Single horizontal well process for solvent/solute stimulation
US5167280A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/40
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A solvent stimulation process whereby a viscosity reducing agent is circulated through a horizontal well via a production string. Said agent exits the production string and enters an annulus formed by said string and a liner. Said agent diffuses into the reservoir at a pressure below the reservoir pressure. As said agent diffuses through the reservoir under the influence of a concentration gradient, it reduces the oil's viscosity and makes it mobile. Simultaneously, oil of reduced viscosity migrates into the well under a pressure drawdown influence. A pseudo steady state production rate is achieved when convective movement of the oil of reduced viscosity is exactly counterbalanced by the diffusional rate of the viscosity reducing agent in a stimulated radial zone along said well. This stimulates a large volume of oil through the extensive surface area of the wellbore thus producing increased volumes of hydrocarbonaceous fluids from the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.