Combined steam and vapor extraction process (SAVEX) for in situ bitumen and heavy oil production
US6662872B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/2408
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Steam is injected into the reservoir, heats the reservoir to mobilize and recover at least a fraction of reservoir hydrocarbons, forming a steam chamber in the reservoir. The steam is continuously injected into the reservoir to mobilize and recover reservoir hydrocarbons therefrom until at least one of (i) an upper surface of the chamber has progressed vertically to a position that is approximately 25 percent to 75 percent the distance from the bottom of the injection well to the top of the reservoir, and (ii) the recovery rate of the hydrocarbons is approximately 25 percent to 75 percent of the peak predicted recovery rate using steam-assisted gravity drainage. A viscosity-reducing hydrocarbon solvent is injected into the reservoir, the solvent being capable of existing in vapor form in the chamber and being just below the solvent's saturation pressure in the chamber, mobilizing and recovering additional hydrocarbons from the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.