Thermal recovery method for heavy hydrocarbons employing a heated permeable channel and forward in situ combustion in subterranean formations

Patent · Tue Nov 19 04:00:00 EST 1968

OSTI ID:5665100

Connally, C Jr

In a method using forward in situ combustion for the recovery of heavy, viscous-nonflowing hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, initially, a permeable flow channel, e.g., a propped fracture, is formed between spaced-apart first and second wells. Bidirectional steam flow from the wells heats the flow channel. An oxidizing material, or combustion-supporting gas, is passed from the first well through the flow channel to the second well to effect a forward in situ combustion front. This front moves toward the second well and displaces formation fluid via the flow channel into the second well from which it is produced. Hydrocarbons are then recovered from the produced formation fluid. (5 claims)

• Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3411575
• OSTI ID: 5665100
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHANNELING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC FISSURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
HEATING
HYDROCARBONS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
LEGAL ASPECTS
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
OXIDIZERS
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
PROPPING AGENTS
RECOVERY
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
VISCOSITY
WELLS