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Title: Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations

Abstract

A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.

Inventors:
 [1];  [2]
  1. Katy, TX
  2. Houston, TX
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1012650
Patent Number(s):
7562706
Application Number:
11/584,429
Assignee:
Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
C - CHEMISTRY C10 - PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES C10G - CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS
E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E21 - EARTH DRILLING E21B - EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING
DOE Contract Number:  
AC05-00OR22725
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS

Citation Formats

Li, Ruijian, and Karanikas, John Michael. Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations. United States: N. p., 2009. Web.
Li, Ruijian, & Karanikas, John Michael. Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations. United States.
Li, Ruijian, and Karanikas, John Michael. Tue . "Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1012650.
@article{osti_1012650,
title = {Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations},
author = {Li, Ruijian and Karanikas, John Michael},
abstractNote = {A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2009},
month = {7}
}

Patent:

Works referenced in this record:

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