US4605069A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for producing heavy, viscous crude oil
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Co
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Filing: 1984-10-09
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Granted: 1986-08-12
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Expires: 2004-10-09
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a process whereby heavy, viscous crude oil may be produced from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation utilizing a jet pump without the problems associated with cavitation damage of the jet pump found in the prior art. The jet pump is operated with a power fluid comprising water and surfactant, the power fluid forming an emulsion with the heavy, viscous crude oil in the jet stream of the jet pump.
Inventors
- 👤 Gifford G. McClaflin
- 👤 Henry A. Bourne
- 👤 Donald L. Whitfill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:01
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/12; E21B43/121; E21B43/129; E21B37/00; E21B37/06; F; F04; F04F; F04F5/00; F04F5/44; F04F5/46; F04F5/464
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
In a method of producing hydrocarbon liquid having an A.P.I. gravity of less than about 15 degrees from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation in which the hydrocarbon liquid is propelled to the surface by a jet pump utilizing a jetted power fluid which entrains the hydrocarbon liquid in a jet stream, the improvement which comprises providing a power fluid comprising a water and surfactant solution and emulsifying the hydrocarbon liquid in the solution within the jet stream whereby heavy, viscous hydrocarbon liquid can be economically produced.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
In a method of producing hydrocarbon liquid having an A.P.I. gravity of less than about 15 degrees from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation in which the hydrocarbon liquid is propelled to the surface by a jet pump utilizing a jetted power fluid which entrains the hydrocarbon liquid in a jet stream, the improvement which comprises providing a power fluid comprising a water and surfactant solution and emulsifying the hydrocarbon liquid in the solution within the jet stream whereby heavy, viscous hydrocarbon liquid can be economically produced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of providing a power fluid further includes the step of providing a hydrocarbon diluent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 2 wherein the hydrocarbon diluent is kerosene distillate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 2 wherein the hydrocarbon diluent is No. 2 diesel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of providing a power fluid comprises providing a power fluid having a surfactant concentration of from about 50 to about 300 ppm based on the water phase.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of providing a power fluid further includes the step of providing a hydrocarbon diluent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of providing a power fluid comprises providing a power fluid containing at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of biocides, oxygen scavengers, and scale inhibitors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 7 wherein the step of providing a power fluid comprises providing a power fluid containing 100 ppm surfactant, 60 ppm biocide, 70 ppm oxygen scavenger and 10 ppm scale inhibitor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 8 wherein the step of providing a power fluid further includes the step of providing a hydrocarbon diluent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement as set forth in claim 1 wherein power fluid is provided in a ratio of about 7.25 to 1 based on the produced heavy, viscous hydrocarbon liquid.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for producing heavy, viscous crude oil having an A.P.I. gravity of less than about 15 degrees comprising the steps of: providing a well bore having a casing into a heavy oil producing formation; providing a reverse flow jet pump in the well bore, the jet pump having production tubing connected to its discharge orifice and a power fluid intake in fluid communication with an annular space between said casing and said production tubing; and pumping a jet pump power fluid into the annulus, the power fluid comprising water and a surfactant whereby the heavy, viscous crude oil is emulsified within the jet pump and the emulsion is produced through said production tubing.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for producing heavy, viscous crude oil having an A.P.I. gravity of less than about 15 degrees comprising the steps of: providing a well bore having a casing into a heavy oil producing formation; providing a reverse flow jet pump in the well bore, the jet pump having production tubing connected to its discharge orifice and a power fluid intake in fluid communication with an annular space between said casing and said production tubing; and pumping a jet pump power fluid into the annulus, the power fluid comprising water and a surfactant whereby the heavy, viscous crude oil is emulsified within the jet pump and the emulsion is produced through said production tubing.
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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) | 1989-08-11 | 1990-02-10 | 1990-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-08-11 | 1994-02-10 | 1994-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-08-11 | 1998-02-10 | 1998-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |