Dense aqueous gravity displacement of heavy oil
US11326431B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/40
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods are provided that facilitate the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, involving the mobilization of an immobile heavy oil in situ by gravity displacement. In effect, heavy oil is mobilized by dense aqueous gravity displacement (DAGD), in a process that generally involves injecting a dense, heated aqueous injection fluid into the formation into an injection zone that is in fluid communication with immobile heavy oil. The injection well is operated so that the injection fluid mobilizes and displaces the immobile heavy oil, to produce an expanding upper zone of mobilized heavy oil amenable to production.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.