Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a particularly effective well configuration that can be used for single well steam assisted gravity drainage of SW-SAGD wherein steam flashing through production slots is prevented by included passive inflow control devices or active interval control valves in the completion.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a novel method of maintaining a steady and/or proper water-gas ratio for the wet in situ combustion process for oil recovery. In particular, the method comprises mixing water with a foaming agent, or some other colloid capable of generating foam, in addition to gas. The foam carries the water through heated reservoirs more efficiently and prevents separation from the gas. As such, more heat can be scavenged, thus an increased amount of steam is generated and transferred to the oil to increase its recovery.
Abstract:
Methods relate to producing hydrocarbons, such as bitumen in an oil sands reservoir. The methods include utilizing an injector well with multiple horizontal laterals to provide downward fluid drive toward a producer well. Combined influence of gravity and a dispersed area of the fluid drive due to the laterals facilitate a desired full sweep of the reservoir. Fluids utilized for injection include water heated to less than 60 weight percent steam, solvent for the hydrocarbons and emulsifying agent for the hydrocarbons. The methods employing these fluids provide energy efficient recovery of the hydrocarbons.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for reducing solvent retention in ES-SAGD process so as to increase process economics wherein an anti-retention agent is injected into the reservoir to decrease solvent retention in the reservoir. The anti-retention agent can be made pre-injection or can form in situ, and comprises an agent in which the solvent is readily soluble, such that the solvent partitions into the foam, colloidal dispersion, or gel, and out of the condensed water or steam, and away from the reservoir rock.
Abstract:
Methods and systems produce petroleum products by insulating a thermal hydrocarbon recovery process from heat loss to surrounding areas of a formation utilizing an insulating composition including a non-gaseous phase component introduced into the reservoir that is different from water and insoluble in the hydrocarbons. The insulating composition may be disposed in the reservoir adjacent to where the heat loss is desired to be limited. In addition, the insulating composition may be disposed in a thief zone and may also be from an agent activated to form the composition at such desired locations by selecting activation dependent on at least one of temperature, time delay and oil saturation.
Abstract:
Thermal recovery of oils is improved by capturing waste heat from a depleted steam chamber using steam plus foam and an optional gas to carry low quality steam deep into the chamber where the waste heat converts water to steam in situ. Thus, overall steam generation needs and thus costs are reduced.