Process for the production of oil of low mobility

Patent · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1964

OSTI ID:6682084

Reed, R L; Terwilliger, P L; Wilson, Jr, L A

This is an in-situ combustion process for the recovery of oils of low mobility, such as those from tar sand deposits. Initially, a narrow, hot streak of substantial permeability, such as propped-open fracture, is created through the formation from the injection well toward the production well. A similar fracture is initiated from the production well toward the injection well. Both fractures are heated prior to ignition of the oil in the formation. An oxygen-containing gas is injected into the fracture at the injection well, and oil in the formation is ignited next to the injection well. Continued injection of such gas causes burning of the oil in the formation flow of heated oil through the hot streak to the production well. The fracture open to injection subsequently closes behind the combustion front. (6 claims)

• Assignee: Gulf Research and Development Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3159216
• OSTI ID: 6682084
• 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
BITUMENS
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GAS INJECTION
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
MATERIALS
OIL SANDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
TAR
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES