Enhanced hydrocarbon recovery by steam injection of oil sand formations
US7870904B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/26
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the propped fractures, and flows upwards and outwards to contact and heat the in situ bitumen, which softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, and is pumped to the surface where the solvent can be recycled for further injection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.