US3563312A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of recovering hydrocarbons from an underground hydrocarbon containing formation
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
•
Filing: 1969-03-14
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Granted: 1971-02-16
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Expires: 1989-03-14
Abstract
Abstract An improved method for oil recovery from a formation using a combination of steam and in situ combustion drives comprising injecting steam via an injection well, followed by injecting a combustible gas via a production well and thereafter recovering oil via the injection well.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W Zwicky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:46
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
15 words
Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the oxygen-containing gas in step (3) is air.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
46 words
injecting steam through one of the injection wells into the pores of the formation until at least 50 percent of the pore volume of the part of the formation to be treated has been heated sufficiently to cause the hydrocarbon to flow toward the production well;
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
stopping injection of steam of step (2) and injecting through a production well an oxygen-containing gas to create an in situ combustion front of hydrocarbon and thereby establishing a bidirectional flow; and
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
recovering hydrocarbon alternately through the production well and injection well respectively in the sequence of steps (2) and (3).
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) | 1974-02-15 | 1974-08-17 | 1975-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-15 | 1978-08-17 | 1979-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-15 | 1982-08-17 | 1983-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |