Thermal recovery of shallow bitumen through increased permeability inclusions
US8151874B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/261
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Systems and methods for thermal recovery of shallow bitumen using increased permeability inclusions. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes the steps of: propagating at least one generally planar inclusion outward from a wellbore into the formation; injecting a fluid into the inclusion, thereby heating the hydrocarbons; and during the injecting step, producing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore. A well system includes at least one generally planar inclusion extending outward from a wellbore into a formation; a fluid injected into the inclusion, hydrocarbons being heated as a result of the injected fluid; and a tubular string through which the hydrocarbons are produced, the tubular string extending to a location in the wellbore below the inclusion, and the hydrocarbons being received into the tubular string at that location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.