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Title: Thermal acidization and recovery process for recovering viscous petroleum

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6486974

A thermal acidization and recovery process for increasing production of heavy vicous petroleum crude oil and synthetic fuels from subterranean hydrocarbon formations containing clay particles creating adverse permeability effects is described. The method comprises injecting a thermal vapor stream through a well bore penetrating such formations to clean the formation face of hydrocarbonaceous materials which restrict the flow of fluids into the petroleum-bearing formation. Vaporized hydrogen chloride is then injected simultaneously to react with calcium and magnesium salts in the formation surrounding the bore hole to form water soluble chloride salts. Vaporized hydrogen fluoride is then injected simultaneously with its thermal vapor to dissolve water-sensitive clay particles thus increasing permeability. Thereafter, the thermal vapors are injected until the formation is sufficielty heated to permit increased recovery rates of the petroleum.

Assignee:
Carmel Energy, Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 4454917
OSTI ID:
6486974
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 2 Nov 1981; Other Information: PAT-APPL-317338
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English