Varying properties of in situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation based on assessed viscosities

Patent · Tue Mar 04 00:00:00 EST 2014

OSTI ID:1127088

Karanikas, John Michael; Vinegar, Harold J.

A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. A viscosity of one or more zones of the hydrocarbon layer is assessed. The heating rates in the zones are varied based on the assessed viscosities. The heating rate in a first zone of the formation is greater than the heating rate in a second zone of the formation if the viscosity in the first zone is greater than the viscosity in the second zone. Fluids are produced from the formation through the production wells.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• Assignee: Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)
• Patent Number(s): 8,662,175
• Application Number: 12/105,997
• OSTI ID: 1127088
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 2008 Apr 18
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English