公开(公告)号：US4114690A

公开(公告)日：1978-09-19

申请号：US804129

申请日：1977-06-06

Applicant: Phillip J. Cram ,  David A. Redford

Inventor： Phillip J. Cram ,  David A. Redford

IPC: E21B43/243 ,  E21B43/24

CPC classification number: E21B43/243

Abstract: An improved method for the recovery of heavy oils and bitumen from subterranean formations by the injection thereinto of a mixture of an oxygen-containing gas and steam in which the ratio of free oxygen in the gas to steam is in the range of 0.03 to 0.13 MSCF/bbl.

Abstract translation: 一种用于通过向其中注入含氧气体和蒸汽的混合物从地下地层中回收重油和沥青的改进方法，其中气体中的游离氧与蒸汽的比例在0.03至0.13MSCF / bbl

公开(公告)号：US4026357A

公开(公告)日：1977-05-31

申请号：US483172

申请日：1974-06-26

Applicant: David A. Redford

Inventor： David A. Redford

IPC: E21B43/243 ,  E21B43/40 ,  E21B43/24

CPC classification number: E21B43/40 ,  E21B43/243

Abstract: Solid hydrocarbon materials present in subsurface earth formation such as, for example, the coke like residue remaining in a subterranean tar sand deposit which has previously been exploited by controlled oxidation depletion, is converted to a synthesis gas composition by contacting the solid hydrocarbon material with an oxygen enriched gas or essentially pure oxygen and a moderating fluid such as water, steam or carbon dioxide to control the reaction temperature so as to ensure the generation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen within the formation. The oxygen and steam or carbon dioxide may be injected as a mixture or simultaneously by separate injection means, or oxygen may be injected for intervals of time interrupted by brief periods of carbon dioxide, steam or water injection. The effluent is predominantly gaseous carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and lesser amounts of carbon dioxide and methane and, occasionally liquid hydrocarbons. The mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen may be utilized directly as a fuel gas, or may be utilized as feed stock for petro chemical manufacturing processes. Carbon dioxide may be separated from the effluent gaseous mixture and recycled with steam into the formation.

Abstract translation: 存在于地下地层中的固体烃物质例如残留在地下焦油砂沉积物中的焦炭残留物，其先前已被控制的氧化耗尽所利用，通过使固体烃材料与 富氧气体或基本纯净的氧气和调节流体如水，蒸汽或二氧化碳以控制反应温度，以确保在地层内产生一氧化碳和氢气。 氧气和蒸汽或二氧化碳可以作为混合物或通过单独的注射装置同时注入，或者可以通过短时间二氧化碳，蒸汽或水注射中断的时间间隔注入氧气。 流出物主要是气态一氧化碳，氢气和较少量的二氧化碳和甲烷，偶尔是液体碳氢化合物。 一氧化碳和氢气的混合物可以直接用作燃料气体，或者可以用作石油化工制造工艺的原料。 二氧化碳可以与流出的气体混合物分离，并用蒸汽再循环到地层中。

公开(公告)号：US4149597A

公开(公告)日：1979-04-17

申请号：US864994

申请日：1977-12-27

Applicant: David A. Redford

Inventor： David A. Redford

IPC: C10G9/28 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/40 ,  F22B1/04

CPC classification number: C10G9/28 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/40 ,  F22B1/04

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating steam from water containing high concentrations of particulate matter such as silt, clay, etc., without the need for filtering and otherwise treating the water prior to generation of steam therefrom, especially useful for use in a viscous oil recovery process. The method comprises introducing solid particulate materials such as coarse sand, etc., into a thermal cracking unit such as, for example, that is used in the Lurgi-Ruhrgas process. The solids are heated to a temperature of at least 1400.degree. F., and on contacting the crude, cause cracking of the viscous crude into lighter molecular weight hydrocarbons and form a solid coke-like residue on the sand grain. The sand grains containing the coke residue are transported into a second chamber into which air is injected and the solid coke residue ignited. The carbon coke residue burns, raising the temperature of the sand or other granular solids. A portion of the hot solids are recycled into the thermal cracking unit, and another portion are transported to a steam generator unit into which dirty water, e.g., water containing high concentrations of suspended particulate matters such as sand, clay, silt, etc. is introduced. The rate of hot solids introduction and water injection into the steam generating unit are controlled so as to produce steam of the desired quality for use in a steam injection viscous oil recovery method.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种从含有高浓度颗粒物质如淤泥，粘土等的水产生蒸汽的方法，而不需要在产生蒸汽之前过滤和处理水，特别适用于粘稠油回收 处理。 该方法包括将诸如粗砂等固体颗粒材料引入热裂解装置，例如用于Lurgi-Ruhrgas工艺中的热裂解装置。 将固体加热到至少1400°F的温度，并且在粗制接触时，将粘性粗品裂化成较轻分子量的烃，并在砂粒上形成固体焦炭状残余物。 含有焦炭残渣的砂粒被输送到第二室中，空气被注入到其中，并且固体焦炭残留物被点燃。 碳焦炭残留物燃烧，提高沙子或其他颗粒状固体的温度。 热固体的一部分被再循环到热裂解装置中，另一部分被运送到蒸汽发生器单元，其中脏水例如含有高浓度的悬浮颗粒物质如沙子，粘土，淤泥等的水是 介绍。 控制热固体引入和注入蒸汽发生单元的水的速率，以产生所需质量的蒸汽用于蒸汽注入粘性油回收方法。

公开(公告)号：US4127172A

公开(公告)日：1978-11-28

申请号：US837482

申请日：1977-09-28

Applicant: David A. Redford ,  Phillip J. Cram

Inventor： David A. Redford ,  Phillip J. Cram

IPC: E21B43/243 ,  E21B43/24

CPC classification number: E21B43/243

Abstract: Viscous petroleum may be recovered from viscous petroleum-containing formations such as tar sand deposits in a process employing steam and air or a free oxygen-containing gas in the ratio of 0.05 to 0.65 M.S.C.F. per bbl. and a cyclical injection-production program in which first steam or steam and air are injected and fluids are produced without restriction until live steam is produced at the production well, after which steam and air are injected and production throttled to a value less than 50% and preferably less than 20% until the formation pressure at the production well rises to a value between about 60% to 95% of the steam injection pressure, after which fluid production is permitted without restriction and steam and air injection is reduced to a value less than 50% and preferably less than 20% of the original injection rate. The process should be applied to a formation in which adequate communication exists or in which a communication path is first established. The air and steam in the optimum ratio cause a low temperature, controlled-oxidation reaction in the formation. Optimum results are obtained if the pressurization and drawdown cycles are initiated shortly after the beginning of the steam-air injection program, and the process results in substantially increased oil recovery efficiency at all values of steam pore volumes injected.

Abstract translation: 在使用蒸汽和空气或游离含氧气体的比例为0.05至0.65M.S.C.F的过程中，粘性石油可以从含粘性含油层的地层回收，例如焦油砂沉积物。 每桶 以及循环注射生产程序，其中注入第一蒸汽或蒸汽和空气，并且在生产井中产生活蒸汽之前不产生流体而产生流体，之后注入蒸汽和空气并将生产节流到小于50％ 并且优选小于20％，直到生产井的地层压力上升到蒸汽注射压力的约60％至95％之间的值，在此之后允许流体产生而不受限制地将蒸汽和空气注入减少到较小值 超过原始注射速率的50％，优选小于20％。 该过程应适用于存在充分通信或首先建立通信路径的组合。 空气和蒸汽的最佳比例导致地层中的低温，受控氧化反应。 如果在蒸汽 - 空气注射程序开始后不久启动加压和牵引循环，则获得最佳结果，并且该过程导致所注入的蒸汽孔体积的所有值的油回收效率显着提高。

公开(公告)号：US4127170A

公开(公告)日：1978-11-28

申请号：US837481

申请日：1977-09-28

Applicant: David A. Redford

Inventor： David A. Redford

IPC: E21B43/16 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/26

CPC classification number: E21B43/2405 ,  E21B43/16 ,  E21B43/24

Abstract: Viscous petroleum may be recovered from formations in a process employing steam and a light hydrocarbon, and a cyclical injection-production program comprising repetitive cycles, each comprising three steps. First steam or steam and hydrocarbons are injected and liquids are recovered from the formation without restriction so long as no vapor phase steam production occurs. Next, steam and hydrocarbons are injected and production throttled until the formation pressure at the production well rises to a value between about 60% to 95% of the steam injection pressure, after which fluid production is permitted without restriction and steam and hydrocarbon injection rate is reduced to 50% or less of the original injection rate. The process should be applied to a formation in which adequate communication exists. Suitable hydrocarbons include C.sub.3 through C.sub.12 paraffinic or olefinic hydrocarbons including natural mixture such as naphtha, natural gasoline, etc. Optimum results are obtained if the pressurization and drawdown cycles are initiated shortly after the beginning of the steam-hydrocarbon injection program, and the benefits include substantially increased oil recovery efficiency at all values of steam pore volumes injected, reduced pressure differential, reduced plugging of the communication channel, and production of a preponderance of the viscous petroleum in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion which is easier to handle and to resolve into relatively water-free oil than a water-in-oil emulsion.

Abstract translation: 可以在使用蒸汽和轻烃的方法中从地层中回收粘性石油，以及包括重复循环的循环注射生产程序，每个循环包括三个步骤。 只要不发生汽相蒸汽生产，首先将蒸汽或蒸汽和碳氢化合物注入，液体从地层中回收。 接下来，注入蒸汽和烃，生产节流，直到生产井的地层压力升高到蒸汽注入压力的约60％至95％之间，此后允许流体生产不受限制，蒸汽和烃注入速率为 降低到原始注射速率的50％以下。 该过程应适用于存在充分沟通的形式。 合适的烃包括C3至C12链烷烃或包括天然混合物如石脑油，天然汽油等烯烃。如果在蒸汽 - 烃注入程序开始后不久开始加压和降压循环，则获得最佳结果，其优点包括 在注入的蒸汽孔体积的所有值，减少的压力差，连通通道的堵塞减少以及易于处理的水包油乳液形式的粘性石油的优势的基础上大大提高了油回收效率 并且比油包水乳液分解成相对无水的油。

公开(公告)号：US4124072A

公开(公告)日：1978-11-07

申请号：US864995

申请日：1977-12-27

Applicant: David A. Redford

Inventor： David A. Redford

IPC: C09K8/592 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/26 ,  E21B43/22

CPC classification number: E21B43/261 ,  C09K8/592 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/2405

Abstract: Disclosed is method for treating a high permeabiity communication channel between wells for use in a viscous oil recovery method to stabilize fine particulate matter present in the communication channel to prevent movement of fine particles during the oil recovery process. The communication channel is formed by fracturing or sweeping with air followed by introducing a viscous oil displacing medium such as a solvent or steam to desaturate the previously fractured or air swept zone in the formation, converting it into a high permeability channel between wells. In order to stabilize the fine grain sand and other minerals present in the communication channel to prevent migration thereof which results in loss of permeability of the communication channel, the channel is treated with a hydroxy aluminum solution and allowed to age for a period of time sufficient to form crystalline aluminum hydroxide which cements the grains together while maintaining permeability of the communication channel. Thereafter the primary oil recovery fluid, such as steam, may be injected through the stabilized, high permeability communication channel for long periods of time sufficient to heat the portions of the oil saturated formation above or below the channel, and strip viscous petroleum therefrom, so a substantial amount of the oil present within the pattern being subjected to the oil recovery process may be recovered.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于处理用于粘性油回收方法的井之间的高通透性连通通道的方法，以稳定存在于连通通道中的细颗粒物质，以防止在油回收过程中细颗粒的移动。 连通通道是通过用空气压裂或清扫形成的，然后引入粘性油置换介质如溶剂或蒸汽，使先前在地层中断裂的或空气扫掠区域变得饱和，将其转化为井之间的高渗透通道。 为了稳定通信通道中存在的细砂和其他矿物质，以防止其迁移，导致连通通道的渗透性损失，通道用羟基铝溶液处理，并使其老化一段足够的时间 以形成结晶氢氧化铝，其在保持通信通道的渗透性的同时将颗粒粘合在一起。 此后，主要的油回收流体，例如蒸汽，可以通过稳定的高渗透性连通通道长时间地注入足以加热通道上方或下方的饱和油层的部分，并从其中剥离粘性石油，因此 可以回收在进行油回收处理的图案中存在的大量的油。

公开(公告)号：US4109720A

公开(公告)日：1978-08-29

申请号：US740281

申请日：1976-11-09

Applicant: Joseph C. Allen ,  David A. Redford

Inventor： Joseph C. Allen ,  David A. Redford

IPC: C09K8/58 ,  C09K8/592 ,  E21B43/16 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/22

CPC classification number: E21B43/24 ,  C09K8/58 ,  C09K8/592 ,  E21B43/16 ,  E21B43/164 ,  Y02P90/70

Abstract: Petroleum may be recovered from viscous petroleum-containing formations including tar sand deposits by injecting into the formation a solvent which is liquid at formation conditions and simultaneously therewith injecting a substance which will remain totally gaseous at the pressure and temperature conditions existing within the reservoir. The presence of noncondensible gas in the formation into which solvent is being injected prevents formation of a impremeable bitumen bank which blocks the further flow of fluids through the formation. The gas should be essentially unreactive with the solvent and formation fluids in order to obtain the desired benefits. Examples of suitable gases for the practice of this invention include methane, ethane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract translation: 石油可以从含石油的地层中回收，包括焦油砂沉积物，通过在形成条件下注入液体的溶剂，同时注入在储存器内存在的压力和温度条件下保持完全气态的物质。 在其中注入溶剂的地层中存在不可冷凝气体阻止形成阻止流体通过地层的进一步流动的不可逾越的沥青堤岸。 为了获得所需的效益，气体应该基本上与溶剂和地层流体不反应。 用于实施本发明的合适气体的实例包括甲烷，乙烷，氮气，二氧化碳及其混合物。

公开(公告)号：US3938590A

公开(公告)日：1976-02-17

申请号：US483173

申请日：1974-06-26

Applicant: David A. Redford ,  David L. Mitchell

Inventor： David A. Redford ,  David L. Mitchell

IPC: C09K8/592 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/22 ,  E21B43/26

CPC classification number: C09K8/592 ,  E21B43/24 ,  E21B43/2405

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering petroleum from subterranean, viscous asphaltic or bituminous petroleum-containing formations, including subterranean tar sand deposits. A zone of gas permeability is established in the formation first, such as by fracturing or gas sweeping a section of the formation. Oxidizing gas such as oxygen, air, oxygen enriched air, ozone, or chlorine, or a mixture of steam and an oxidizing gas is introduced into the zone of increased gas permeability to expand the zone and further to cause a reaction to occur between the oxidizing gas and the oxygen-susceptible groups or labile groups associated witn the bituminous or asphaltic petroleum molecules forming acidic or aldehyde groups. Next, a gaseous or liquid alkalinity agent such as ammonia is introduced into the formation to react with the oxidatively pre-treated groups in the bituminous or asphaltic petroleum to form surface active agents or surfactants in situ. Finally, steam or a mixture of steam and an alkalinity agent such as ammonia or steam and air or a mixture of steam, oxidative gas and an excess of ammonia is introduced into the treated zone to recover petroleum. This process may be applied as a push-pull process or it may be applied in a multi well, throughput process. In a preferred embodiment, gaseous ammonia serves as an alkaline agent to neutralize the surface active agents formed in the formation, and also functions as a non-condensable gas to prevent loss of gas permeability as the viscous petroleum is heated in the final stages of the process.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种从地下粘性沥青或沥青含石油地层（包括地下焦油砂沉积物）回收石油的方法。 首先在地层中建立气体渗透区，例如通过压裂或气体清扫地层的一部分。 将氧气，空气，富氧空气，臭氧或氯气，或蒸气和氧化性气体的混合物等氧化性气体引入增加气体透过性的区域，使该区域膨胀，并进一步在氧化剂 气体和与易燃基团或不稳定基团相关联的沥青或沥青石油分子形成酸性或醛基。 接下来，将诸如氨的气态或液体碱性剂引入地层中以与沥青或沥青石油中的氧化预处理基团反应以原位形成表面活性剂或表面活性剂。 最后，将蒸汽或蒸汽和碱性剂如氨或蒸汽和空气的混合物或蒸汽，氧化气体和过量的氨的混合物引入经处理的区域以回收石油。 该过程可以作为推挽过程应用，或者可以应用于多井，吞吐量过程中。 在优选的实施方案中，气态氨用作碱性剂以中和地层中形成的表面活性剂，并且还用作不可冷凝气体，以防止在粘性石油在最终阶段被加热时气体渗透性的损失 处理。