Recovery of hydrocarbons by in situ thermal extraction

Patent · Tue Sep 26 04:00:00 EDT 1978

OSTI ID:6554242

Butler, R M; Bombardieri, C C; Slevinsky, B A

Disclosed is a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A wellbore is drilled to penetrate the formation and to extend, preferably substantially horizontally, into the formation for a suitable distance. The well is completed with a slotted or perforated casing means and with dual concentric tubing strings. The tubing strings comprise an inner tubing and a surrounding larger diameter outer tubing. The inner tubing cooperates with the outer tubing to form a first annular space and the outer tubing cooperates with the casing means to form a second annular space. After the wellbore is suitably completed, a heated fluid is circulated within the casing means such that the heated fluid passes through a portion of the first annular space to heat the well and to provide a fluid flow path through both the first and second annular spaces. After the well is suitably heated, a heated fluid is injected into the formation through at least a portion of the second annular space. Subsequently, formation hydrocarbons are produced from formation by means of the well.

• Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 4116275
• OSTI ID: 6554242
• 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
ANNULAR SPACE
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
BOREHOLES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CONFIGURATION
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HEATING
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OIL SAND DEPOSITS
OIL SANDS
PIPES
PROCESSING
STEAM INJECTION
WELLS