US3782470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal oil recovery technique
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1972-08-23
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1992-08-23
Abstract
Abstract A thermal method for recovering oil from a subterranean formation. Steam is injected by means of a well into the formation to heat the oil and to lower its viscosity. Following the steam injection, a noncondensing gas which is substantially free of oxidizing components is introduced into the steam injection system and is then injected into the formation at the same location at which the steam was injected. The temperature of the gas upon introduction into the steam injection system is no higher than substantially ambient temperature. After the gas has been injected into the formation, the heated oil is withdrawn from the formation by means of the well.
Inventors
- 👤 R West
- 👤 W Penberthy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:16
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation which comprises injecting steam through a steam injection system, including a well, and into the formation to heat the oil within the formation and lower its viscosity, then introducing into the steam injection system a noncondensing gas which is substantially free of oxidizing components and which has a temperature which is no higher than substantially ambient temperature upon said introduction, then injecting the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas into the formation at the location of steam injection, and subsequently withdrawing oil from the formation by means of the well.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation which comprises injecting steam through a steam injection system, including a well, and into the formation to heat the oil within the formation and lower its viscosity, then introducing into the steam injection system a noncondensing gas which is substantially free of oxidizing components and which has a temperature which is no higher than substantially ambient temperature upon said introduction, then injecting the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas into the formation at the location of steam injection, and subsequently withdrawing oil from the formation by means of the well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas is natural gas containing a predominant amount of methane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas consists essentially of methane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas is flue gas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas is carbon dioxide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas consists essentially of nitrogen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the volume of steam injected is from 5,000 to 250,000 Barrels.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as defined by claim 7 wherein the volume of noncondensing and nonoxidizing gas injected into the formation is from 25 to 500 scf of gas per barrel of steam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the steps of steam injection and subsequent gas injection are conducted a plurality of times prior to the withdrawal of oil from the formation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as defined by claim 1 wherein the cycle of injecting the steam, then injecting the gas and subsequently withdrawing oil from the formation is conducted a plurality of times.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3460621A
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US3500931A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |