Method of recovering hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean formation

Patent · Tue Apr 29 04:00:00 EDT 1969

OSTI ID:5351946

Fitzgerald, B M

A method of producing hydrocarbon from a subterranean formation containing crude oil, particularly a viscous type crude oil, is described. The method contemplates the combination of steam drives and in situ combustions, wherein the steam drives are performed in lower portions of the formation to heat the formation, with the in situ combustions in upper portions of the formation to assist gravity in causing the oil to flow downward into a producing well. The method also contemplates the spacing of the production wells in a polygonal pattern, with a steam injection well in the center thereof and an air injection well along one side thereof. (8 claims)

• Assignee: Tenneco Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3441083
• OSTI ID: 5351946
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
HYDROCARBONS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
STEAM INJECTION
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
VISCOSITY
WELL SPACING
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS