Method of producing hydrocarbons from an underground formation

Patent · Tue Apr 22 04:00:00 EST 1969

OSTI ID:5371619

Durie, R W

A method is described for recovering hydrocarbons from an underground formation containing hydrocarbons of which the viscosity is greater than the viscosity of water at the same temperature, and in particular, greater than 10 poises at the temperature of the formation. Specifically, the method relates to the recovery of hydrocarbons from tar sands, consisting of sand in which the pores contain very viscous hydrocarbons. Recovery of these hydrocarbons of which the viscosity is in the order of 10,000 poises at the temperature of the formation, is extremely difficult by conventional methods. In this method, a fluid under pressure lower than the pressure required to cause fracturing of the formation is injected until communication with a production well is established, followed by injecting through the same well a hot inert fluid and producing hydrocarbons through the production well. (14 claims)

• Assignee: Shell Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3439742
• OSTI ID: 5371619
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040401* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- In Situ Methods
True & Modified
BITUMENS
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION PROCESSES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INJECTION WELLS
MATERIALS
OIL SANDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RECOVERY
TAR
WELLS