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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Removal of highly viscous crude petroleum from well bores

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6676766
A method of treating viscous crude oil so that it may be pumped from a well bore consists of: (1) injecting into the bottom of a well bore a micellar solution to substantially reduce the hydrocarbon in the well bore; and then (2) continuously injecting into the bottom of the well bore a small quantity of a micellar solution to prevent buildup of hydrocarbons in the well bore. The micellar solution is composed essentially of a hydrocarbon, an aqueous medium, such as water, and a surfactant sufficient to impart micellar solution characteristics to the mixture. (4 claims)
Assignee:
EDB-83-013944
Patent Number(s):
US 3455394
OSTI ID:
6676766
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English