Patent · US Active

Method for removing bitumen to enhance formation permeability

US10385259B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
10References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 7, 2014
Grant dateAug 20, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 27, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/2605
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Treatment methods and treatment fluids for increasing permeability of organic shale formations are described herein. The treatment method includes treating an organic shale formation with a treatment fluid. The treatment fluid includes a solvent that dissolves bitumen in the shale formation. After treating the shale formation with the treatment fluid, oil is recovered from the shale formation. By removing bitumen from pores and pore throats within the formation, the solvent increases permeability of the formation and allows mobile oil to flow more easily through the formation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.