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US4450909A
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Combination solvent injection electric current application method for establishing fluid communication through heavy oil formation
Assignee: Alberta Innovates
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Filing: 1981-10-22
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Granted: 1984-05-29
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Expires: 2001-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A fluid communication channel is developed between injection and product wells in a heavy oil formation by simultaneously injecting a solvent for the oil and passing electric current through the formation.
Inventors
- 👤 Aleksy Sacuta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:22
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for opening a fluid communication channel between injection and production wells in a previously unheated heavy oil reservoir wherein the oil is not amenable to being produced by a drive fluid, which consists essentially of: injecting a cold solvent for the heavy oil into the unheated reservoir; and while such solvent is moving through the unheated reservoir, simultaneously passing electric current between a positive electrode positioned in the injection well and a negative electrode positioned in the production well to reduce the injection pressure required.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for opening a fluid communication channel between injection and production wells in a previously unheated heavy oil reservoir wherein the oil is not amenable to being produced by a drive fluid, which consists essentially of: injecting a cold solvent for the heavy oil into the unheated reservoir; and while such solvent is moving through the unheated reservoir, simultaneously passing electric current between a positive electrode positioned in the injection well and a negative electrode positioned in the production well to reduce the injection pressure required.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-05-29 | 1987-11-28 | 1988-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-29 | 1991-11-28 | 1992-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-29 | 1995-11-28 | 1996-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |