US4006778A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal recovery of hydrocarbon from tar sands
Assignee: Texaco Exploration Canada Ltd
•
Filing: 1974-06-21
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Granted: 1977-02-08
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Expires: 1994-06-21
Abstract
Abstract A method for the recovery of low API gravity viscous oils or bitumens from a subterranean formation by the injection of a mixture of an oxygen-containing gas and steam at a temperature corresponding to the temperature of saturated steam at the pressure of the formation.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. Redford
- 👤 Stephen M. Creighton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 05:03
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for the recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formations traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well, and having fluid communication therebetween, comprising the steps of: a. injecting via said injection well a mixture of steam having a quality of not more than 100 percent and an oxygen-containing gas, said mixture being injected at a temperature corresponding to the saturation temperature for saturated steam at the pressure of said formation, b. thereafter producing said hydrocarbons from said production well.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for the recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formations traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well, and having fluid communication therebetween, comprising the steps of: a. injecting via said injection well a mixture of steam having a quality of not more than 100 percent and an oxygen-containing gas, said mixture being injected at a temperature corresponding to the saturation temperature for saturated steam at the pressure of said formation, b. thereafter producing said hydrocarbons from said production well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature of said saturated steam is in the range of about 250° F. to 500° F. and the quality of said steam is in the range of about 60 percent to 100 percent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said oxygen-containing gas is substantially pure oxygen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the oxygen-containing gas is air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the oxygen-containing gas comprises oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, flue gas and mixtures thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said formation is first repressured to a pressure corresponding to a temperature of saturated steam in the range of 250° F. to 500° F.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for the recovery of bitumens from tar sands traversed by at least one injection well and one production well, comprising: a. injecting via said injection well a mixture of steam having a quality of less than 100 percent and a gas comprising principally pure oxygen, said mixture being at a temperature of the saturation temperature of steam corresponding to the pressure of said formation, thereby effecting a controlled oxidation of said bitumen in said formation, b. thereafter producing said bitumens from said production well.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for the recovery of bitumens from tar sands traversed by at least one injection well and one production well, comprising: a. injecting via said injection well a mixture of steam having a quality of less than 100 percent and a gas comprising principally pure oxygen, said mixture being at a temperature of the saturation temperature of steam corresponding to the pressure of said formation, thereby effecting a controlled oxidation of said bitumen in said formation, b. thereafter producing said bitumens from said production well.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the temperature of said mixture is in the range of about 250° F. to 500° F.
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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) | 1980-02-08 | 1980-08-09 | 1981-02-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-08 | 1984-08-09 | 1985-02-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-08 | 1988-08-09 | 1989-02-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |