US4059152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal recovery method
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1976-07-30
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Granted: 1977-11-22
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Expires: 1996-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A method for recovering low gravity viscous crude oil or bitumen from a subterranean formation comprising first injecting super heated steam, next initiating an in situ combustion by injecting air, followed by an in situ combustion wherein both super heated steam and air are injected, then simultaneously performing an in situ combustion by injecting air while also injecting water and finally injecting water.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph C. Allen
- 👤 Yick-Mow Shum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:49
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for recovering hydrocarbons such as low gravity crude oil or bitumen from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by at least one injection well and one production well comprising: a. initiating an in situ combustion operation in the reservoir by injecting air into the injection well, b. following the air with super heated steam and c. following the super heated steam with air and water so as to initiate an in situ combustion front in the reservoir.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for recovering hydrocarbons such as low gravity crude oil or bitumen from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by at least one injection well and one production well comprising: a. initiating an in situ combustion operation in the reservoir by injecting air into the injection well, b. following the air with super heated steam and c. following the super heated steam with air and water so as to initiate an in situ combustion front in the reservoir.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein an additional final step comprises injecting water to scavenge heat from the reservoir.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for recovering hydrocarbons such as low gravity crude oil or bitumen from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by at least one injection well and one production well comprising: a. initiating an in situ combustion operation in the reservoir by injecting air into the injection well, b. following the air with super heated steam and c. following the super heated steam with air and saturated steam so as to initiate an in situ combustion front in the reservoir.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for recovering hydrocarbons such as low gravity crude oil or bitumen from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by at least one injection well and one production well comprising: a. initiating an in situ combustion operation in the reservoir by injecting air into the injection well, b. following the air with super heated steam and c. following the super heated steam with air and saturated steam so as to initiate an in situ combustion front in the reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 3 wherein an additional final step comprises injecting water to scavenge heat from the reservoir.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1980-11-21 | 1981-05-23 | 1981-11-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-11-21 | 1985-05-23 | 1985-11-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-11-21 | 1989-05-23 | 1989-11-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |