US3565174A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of in situ combustion with intermittent injection of volatile liquid
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1969-10-27
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Granted: 1971-02-23
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Expires: 1989-10-27
Abstract
Abstract A method of repeatedly heating the formation by alternately conducting in situ combustion in the lower portion of the formation and injecting a volatile hydrocarbon liquid into the heated zone to increase heat transfer and dilute the inplace hydrocarbons. Inert gas may be injected into the upper portion of the formation during combustion, and accumulated gases produced through upper perforations of the production well.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry W Parker
- 👤 Robert F Meldau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:14
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
27 words
The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein internal combustion is established adjacent the production well and the formation is heated by countercurrent in situ combustion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein, during combustion air is injected into the lower portion of the formation and an inert gas is injected into the upper portion of the formation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method, as set forth in claim 1, including lowering the pressure within the upper portion of the formation by producing gases therefrom through the production well.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the injected hydrocarbon liquid has a lower viscosity and a higher volatility than the liquid hydrocarbons within the formation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the injected hydrocarbon liquid is diesel oil.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3145772A
Cited
US3167121A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-22 | 1974-08-24 | 1975-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-22 | 1978-08-24 | 1979-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-08-24 | 1983-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |