Method for upgrading in situ heavy oil
US9739125B2 · kind B2 · utility
4Cited by
14References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/592
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is provided for producing upgraded heavy oil from a subterranean reservoir by producing a steam chamber within the reservoir by the action of steam and flowing a liquid phase additive into a near wellbore region of the steam chamber to control asphaltenes mobility within the near wellbore region. Build-up of asphaltenes, which derive from the heavy oil, in the near wellbore region has the potential of affecting heavy oil production rates from the reservoir. The additive is formulated to mobilize the asphaltenes within this region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.