Process for developing interwell communication in a tar sand

Abstract

Abstract A hot, competent, permeable communications zone, connecting injection and production wells completed in a tar sand, is developed as follows: A cold, aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and a non-ionic surfactant is injected into a propped fracture system connecting the wells. The solution is circulated between the wells at a pressure below the fracture propping pressure. Bitumen is slowly emulsified in the solution and removed through the fracture system; a competent, bitumen depleted zone contiguous to the fracture zone is thereby developed. The temperature of the solution is then slowly increased and the quantities of sodium hydroxide and surfactant gradually decreased until pure steam only is being circulated.

Inventors

• 👤 David Arthur Redford

Bibliographic Details