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Thermal acidization and recovery process for recovering viscous petroleum

Patent ·
OSTI ID:865053
A thermal acidization and recovery process for increasing production of heavy viscous petroleum crude oil and synthetic fuels from subterranean hydrocarbon formations containing clay particles creating adverse permeability effects is described. The method comprises injecting a thermal vapor stream through a well bore penetrating such formations to clean the formation face of hydrocarbonaceous materials which restrict the flow of fluids into the petroleum-bearing formation. Vaporized hydrogen chloride is then injected simultaneously to react with calcium and magnesium salts in the formation surrounding the bore hole to form water soluble chloride salts. Vaporized hydrogen fluoride is then injected simultaneously with its thermal vapor to dissolve water-sensitive clay particles thus increasing permeability. Thereafter, the thermal vapors are injected until the formation is sufficiently heated to permit increased recovery rates of the petroleum.
Research Organization:
Carmel Energy, Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-78ET12355
Assignee:
Carmel Energy, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Patent Number(s):
4,454,917
Application Number:
06/317,338
OSTI ID:
865053
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English