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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Flood-aided hot fluid soak method for producing hydrocarbons

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5004904
Relatively viscous liquid hydrocarbons are produced from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir by opening at least one well borehole into fluid communication with the reservoir at least at 2 spaced locations. A relatively mobile hot fluid, such as steam, is injected through the well borehole and into the earth formation around one of the locations for a period of time sufficient to form a hot zone and thermally mobilize liquid hydrocarbons present in the earth formation. Formation fluids are produced, by backflowing fluid from the hot zone, while a hydrocarbon-displacing fluid is being injected into the earth formation around another of the locations within the reservoir to displace hydrocarbons into the hot zone. (11 claims)
Assignee:
Shell Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3707189
OSTI ID:
5004904
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English