System and apparatus for extracting oil and the like from tar sands in situ
A method of extracting oil from tar sands is described. Steam, solvent or fluid is circulated through the sand while constantly agitating the material to scrub and wash entrained substances free, and the oil is carried back to the surface. A vibrating probe assembly is utilized, which is maneuverable and which fluidizes the sand immediately surrounding it, thus facilitating the movement of the probe and assisting in the scrubbing and separating action of the solvents or steam upon the sand. The probe includes means for extending it into the sand to the bottom of a well bore so that the vibration in conjunction with the probe configuration moves the probe through the sand in a horizontal plane or, if desired, up and down at an angle from the horizontal. The voids remaining in the clean sand are filled with water so that the probe floats on the surface ofthe water. The oil which has been separated normally floats on the water to the well bore and, thence, may be elevated to the surface by the pressure of the steam, solvent or fluid circulation. 22 claims.
- Assignee:
- EDB-84-090015
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4109715
- OSTI ID:
- 6841184
- Resource Relation:
- Patent Priority Date: Priority date 5 Dec 1975, Canada
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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System and apparatus for extracting oil and the like from tar sands in situ
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Related Subjects
OIL SANDS
FLUID INJECTION
HOT-WATER PROCESSES
IN-SITU PROCESSING
STEAM INJECTION
FLOTATION
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
SOLVENTS
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION PROCESSES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THERMAL RECOVERY
040401* - Oil Shales & Tar Sands- In Situ Methods
True & Modified