US3964546A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal recovery of viscous oil
Assignee: Texaco Inc
•
Filing: 1974-06-21
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Granted: 1976-06-22
•
Expires: 1994-06-21
Abstract
Abstract A method for recovering low gravity viscous oils and bitumens from a subterranean formation by the simultaneous injection of an oxygen-containing gas and steam so as to control the combustion, followed by a conventional in-situ combustion, after which the formation may be scavenged by water injection.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph C. Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:26
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
In the method of in-situ combustion for recovering heavy oils and bitumen from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formations traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well and having a low permeability, the improvement comprising: a. injecting into said formation via said injection well a mixture of an oxygen-containing gas and steam to effect a controlled low-temperature combustion in the range of temperature from about 400° to about 800°F thereby heating said formation and establishing a gas saturation therein, b. terminating injection of said steam and continuing injection of said oxygen-containing gas to initiate an in-situ combustion in the vicinity of said injection well, c. continuing injection of said oxygen-containing gas to propagate said in-situ combustion through said formation toward said production well, d. producing said hydrocarbons via said production well.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
In the method of in-situ combustion for recovering heavy oils and bitumen from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formations traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well and having a low permeability, the improvement comprising: a. injecting into said formation via said injection well a mixture of an oxygen-containing gas and steam to effect a controlled low-temperature combustion in the range of temperature from about 400° to about 800°F thereby heating said formation and establishing a gas saturation therein, b. terminating injection of said steam and continuing injection of said oxygen-containing gas to initiate an in-situ combustion in the vicinity of said injection well, c. continuing injection of said oxygen-containing gas to propagate said in-situ combustion through said formation toward said production well, d. producing said hydrocarbons via said production well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oxygen-containing gas is substantially air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oxygen-containing gas is substantially pure oxygen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oxygen-containing gas is an oxygen-enriched gas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) is followed by injection of water in an amount sufficient to scavenge said residual heat in said reservoir, thereby recovering additional hydrocarbons from said formation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said steam is saturated steam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said steam is superheated steam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said hydrocarbons are produced during steps (a) through (d).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein water is injected simultaneously with step (c).
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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) | 1979-06-22 | 1979-12-22 | 1980-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-22 | 1983-12-22 | 1984-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-22 | 1987-12-22 | 1988-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |