Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations

Li, Ruijian; Karanikas, John Michael

Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations

Patent · 21 July 2009

OSTI ID:1012650

Li, Ruijian ^[1]; Karanikas, John Michael ^[2]

Katy, TX
Houston, TX

A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.

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Research Organization:: Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

DOE Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725;

Assignee:: Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)

Patent Number(s):: 7562706

Application Number:: 11/584,429

OSTI ID:: 1012650

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

References (21)

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