Patent · US Active

Situ extraction process for the recovery of hydrocarbons

US8857512B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
4References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 29, 2008
Grant dateOct 14, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 6, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K8/592
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An in situ extraction process for the recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon bearing formation, including the steps of injecting a solvent consisting substantially of one of the group of H2S, Ammonia or COS into the formation to mobilize the hydrocarbons for extraction by forming a mobile in situ extraction fluid; and lifting the extraction fluid containing the mobilized hydrocarbons from the underground formation to the surface. In a further aspect an extraction method for a specific reservoir is provided including the steps of: establishing a minimum desired extraction rate, based on a value for the porosity, permeability and dead oil viscosity of the in situ bitumen in the specific reservoir, determining a desired minimum operating extraction temperature determining a desirable range of operating pressures identifying solvents predicted to deliver the operating extraction temperature within the range of operating pressures, and selecting a preferred solvent to use in the process.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.