Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Process for developing interwell communication in a tar sand

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7016396
A hot, competent, permeable communications zone, connecting injection and production wells completed in a tar sand, is developed as follows: A cold, aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and a nonionic surfactant is injected into a propped fracture system connecting the wells. The solution is circulated between the wells at a pressure below the fracture propping pressure. Bitumen is slowly emulsified in the solution and removed through the fracture systems; a competent, bitumen--depleted zone contiguous to the fracture zone is thereby developed. The temperature of the solution is then slowly increased and the quantities of sodium hydroxide and surfactant gradually decreased until pure steam only is being circulated. (4 claims)
Assignee:
Canadian Fine Oil Ltd.
Patent Number(s):
US 3706341
OSTI ID:
7016396
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English