having a significant portion less than 50 feet below the earth's surface. It comprises introducing a casing into the formation the casing extending a distance of at least about 1000 feet into the formation, the casing comprising an upper portion terminating at its upper end adjacent a well head and a lower portion having a plurality of apertures for the passage therethrough of oil; heating the casing and adjacent formation to a temperature at which oil flows into the casing by circulating a heated fluid substantially throughout the length of the casing and in indirect heat-exchange with the casing, circulating a coolant in indirect heat exchange about the upper portion of the casing, the coolant being circulated at a rate sufficient to substantially prevent transfer of heat from the upper portion of the casing to the adjacent formation; and recovering oil from the casing.
- Assignee:
- Union Oil Co. of California, Los Angeles, CA (USA)
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-546518
- OSTI ID:
- 5680726
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 29 Jun 1990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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