Thermal method of recovering hydrocarbons from an underground hydrocarbon-containing formation

Patent · Tue Nov 05 04:00:00 EST 1968

OSTI ID:5595221

Durie, R W

A method is described of recovering hydrocarbons from an underground formation. The method consists of the following steps: (1) arranging at least 2 wells penetrating into the formation; (2) injecting via one of the wells into the pores of the formation a hot fluid consisting of liquid and/or a vapor capable of condensing in unheated parts of the formation under the conditions of operation, until a portion of the hydrocarbon has been displaced; (3) after the cessation of such injection, injecting via the same well an oxygen-containing gas to create combustion of hydrocarbon, and either simultaneously or alternately, a liquid to recover heat absorbed by the formation from the hot fluid; and (4) recovering hydrocarbon through the other well during the sequence of the steps 2 and 3. 4 claims.

• Assignee: Shell Oil Co
• Patent Number(s): US 3409077
• OSTI ID: 5595221
• 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
HEATING
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
INJECTION WELLS
OIL WELLS
OXIDATION
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
VAPOR CONDENSATION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS