Method of drilling from a shaft for underground recovery of hydrocarbons
US8127865B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21D1/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention discloses a selection process for installing underground workspace in or near a hydrocarbon deposit that is an appropriate workspace from which to drill, operate and service wells applicable to any of a number of methods of recovering hydrocarbons. The present invention includes a number of innovative methods for developing workspace for drilling from a shaft installed above, into or below a hydrocarbon deposit, particularly when the hydrocarbon reservoir is at significant formation pressure or has fluids (water oil or gases) that can enter the workspace. These methods can also be used for developing workspace for drilling from a tunnel installed above, into or below a hydrocarbon deposit. The present invention also discloses a procedure for evaluating the geology in and around the reservoir and using this information to select the most appropriate method of developing workspace for drilling from a shaft and/or tunnel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.