US3347313A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steam drive with viscous volatile buffer
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1964-11-13
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Granted: 1967-10-17
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Expires: 1984-11-13
Abstract
No abstract record available.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles S Matthews
- 👤 Richard D Seba
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:43
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A METHOD OF RECOVERING PETROLEUM FROM SUBTERRAMEAN RESERVOIRS USING THE INJECTION OF STEAM IN WHICH HIGH DISPLACEMENT EFFICIENCIES OF THE PETROLEUM ARE ACHIEVED COMPRISING: (A) PENETRATING A PETROLEUM-PRODUCING RESERVOIR WITH AT LEAST ONE INJECTION WELL AND AT LEAST ONE PRODUCTION WELL SPACED THEREFROM; (B) ESTABLISHING FLUID COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EACH OF SAID WELLS AND SAID PETROLEUM RESERVOIR; (C) INJECTING THROUGH SAID INJECTION WELL AS A SLUG OF A STEAM-DISTILLABLE BUFFER WHICH IS A VISCOUS LIQUID MISCIBLE WITH AND MORE VOLATILE THAN THE PETROLEUM IN THE RESERVOIR HAVING A VISCOSITY OF NOT LESS THAN 75% OF THE PETROLEUM IN THE RESERVOIR;
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A METHOD OF RECOVERING PETROLEUM FROM SUBTERRAMEAN RESERVOIRS USING THE INJECTION OF STEAM IN WHICH HIGH DISPLACEMENT EFFICIENCIES OF THE PETROLEUM ARE ACHIEVED COMPRISING: (A) PENETRATING A PETROLEUM-PRODUCING RESERVOIR WITH AT LEAST ONE INJECTION WELL AND AT LEAST ONE PRODUCTION WELL SPACED THEREFROM; (B) ESTABLISHING FLUID COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EACH OF SAID WELLS AND SAID PETROLEUM RESERVOIR; (C) INJECTING THROUGH SAID INJECTION WELL AS A SLUG OF A STEAM-DISTILLABLE BUFFER WHICH IS A VISCOUS LIQUID MISCIBLE WITH AND MORE VOLATILE THAN THE PETROLEUM IN THE RESERVOIR HAVING A VISCOSITY OF NOT LESS THAN 75% OF THE PETROLEUM IN THE RESERVOIR;
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1970-10-16 | 1971-04-17 | 1971-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1974-10-16 | 1975-04-17 | 1975-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1978-10-16 | 1979-04-17 | 1979-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |