In situ thermal processing of a tar sands formation

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least the portion to a selected section of the formation substantially by conduction of heat;
• pyrolyzing at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation is less than about 370° C. such that production of a substantial amount of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 is inhibited;
• controlling a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the controlled pressure is at least 2.0 bars;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein about 0.1% by weight of the produced mixture to about 15% by weight of the produced mixture are olefins, and wherein an average carbon number of the produced mixture ranges from 1-25.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the controlled pressure is at least about 2.0 bars absolute;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• controlling a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the controlled pressure is at least about 2.0 bars absolute;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein at least a portion of the mixture is produced during the pyrolysis and the mixture moves through the formation in a vapor phase;
• and
• maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section above about 2.0 bars absolute.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation above 2.0 bars absolute;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons having an API gravity higher than an API gravity of condensable hydrocarbons in a mixture producible from the formation at the same temperature and at atmospheric pressure.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation to above 2.0 bars absolute;
• and
• producing a fluid from the formation, wherein condensable hydrocarbons within the fluid comprise an atomic hydrogen to atomic carbon ratio of greater than about 1.75.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation to above 2.0 bars absolute;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises a higher amount of non-condensable components as compared to non-condensable components producible from the formation under the same temperature conditions and at atmospheric pressure.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least about 20% by weight of hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least about 20% of hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the mixture comprises a condensable component having an API gravity of at least about 25°.

A method of treating a layer of a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the layer, wherein the one or more heaters are positioned proximate an edge of the layer;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the layer such that superimposed heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• controlling a pressure and a temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the pressure is controlled as a function of temperature, or the temperature is controlled as a function of pressure;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• controlling API gravity of the produced mixture to be greater than about 25 degrees API by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
• p=e[−44000/T+67]
• where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat to at least a portion of a tar sands formation such that a temperature (T) in a substantial part of the heated portion exceeds 270° C. and hydrocarbons are pyrolyzed within the heated portion of the formation;
• controlling a pressure (p) within at least a substantial part of the heated portion of the formation;
• wherein pbar>e[(−A/T)+B−2.6744]
• wherein p is the pressure in bars absolute and T is the temperature in degrees K, and A and B are parameters that are larger than 10 and are selected in relation to the characteristics and composition of the tar sands formation and on the required olefin content and carbon number of the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon fluids;
• and
• producing pyrolyzed hydrocarbon fluids from the heated portion of the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• controlling a weight percentage of olefins of the produced mixture to be less than about 20% by weight by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
• p=e[57000/T+83]
• where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• controlling hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 of the produced mixture to be less than about 25% by weight by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
• p=e[−14000/T+25]
• where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• controlling an atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio of the produced mixture to be greater than about 1.7 by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
• p=e[−38000/T+61]
• where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling a pressure-temperature relationship within at least the selected section of the formation by selected energy input into the one or more heaters and by pressure release from the selected section through wellbores of the one or more heaters;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• controlling heat output from the one or more heaters such that an average heating rate of the selected section rises by less than about 3° C. per day when the average temperature of the selected section is at, or above, the temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• to heat a selected section of the formation to an average temperature above about 270° C.;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to the selected section of the formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average heating rate of the selected section is less than about 3° C. per day during pyrolysis;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• producing a mixture from the formation through at least one production well;
• monitoring a temperature at or in the production well;
• and
• controlling heat input to raise the monitored temperature at a rate of less than about 3° C. per day.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support oxidation of hydrocarbons within the portion, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to a wellbore;
• flowing an oxidant through a conduit positioned within the wellbore to a heater zone within the portion, wherein the heater zone supports an oxidation reaction between hydrocarbons and the oxidant;
• reacting a portion of the oxidant with hydrocarbons to generate heat;
• and
• transferring generated heat substantially by conduction to a pyrolysis zone of the formation to pyrolyze at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within the pyrolysis zone.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidant;
• flowing the oxidant into a conduit, and wherein the conduit is connected such that the oxidant can flow from the conduit to the hydrocarbons;
• allowing the oxidant and the hydrocarbons to react to produce heat in a heater zone;
• allowing heat to transfer from the heater zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation to pyrolyze at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within the pyrolysis zone;
• and
• removing reaction products such that the reaction products are inhibited from flowing from the heater zone to the pyrolysis zone.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to an opening in the formation;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a heater zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing gas to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the heater zone to generate heat in the heater zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the heater zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• maintaining an average temperature within the selected section above a minimum pyrolysis temperature and below a vaporization temperature of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 to inhibit production of a substantial amount of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 in the mixture.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling a pressure within the formation to inhibit production of hydrocarbons from the formation having carbon numbers greater than 25;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons are olefins.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• heating a section of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature from at least a first heater, a second heater and a third heater, and wherein the first heater, the second heater and the third heater are located along a perimeter of the section;
• controlling heat input to the first heater, the second heater and the third heater to limit a heating rate of the section to a rate configured to produce a mixture from the formation with an olefin content of less than about 15% by weight of condensable fluids (on a dry basis) within the produced mixture;
• and
• producing the mixture from the formation through a production well.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons is nitrogen.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons is oxygen.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons is sulfur.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• raising a temperature of a first section of the formation with one or more heaters to a first pyrolysis temperature;
• heating the first section to an upper pyrolysis temperature, wherein heat is supplied to the first section at a rate configured to inhibit olefin production;
• producing a first mixture from the formation, wherein the first mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons and H2;
• creating a second mixture from the first mixture, wherein the second mixture comprises a higher concentration of H2 than the first mixture;
• raising a temperature of a second section of the formation with one or more heaters to a second pyrolysis temperature;
• providing a portion of the second mixture to the second section;
• heating the second section to an upper pyrolysis temperature, wherein heat is supplied to the second section at a rate configured to inhibit olefin production;
• and
• producing a third mixture from the second section.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• hydrogenating a portion of the produced mixture with H2 produced from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• heating a first section of the formation;
• producing H2 from the first section of formation;
• heating a second section of the formation;
• and
• recirculating a portion of the H2 from the first section into the second section of the formation to provide a reducing environment within the second section of the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• producing a mixture from the formation;
• and
• controlling formation conditions such that the mixture produced from the formation comprises condensable hydrocarbons including H2, wherein the partial pressure of H2 within the mixture is greater than about 0.5 bars.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• maintaining a pressure of the selected section above atmospheric pressure to increase a partial pressure of H2, as compared to the partial pressure of H2 at atmospheric pressure, in at least a majority of the selected section;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons having an API gravity of at least about 25°.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing H2 to the formation to produce a reducing environment in at least some of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing H2 to the selected section to hydrogenate hydrocarbons within the selected section and to heat a portion of the section with heat from the hydrogenation;
• and
• controlling heating of the selected section by controlling amounts of H2 provided to the selected section.

An in situ method for producing H2 from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation, wherein a H2 partial pressure within the mixture is greater than about 0.5 bars.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic hydrogen weight percentage of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, and wherein at least the portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic hydrogen weight percentage, when measured on a dry, ash-free basis, of greater than about 4.0%;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic hydrogen weight percentage of greater than about 4.0%;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using a total organic matter weight percentage of at least a portion of the selected section, and wherein at least the portion of the selected section comprises a total organic matter weight percentage, of at least about 5.0%;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial total organic matter weight percentage of at least about 5.0%;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic oxygen weight percentage of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, and wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic oxygen weight percentage of less than about 15% when measured on a dry, ash free basis;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to the selected section of the formation to pyrolyze hydrocarbon within the selected section;
• wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic oxygen weight percentage of less than about 15%;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.70, and wherein the atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio is less than about 1.65;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to the selected section of the formation to pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.70;
• wherein the initial atomic hydrogen to carbon ration is less than about 1.65;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic oxygen to carbon ratio of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic oxygen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.025, and wherein the atomic oxygen to carbon ratio of at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section is less than about 0.15;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising providing heat from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;

• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to the selected section of the formation to pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic oxygen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.025;
• wherein the initial atomic oxygen to carbon ratio is less than about 0.15;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using a moisture content in the selected section, and wherein at least a portion of the selected section comprises a moisture content of less than about 15% by weight;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to the selected section of the formation;
• wherein at least a portion of the selected section has an initial moisture content of less than about 15% by weight;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein the selected section is heated in a reducing environment during at least a portion of the time that the selected section is being heated;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• heating a first section of the formation to produce a mixture from the formation;
• heating a second section of the formation;
• and
• recirculating a portion of the produced mixture from the first section into the second section of the formation to provide a reducing environment within the second section of the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• controlling the heat to yield at least about 15% by weight of a total organic carbon content of at least some of the tar sands formation into condensable hydrocarbons.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• heating a first section of the formation to pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the first section and produce a first mixture from the formation;
• heating a second section of the formation to pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the second section and produce a second mixture from the formation;
• and
• leaving an unpyrolyzed section between the first section and the second section to inhibit subsidence of the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation through one or more production wells, wherein the heating is controlled such that the mixture can be produced from the formation as a vapor, and wherein at least about 7 heaters are disposed in the formation for each production well.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the one or more heaters are disposed within one or more first wells;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation through one or more second wells, wherein one or more of the first or second wells are initially used for a first purpose and are then used for one or more other purposes.

A method for forming heater wells in a tar sands formation, comprising:

• forming a first wellbore in the formation;
• forming a second wellbore in the formation using magnetic tracking such that the second wellbore is arranged substantially parallel to the first wellbore;
• and
• providing at least one heater within the first wellbore and at least one heater within the second wellbore such that the heaters can provide heat to at least a portion of the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation through a production well, wherein the production well is located such that a majority of the mixture produced from the formation comprises non-condensable hydrocarbons and a non-condensable component comprising hydrogen.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat to at least a portion of the formation from one or more first heaters placed within a pattern in the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more first heaters to a first section of the formation;
• heating a second section of the formation with at least one second heater, wherein the second section is located within the first section, and wherein at least the one second heater is configured to raise an average temperature of a portion of the second section to a higher temperature than an average temperature of the first section;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation through a production well positioned within the second section, wherein a majority of the produced mixture comprises non-condensable hydrocarbons and a non-condensable component comprising H2 components.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone, and wherein the conduit is further configured to remove an oxidation product from the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone, and wherein the conduit is further configurable to remove an oxidation product from the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to an opening in the formation;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing gas to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat in the reaction zone;
• removing at least a portion of an oxidation product through the opening;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• an electric heater disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the electric heater is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• an electric heater configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the electric heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use, and wherein at least the portion is located substantially adjacent to the opening;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conductor disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is disposed in an opening in the formation, and wherein the conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a second conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the second conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conductor configurable to be disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, and wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a second conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the second conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to a conductor disposed in a first conduit to provide heat to the portion, and wherein the first conduit is disposed within the opening;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• an insulated conductor disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• an insulated conductor configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to an insulated conductor to provide heat to the portion, and wherein the insulated conductor is disposed within the opening;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• at least one elongated member disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• at least one elongated member configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to at least one elongated member to provide heat to the portion, and wherein at least the one elongated member is disposed within the opening;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heat exchanger disposed external to the formation, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to heat an oxidizing fluid during use;
• a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide the heated oxidizing fluid from the heat exchanger to at least a portion of the formation during use, wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the heated oxidizing fluid to at least the portion of the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at a reaction zone in the formation during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heat exchanger configurable to be disposed external to the formation, wherein the heat exchanger is further configurable to heat an oxidizing fluid during use;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide the heated oxidizing fluid from the heat exchanger to at least a portion of the formation during use, wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the heated oxidizing fluid to at least the portion of the formation during use, and wherein the system is further configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at a reaction zone in the formation during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises:
• heating the oxidizing fluid with a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed external to the formation;
• providing the heated oxidizing fluid from the heat exchanger to the portion of the formation;
• and
• allowing heat to transfer from the heated oxidizing fluid to the portion of the formation;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises:
• oxidizing a fuel gas in a heater, wherein the heater is disposed external to the formation;
• providing the oxidized fuel gas from the heater to the portion of the formation;
• and
• allowing heat to transfer from the oxidized fuel gas to the portion of the formation;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first conductor disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is disposed within a first opening in the formation;
• a second conductor disposed in a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is disposed within a second opening in the formation;
• a third conductor disposed in a third conduit, wherein the third conduit is disposed within a third opening in the formation, wherein the first, second, and third conductors are electrically coupled in a 3-phase Y configuration, and wherein the first, second, and third conductors are configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the first, second, and third conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first conductor configurable to be disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is configurable to be disposed within a first opening in the formation;
• a second conductor configurable to be disposed in a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is configurable to be disposed within a second opening in the formation;
• a third conductor configurable to be disposed in a third conduit, wherein the third conduit is configurable to be disposed within a third opening in the formation, wherein the first, second, and third conductors are further configurable to be electrically coupled in a 3-phase Y configuration, and wherein the first, second, and third conductors are further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the first, second, and third conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• applying an electrical current to a first conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the first conductor is disposed in a first conduit, and wherein the first conduit is disposed within a first opening in the formation;
• applying an electrical current to a second conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the second conductor is disposed in a second conduit, and wherein the second conduit is disposed within a second opening in the formation;
• applying an electrical current to a third conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the third conductor is disposed in a third conduit, and wherein the third conduit is disposed within a third opening in the formation;
• and
• allowing the heat to transfer from the first, second, and third conductors to a selected section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first conductor disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation;
• and
• a second conductor disposed in the conduit, wherein the second conductor is electrically coupled to the first conductor with a connector, and wherein the first and second conductors are configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the first and second conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first conductor configurable to be disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation;
• a second conductor configurable to be disposed in the conduit, wherein the second conductor is configurable to be electrically coupled to the first conductor with a connector, and wherein the first and second conductors are further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the first and second conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• at least one conductor disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein at least the one conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a first portion of the formation during use;
• at least one sliding connector, wherein at least the one sliding connector is coupled to at least the one conductor, wherein at least the one sliding connector is configured to provide heat during use, and wherein heat provided by at least the one sliding connector is substantially less than the heat provided by at least the one conductor during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from at least the one conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• at least one conductor configurable to be disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein at least the one conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a first portion of the formation during use;
• at least one sliding connector, wherein at least the one sliding connector is configurable to be coupled to at least the one conductor, wherein at least the one sliding connector is further configurable to provide heat during use, and wherein heat provided by at least the one sliding connector is substantially less than the heat provided by at least the one conductor during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from at least the one conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A system configured to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• at least one elongated member disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source;
• a conduit disposed within the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the opening during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to substantially inhibit carbon deposition on or proximate to at least the one elongated member during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• at least one elongated member configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a conduit configurable to be disposed within the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the opening during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to substantially inhibit carbon deposition on or proximate to at least the one elongated member during use;
• and
• wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• applying an electrical current to at least one elongated member to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is disposed within an opening in the formation;
• providing an oxidizing fluid to at least the one elongated member to substantially inhibit carbon deposition on or proximate to at least the one elongated member;
• and
• allowing heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• oxidizing a fuel fluid in a heater;
• providing at least a portion of the oxidized fuel fluid into a conduit disposed in an opening of the formation;
• allowing heat to transfer from the oxidized fuel fluid to a section of the formation;
• and allowing additional heat to transfer from an electric heater disposed in the opening to the section of the formation, wherein heat is allowed to transfer substantially uniformly along a length of the opening.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, wherein the one or more heaters are disposed within one or more open wellbores in the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A mixture produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, the mixture comprising:

• non-condensable hydrocarbons comprising hydrocarbons having carbon numbers of less than 5, wherein a weight ratio of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers from 2 through 4, to methane, is greater than approximately 1;
• condensable hydrocarbons;
• wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises nitrogen;
• wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises oxygen;
• and
• wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises sulfur.

A mixture produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, the mixture comprising:

• non-condensable hydrocarbons comprising hydrocarbons having carbon numbers of less than 5, wherein a weight ratio of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers from 2 through 4, to methane, is greater than approximately 1;
• ammonia, wherein greater than about 0.5% by weight of the mixture comprises ammonia;
• and
• condensable hydrocarbons comprising oxygenated hydrocarbons, wherein greater than about 5% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons.

A mixture produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, comprising:

• condensable hydrocarbons, wherein less than about 15% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons have a carbon number greater than about 25;
• wherein less than about 1% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons, when calculated on an atomic basis, is nitrogen;
• wherein less than about 1% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons, when calculated on an atomic basis, is oxygen;
• and
• wherein less than about 1% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons, when calculated on an atomic basis, is sulfur.

A mixture produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, comprising:

• non-condensable hydrocarbons comprising hydrocarbons having carbon numbers of less than about 5, wherein a weight ratio of the hydrocarbons having carbon number from 2 through 4, to methane, in the mixture is greater than approximately 1;
• wherein the non-condensable hydrocarbons further comprise H2, wherein greater than about 15% by weight of the non-condensable hydrocarbons comprises H2;
• and
• condensable hydrocarbons, comprising:
• oxygenated hydrocarbons, wherein greater than about 1.5% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons;
• olefins, wherein less than about 10% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises olefins;
• and
• aromatic compounds, wherein greater than about 20% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises aromatic compounds.

A mixture produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, comprising:

• condensable hydrocarbons, wherein less than about 5% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises hydrocarbons having a carbon number greater than about 25;
• wherein the condensable hydrocarbons further comprise:
• oxygenated hydrocarbons, wherein greater than about 5% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons;
• olefins, wherein less than about 10% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises olefins;
• and
• aromatic compounds, wherein greater than about 30% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises aromatic compounds;
• and
• non-condensable hydrocarbons comprising H2, wherein greater than about 15% by weight of the non-condensable hydrocarbons comprises H2.

A mixture of condensable hydrocarbons produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, comprising:

• olefins, wherein about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises olefins;
• oxygenated hydrocarbons, wherein less than about 15% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons;
• and
• asphaltenes, wherein less than about 0.1% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises asphaltenes.

A mixture of condensable hydrocarbons produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, comprising:

• olefins, wherein about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises olefins;
• multi-ring aromatics, wherein less than about 2% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises multi-ring aromatics with more than two rings;
• and
• oxygenated hydrocarbons, wherein greater than about 25% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons comprises oxygenated hydrocarbons.

A mixture produced from a portion of a tar sands formation, comprising:

• non-condensable hydrocarbons and H2, wherein greater than about 10% by volume of the non-condensable hydrocarbons and H2 comprises H2;
• ammonia and water, wherein greater than about 0.5% by weight of the mixture comprises ammonia;
• and
• condensable hydrocarbons.

A method for in situ production of synthesis gas from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a section of the formation to a temperature sufficient to allow synthesis gas generation, wherein a permeability of the section is substantially uniform and greater than a permeability of an unheated section of the formation when the temperature sufficient to allow synthesis gas generation within the formation is achieved;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to the section to generate synthesis gas;
• and
• removing synthesis gas from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to substantially uniformly increase a permeability of the portion and to increase a temperature of the portion to a temperature sufficient to allow synthesis gas generation;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to at least the portion of the selected section, wherein the synthesis gas generating fluid comprises carbon dioxide;
• obtaining a portion of the carbon dioxide of the synthesis gas generating fluid from the formation;
• and
• producing synthesis gas from the formation.

A method of in situ synthesis gas production, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more flameless distributed combustor heaters to at least a first portion of a tar sands formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters substantially uniformly increases a permeability of the selected section, and to raise a temperature of the selected section to a temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas;
• introducing a synthesis gas producing fluid into the selected section to generate synthesis gas;
• and
• removing synthesis gas from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation with one or more electrical heaters to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the portion;
• producing pyrolyzation fluid from the formation;
• separating a fuel cell feed stream from the pyrolyzation fluid;
• and
• directing the fuel cell feed stream to a fuel cell to produce electricity.

A method for in situ production of synthesis gas from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolysis products from the formation;
• heating at least a portion of the selected section to a temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to at least the portion of the selected section to generate synthesis gas;
• and
• producing a portion of the synthesis gas from the formation.

A method for in situ production of synthesis gas from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a first portion of the formation to pyrolyze some hydrocarbons within the first portion;
• allowing the heat to transfer from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation, pyrolyzing hydrocarbons within the selected section;
• producing fluid from the first portion, wherein the fluid comprises an aqueous fluid and a hydrocarbon fluid;
• heating a second portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to allow synthesis gas generation;
• introducing at least a portion of the aqueous fluid to the second section after the section reaches the temperature sufficient to allow synthesis gas generation;
• and
• producing synthesis gas from the formation.

A method for in situ production of synthesis gas from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation with one or more heaters to create increased and substantially uniform permeability within a portion of the formation and to raise a temperature within the portion to a temperature sufficient to allow synthesis gas generation;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid into the portion through at least one injection wellbore to generate synthesis gas from hydrocarbons and the synthesis gas generating fluid;
• and
• producing synthesis gas from at least one wellbore in which is positioned a heater of the one or more heaters.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing material within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolysis products from the formation;
• heating a first portion of a formation with one or more heaters to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of synthesis gas;
• providing a first synthesis gas generating fluid to the first portion to generate a first synthesis gas;
• removing a portion of the first synthesis gas from the formation;
• heating a second portion of a formation with one or more heaters to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than a H2 to CO ratio of the first synthesis gas;
• providing a second synthesis gas generating component to the second portion to generate a second synthesis gas;
• removing a portion of the second synthesis gas from the formation;
• and
• blending a portion of the first synthesis gas with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blended synthesis gas having a selected H2 to CO ratio.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolysis products from the formation;
• heating at least a portion of the selected section to a temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas;
• controlling a temperature of at least a portion of the selected section to generate synthesis gas having a selected H2 to CO ratio;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to at least the portion of the selected section to generate synthesis gas;
• and
• producing a portion of the synthesis gas from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolysis products from the formation;
• heating at least a portion of the selected section to a temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas;
• controlling a temperature in or proximate to a synthesis gas production well to generate synthesis gas having a selected H2 to CO ratio;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to at least the portion of the selected section to generate synthesis gas;
• and
• producing synthesis gas from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolysis products from the formation;
• heating at least a portion of the selected section to a temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas;
• controlling a temperature of at least a portion of the selected section to generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio different than a selected H2 to CO ratio;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to at least the portion of the selected section to generate synthesis gas;
• and
• producing synthesis gas from the formation;
• providing at least a portion of the produced synthesis gas to a shift process wherein an amount of carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide;
• separating at least a portion of the carbon dioxide to obtain a gas having a selected H2 to CO ratio.

A method of sequestering carbon dioxide within a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to increase permeability and form a substantially uniform permeability within the portion;
• allowing the portion to cool;
• and
• storing carbon dioxide within the portion.

A method of in situ sequestration of carbon dioxide within a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a first portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from one or more sources to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolyzation fluids, wherein the pyrolyzation fluids comprise carbon dioxide;
• and
• storing an amount of carbon dioxide in the formation, wherein the amount of stored carbon dioxide is equal to or greater than an amount of carbon dioxide within the pyrolyzation fluids.

A method for in situ production of energy from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
• producing pyrolysis products from the formation;
• providing at least a portion of the pyrolysis products to a reformer to generate synthesis gas;
• producing the synthesis gas from the reformer;
• providing at least a portion of the produced synthesis gas to a fuel cell to produce electricity, wherein the fuel cell produces a carbon dioxide containing exit stream;
• and
• storing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide containing exit stream in a subsurface formation.

A method for producing ammonia using a tar sands formation, comprising:

• separating air to produce an O2 rich stream and a N2 rich stream;
• heating a selected section of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbon containing material in the formation to form synthesis gas;
• providing synthesis gas generating fluid and at least a portion of the O2 rich stream to the selected section;
• allowing the synthesis gas generating fluid and O2 in the O2 rich stream to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing material in the formation to generate synthesis gas;
• producing synthesis gas from the formation, wherein the synthesis gas comprises H2 and CO;
• providing at least a portion of the H2 in the synthesis gas to an ammonia synthesis process;
• providing N2 to the ammonia synthesis process;
• and
• using the ammonia synthesis process to generate ammonia.

A method for producing ammonia using a tar sands formation, comprising:

• generating a first ammonia feed stream from a first portion of the formation;
• generating a second ammonia feed stream from a second portion of the formation, wherein the second ammonia feed stream has a H2 to N2 ratio greater than a H2 to N2 ratio of the first ammonia feed stream;
• blending at least a portion of the first ammonia feed stream with at least a portion of the second ammonia feed stream to produce a blended ammonia feed stream having a selected H2 to N2 ratio;
• providing the blended ammonia feed stream to an ammonia synthesis process;
• and
• using the ammonia synthesis process to generate ammonia.

A method for producing ammonia using a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a selected section of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbon containing material in the formation to form synthesis gas;
• providing a synthesis gas generating fluid and an O2 rich stream to the selected section, wherein the amount of N2 in the O2 rich stream is sufficient to generate synthesis gas having a selected ratio of H2 to N2;
• allowing the synthesis gas generating fluid and O2 in the O2 rich stream to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing material in the formation to generate synthesis gas having a selected ratio of H2 to N2;
• producing the synthesis gas from the formation;
• providing at least a portion of the H2 and N2 in the synthesis gas to an ammonia synthesis process;
• using the ammonia synthesis process to generate ammonia.

A method for producing ammonia using a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing a first stream comprising N2 and carbon dioxide to the formation;
• allowing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide in the first stream to adsorb in the formation;
• producing a second stream from the formation, wherein the second stream comprises a lower percentage of carbon dioxide than the first stream;
• providing at least a portion of the N2 in the second stream to an ammonia synthesis process.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can pyrolyze at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation is less than about 375° C.;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can pyrolyze at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation is less than about 375° C.;
• allowing at least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons to flow from the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation to the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can pyrolyze at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation is less than about 375° C.;
• allowing at least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons to flow from the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation to the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• providing a gas to the permeable formation, wherein the gas is configured to increase a flow of the mobilized hydrocarbons from the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation to the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can pyrolyze at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation is less than about 375° C.;
• allowing at least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons to flow from the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation to the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• providing a gas to the permeable formation, wherein the gas is configured to increase a flow of the mobilized hydrocarbons from the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation to the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• controlling a pressure of the provided gas such that the flow of the mobilized hydrocarbons is controlled;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can pyrolyze at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected pyrolyzation section of the permeable formation is less than about 375° C.;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation in a production well, wherein the production well is disposed substantially horizontally within the permeable formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• providing a gas to the permeable formation, wherein the gas is configured to increase a flow of the mobilized hydrocarbons within the permeable formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the permeable formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected mobilization section of the permeable formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters can mobilize at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected mobilization section of the permeable formation is less than about 150° C.;
• providing a gas to the permeable formation, wherein the gas is configured to increase a flow of the mobilized hydrocarbons within the permeable formation;
• controlling a pressure of the provided gas such that the flow of the mobilized hydrocarbons is controlled;
• and
• producing a mixture from the permeable formation.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit configurable to be placed within an opening in the formation;
• a conductor configurable to be placed within the conduit, wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• at least one centralizer configurable to be coupled to the conductor, wherein at least one centralizer inhibits movement of the conductor within the conduit during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit configurable to be placed within an opening in the formation;
• a conductor configurable to be placed within the conduit, wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• at least one centralizer configurable to be coupled to the conductor, wherein at least one centralizer inhibits movement of the conductor within the conduit during use wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to be removed from the opening in the formation.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit configurable to be placed within an opening in the formation;
• a conductor configurable to be placed within a conduit, wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an insulation layer coupled to at least a portion of the conductor, wherein the insulation layer electrically insulates at least a portion of the conductor from the conduit during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation during use

A method for making a conductor-in-conduit heater for a tar sands formation, comprising:

• placing at least one protrusion on a conductor;
• placing at least one centralizer on the conductor;
• and
• placing the conductor within a conduit to form a conductor-in-conduit heater, wherein at least one centralizer maintains a location of the conductor within the conduit.

A method of installing a conductor-in-conduit heater of a desired length in a tar sands formation, comprising:

• assembling a conductor-in-conduit heater of a desired length, comprising:
• placing a conductor within a conduit to form a conductor-in-conduit heater;
• and
• coupling the conductor-in-conduit heater to at least one additional conductor-in-conduit heater to form a conductor-in-conduit heater of the desired length, wherein the conductor is electrically coupled to the conductor of at least one additional conductor-in-conduit heater and the conduit is electrically coupled to the conduit of at least one additional conductor-in-conduit heater;
• coiling the conductor-in-conduit heater of the desired length after forming the heater;
• and
• placing the conductor-in-conduit heater of the desired length in an opening in a tar sands formation.

A method for making a conductor-in-conduit heater configurable to be used to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• placing a conductor within a conduit to form a conductor-in-conduit heater;
• and
• shielded active gas welding the conductor-in-conduit heater to at least one additional conductor-in-conduit heater to form a conductor-in-conduit heater of a desired length, wherein the conductor is electrically coupled to the conductor of at least one additional conductor-in-conduit heater and the conduit is electrically coupled to the conduit of at least one additional conductor-in-conduit heater;
• and
• wherein the conductor-in-conduit heater is configurable to be placed in an opening in the tar sands formation, and wherein the conductor-in-conduit heater is further configurable to heat a section of the tar sands formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit configurable to be placed within an opening in the formation;
• a conductor configurable to be placed within the conduit, wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use, and wherein the conductor comprises at least two conductor sections coupled by shielded active gas welding;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A method for installing a heater of a desired length in a tar sands formation, comprising:

• assembling a heater of a desired length, wherein the assembling of the heater of the desired length is performed at a location proximate the tar sands formation;
• coiling the heater of the desired length after forming the heater;
• and
• placing the heater of the desired length in an opening in a tar sands formation, wherein placing the heater in the opening comprises uncoiling the heater while placing the heater in the opening.

A method for installing a heater of a desired length in a tar sands formation, comprising:

• assembling a heater of a desired length, wherein the assembling of the heater of the desired length is performed at a location proximate the tar sands formation;
• coiling the heater of the desired length after forming the heater;
• placing the heater of the desired length in an opening in a tar sands formation, wherein placing the heater in the opening comprises uncoiling the heater while placing the heater in the opening;
• and
• wherein the heater is configurable to be removed from the opening.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit configurable to be placed within an opening in the formation;
• a conductor configurable to be placed within a conduit, wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an electrically conductive material configurable to be coupled to at least a portion of the conductor, wherein the electrically conductive material is configurable to lower an electrical resistance of the conductor in the overburden during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit configurable to be placed within an opening in the formation;
• a conductor configurable to be placed within a conduit, wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use, and wherein the conductor has been treated to increase an emissivity of at least a portion of a surface of the conductor;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A method for forming an increased emissivity conductor-in-conduit heater, comprising:

• treating a surface of a conductor to increase an emissivity of at least the surface of the conductor;
• placing the conductor within a conduit to form a conductor-in-conduit heater;
• and
• wherein the conductor-in-conduit heater is configurable to heat a tar sands formation.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater configurable to be placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an expansion mechanism configurable to be coupled to the heater, wherein the expansion mechanism is configurable to allow for movement of the heater during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a conduit positionable in an opening in the formation, wherein a first end of the opening contacts an earth surface at a first location, wherein a second end of the opening contacts the earth surface at a second location;
• an annulus formed between a wall of the conduit and a wall of the opening;
• and
• a oxidizer configurable to provide heat to a selected section of the formation by transferring heat through the annulus.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first conduit positionable in an opening in the formation, wherein a first end of the opening contacts an earth surface at a first location, wherein a second end of the opening contacts the earth surface at a second location;
• a second conduit positionable in the opening;
• a first oxidizer configurable to provide heat to a selected section of the formation by transferring heat through the first conduit;
• and
• a second oxidizer configurable to provide heat to the selected section of the formation by transferring heat through the second conduit.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing heat to a first conduit positioned in an opening in the formation, wherein a first end of the opening contacts an earth surface at a first location, and wherein a second end of the opening contacts the earth surface at a second location;
• providing heat to a second conduit positioned in the opening in the formation;
• allowing the heat in the first conduit to transfer through the opening and to a surrounding portion of the formation;
• and
• allowing the heat in the second conduit to transfer through the opening and to a surrounding portion of the formation;

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first conduit positionable in an opening in the formation, wherein a first end of the opening contacts an earth surface at a first location, wherein a second end of the opening contacts the earth surface at a second location;
• a second conduit positionable in the first conduit;
• and
• at least one surface unit configurable to provide heat to the first conduit.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a fluid using at least one surface unit;
• providing the heated fluid to a first conduit wherein a portion of the first conduit is positioned in an opening in the formation, wherein a first end of the opening contacts an earth surface at a first location, and wherein a second end of the opening contacts the earth surface at a second location;
• allowing the heated fluid to flow into a second conduit, wherein the first conduit is positioned within the second conduit;
• and
• allowing heat from the first and second conduit to transfer to a portion of the formation.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing fuel to a conduit positioned in an opening in the formation, wherein a first end of the opening contacts an earth surface at a first location, and wherein a second end of the opening contacts the earth surface at a second location;
• providing an oxidizing fluid to the opening;
• oxidizing fuel in at least one oxidizer positioned proximate the conduit;
• and
• allowing heat to transfer to a portion of the formation.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing an electrical current to a conduit positioned in an opening in the formation;
• allowing heat to transfer from the conduit to a reaction zone of the formation;
• providing at least some oxidizing fluid to the conduit;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to transfer from the conduit to the reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons in the reaction zone to generate heat;
• and
• allowing at least some of the generated heat to transfer to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A method for treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a first section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the first section;
• and
• producing a mixture through a second section of the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises at least some pyrolyzed hydrocarbons from the first section, and wherein the second section comprises a higher permeability than the first section.

A method for treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation, wherein one or more of such heaters is placed within at least one uncased wellbore in the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a first section of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heaters pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the first section;
• and
• producing a mixture through a second section of the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises at least some pyrolyzed hydrocarbons from the first section, and wherein the second section comprises a higher permeability than the first section.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing at least one property of the formation to the computer system;
• providing at least one operating condition of the process to the computer system, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process using a simulation method on the computer system, and using at least one property of the formation and at least one operating condition.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• simulating a heat input rate to the formation from two or more heaters on the computer system, wherein heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one desired parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• controlling the heat input rate from the heaters to achieve at least one desired parameter.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing at least one heat input property to the computer system;
• assessing heat injection rate data for the formation using a first simulation method on the computer system;
• providing at least one property of the formation to the computer system;
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process from the heat injection rate data and at least one property of the formation using a second simulation method;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing one or more model parameters for the in situ process to the computer system;
• assessing one or more simulated process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a simulation method;
• modifying one or more model parameters such that at least one simulated process characteristic matches or approximates at least one real process characteristic;
• assessing one or more modified simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• assessing at least one operating condition of the in situ process using a simulation method based on one or more model parameter;
• modifying at least one model parameter such that at least one simulated process characteristic of the in situ process matches or approximates at least one real process characteristic of the in situ process;
• assessing one or more modified simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A method of modeling a process of treating a tar sands formation in situ using a computer system, comprising:

• providing one or more model parameters to the computer system;
• assessing one or more first process characteristics based on the one or more model parameters using a first simulation method on the computer system;
• assessing one or more second process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a second simulation method on the computer system;
• modifying one or more model parameters such that at least one first process characteristic matches or approximates at least one second process characteristic;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing to the computer system one or more values of at least one operating condition of the in situ process, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• assessing one or more values of at least one process characteristic corresponding to one or more values of at least one operating condition using a simulation method;
• providing a desired value of at least one process characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• assessing a desired value of at least one operating condition to achieve the desired value of at least one process characteristic from the assessed values of at least one process characteristic and the provided values of at least one operating condition.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing at least one property of the formation to the computer system;
• providing at least one operating condition of the process to the computer system, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process using a simulation method on the computer system, and using at least one property of the formation and at least one operating condition.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing at least one property of the formation to the computer system;
• providing at least one operating condition of the process to the computer system, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process using a simulation method on the computer system, and using at least one property of the formation and at least one operating condition.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• simulating a heat input rate to the formation from two or more heaters on the computer system, wherein heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one desired parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• controlling the heat input rate from the heaters to achieve at least one desired parameter.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• simulating a heat input rate to the formation from two or more heaters on the computer system, wherein heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one desired parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• controlling the heat input rate from the heaters to achieve at least one desired parameter.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing at least one heat input property to the computer system;
• assessing heat injection rate data for the formation using a first simulation method on the computer system;
• providing at least one property of the formation to the computer system;
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process from the heat injection rate data and at least one property of the formation using a second simulation method;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing at least one heat input property to the computer system;
• assessing heat injection rate data for the formation using a first simulation method on the computer system;
• providing at least one property of the formation to the computer system;
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process from the heat injection rate data and at least one property of the formation using a second simulation method;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing one or more model parameters for the in situ process to the computer system;
• assessing one or more simulated process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a simulation method;
• modifying one or more model parameters such that at least one simulated process characteristic matches or approximates at least one real process characteristic;
• assessing one or more modified simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing one or more model parameters for the in situ process to the computer system;
• assessing one or more simulated process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a simulation method;
• modifying one or more model parameters such that at least one simulated process characteristic matches or approximates at least one real process characteristic;
• assessing one or more modified simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• assessing at least one operating condition of the in situ process using a simulation method based on one or more model parameter;
• modifying at least one model parameter such that at least one simulated process characteristic of the in situ process matches or approximates at least one real process characteristic of the in situ process;
• assessing one or more modified simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• assessing at least one operating condition of the in situ process using a simulation method based on one or more model parameter;
• modifying at least one model parameter such that at least one simulated process characteristic of the in situ process matches or approximates at least one real process characteristic of the in situ process;
• assessing one or more modified simulated process characteristics based on the modified model parameters;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing one or more model parameters to the computer system;
• assessing one or more first process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a first simulation method on the computer system;
• assessing one or more second process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a second simulation method on the computer system;
• modifying one or more model parameters such that at least one first process characteristic matches or approximates at least one second process characteristic;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing one or more model parameters to the computer system;
• assessing one or more first process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a first simulation method on the computer system;
• assessing one or more second process characteristics based on one or more model parameters using a second simulation method on the computer system;
• modifying one or more model parameters such that at least one first process characteristic matches at least one second process characteristic;
• and
• wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing to the computer system one or more values of at least one operating condition of the in situ process, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• assessing one or more values of at least one process characteristic corresponding to one or more values of at least one operating condition using a simulation method;
• providing a desired value of at least one process characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• assessing a desired value of at least one operating condition to achieve the desired value of at least one process characteristic from the assessed values of at least one process characteristic and the provided values of at least one operating condition.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing to the computer system one or more values of at least one operating condition of the in situ process, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• assessing one or more values of at least one process characteristic corresponding to one or more values of at least one operating condition using a simulation method;
• providing a desired value of at least one process characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• assessing a desired value of at least one operating condition to achieve the desired value of at least one process characteristic from the assessed values of at least one process characteristic and the provided values of at least one operating condition.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing a desired value of at least one process characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• assessing a value of at least one operating condition to achieve the desired value of at least one process characteristic, wherein such assessing comprises using a relationship between at least one process characteristic and at least one operating condition for the in situ process, wherein such relationship is stored on a database accessible by the computer system.

A method of using a computer system for operating an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• using at least one parameter with a simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process.

A method of using a computer system for operating an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• using at least one parameter with a simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process;
• and
• using the assessed information to operate the in situ process.

A method of using a computer system for operating an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;

• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• using at least one parameter with a first simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process;
• and
• obtaining information from a second simulation method and the computer system using the assessed information and a desired parameter.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for operating an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:
• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• using at least one parameter with a simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• and
• using at least one parameter with a simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for operating an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:
• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• using at least one parameter with a simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process;
• and
• using the assessed information to operate the in situ process.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• using at least one parameter with a simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process;
• and
• using the assessed information to operate the in situ process.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for operating an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:
• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• using at least one parameter with a first simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process;
• and
• obtaining information from a second simulation method and the computer system using the assessed information and a desired parameter.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• operating the in situ process using one or more operating parameters, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing at least one operating parameter of the in situ process to the computer system;
• using at least one parameter with a first simulation method and the computer system to provide assessed information about the in situ process;
• and
• obtaining information from a second simulation method and the computer system using the assessed information and a desired parameter.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing at least one property of the formation to a computer system;
• providing at least one operating condition to the computer system;
• assessing at least one process characteristic of the in situ process, wherein the in situ process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the in situ process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• assessing at least one deformation characteristic of the formation using a simulation method from at least one property, at least one operating condition, and at least one process characteristic.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing to the computer system at least one set of operating conditions for the in situ process, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing to the computer system at least one desired deformation characteristic for the in situ process;
• and
• assessing at least one additional operating condition of the formation that achieves at least one desired deformation characteristic.

A method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing one or more values of at least one operating condition;
• assessing one or more values of at least one deformation characteristic using a simulation method based on the one or more values of at least one operating condition;
• providing a desired value of at least one deformation characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• assessing a desired value of at least one operating condition that achieves the desired value of at least one deformation characteristic from the determined values of at least one deformation characteristic and the provided values of at least one operating condition.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing at least one property of the formation to a computer system;
• providing at least one operating condition to the computer system;
• determining at least one process characteristic of the in situ process, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• determining at least one deformation characteristic of the formation using a simulation method from at least one property, at least one operating condition, and at least one process characteristic.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing at least one property of the formation to a computer system;
• providing at least one operating condition to the computer system;
• determining at least one process characteristic of the in situ process, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• determining at least one deformation characteristic of the formation using a simulation method from at least one property, at least one operating condition, and at least one process characteristic.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing to the computer system at least one set of operating conditions for the in situ process, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing to the computer system at least one desired deformation characteristic for the in situ process;
• and
• determining at least one additional operating condition of the formation that achieves at least one desired deformation characteristic.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing to the computer system at least one set of operating conditions for the in situ process, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• providing to the computer system at least one desired deformation characteristic for the in situ process;
• and
• determining at least one additional operating condition of the formation that achieves at least one desired deformation characteristic.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing one or more values of at least one operating condition;
• determining one or more values of at least one deformation characteristic using a simulation method based on the one or more values of at least one operating condition;
• providing a desired value of at least one deformation characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• determining a desired value of at least one operating condition that achieves the desired value of at least one deformation characteristic from the determined values of at least one deformation characteristic and the provided values of at least one operating condition.

A carrier medium comprising program instructions, wherein the program instructions are computer-executable to implement a method comprising:

• providing one or more values of at least one operating condition;
• determining one or more values of at least one deformation characteristic using a simulation method based on the one or more values of at least one operating condition;
• providing a desired value of at least one deformation characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• determining a desired value of at least one operating condition that achieves the desired value of at least one deformation characteristic from the determined values of at least one deformation characteristic and the provided values of at least one operating condition.

A system, comprising:

• a CPU;
• a data memory coupled to the CPU;
• and
• a system memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the system memory is configured to store one or more computer programs executable by the CPU, and wherein the computer programs are executable to implement a method of using a computer system for modeling an in situ process for treating a tar sands formation, the method comprising:
• providing a desired value of at least one deformation characteristic for the in situ process to the computer system, wherein the process comprises providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation, and wherein the process comprises allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• determining a value of at least one operating condition to achieve the desired value of at least one deformation characteristic from a database in memory on the computer system comprising a relationship between at least one formation characteristic and at least one operating condition for the in situ process.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a first oxidizer configurable to be placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the first oxidizer is configurable to oxidize a first fuel during use;
• a second oxidizer configurable to be placed in the opening, wherein the second oxidizer is configurable to oxidize a second fuel during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat from oxidation of the first fuel or the second fuel to transfer to the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing a first oxidizing fluid to a first oxidizer placed in an opening in the formation;
• providing a first fuel to the first oxidizer;
• oxidizing at least some of the first fuel in the first oxidizer;
• providing a second oxidizing fluid to a second oxidizer placed in the opening in the formation;
• providing a second fuel to the second oxidizer;
• oxidizing at least some of the second fuel in the second oxidizer;
• and
• allowing heat from oxidation of the first fuel and the second fuel to transfer to a portion of the formation.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• an opening placed in the formation, wherein the opening comprises a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a third elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion diverges from the first elongated portion in a first direction, wherein the third elongated portion diverges from the first elongated portion in a second direction, and wherein the first direction is substantially different than the second direction;
• a first heater configurable to be placed in the second elongated portion, wherein the first heater is configurable to heat at least a portion of the formation during use;
• a second heater configurable to be placed in the third elongated portion, wherein the second heater is configurable to heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer to the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing heat from two or more heaters placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the opening comprises a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion, and a third elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion diverges from the first elongated portion in a first direction, wherein the third elongated portion diverges from the first elongated portion in a second direction, and wherein the first direction is substantially different than the second direction;
• allowing heat from the two or more heaters to transfer to a portion of the formation;
• and
• wherein the two or more heaters comprise a first heater placed in the second elongated portion and a second heater placed in the third elongated portion.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• an oxidizer configurable to be placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the oxidizer is configurable to oxidize fuel to generate heat during use;
• a first conduit configurable to be placed in the opening of the formation, wherein the first conduit is configurable to provide oxidizing fluid to the oxidizer in the opening during use;
• a heater configurable to be placed in the opening and configurable to provide additional heat;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow the generated heat and the additional heat to transfer to the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• allowing heat to transfer from a heater placed in an opening to a portion of the formation;
• providing oxidizing fluid to an oxidizer placed in the opening in the formation;
• providing fuel to the oxidizer;
• oxidizing at least some fuel in the oxidizer;
• and
• allowing additional heat from oxidation of at least some fuel to transfer to the portion of the formation.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater configurable to be placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configurable to heat a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to sustain oxidation of hydrocarbons during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone of the formation to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons in the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated in the reaction zone, and wherein at least some of the reaction zone has been previously heated by the heater;
• a first conduit configurable to be placed in the opening, wherein the first conduit is configurable to provide the oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the reaction zone in the formation during use, wherein the flow of oxidizing fluid can be controlled along at least a segment of the first conduit;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow the generated heat to transfer from the reaction zone to the formation during use.

An in situ method for providing heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons with an oxidizing fluid within the portion of the formation;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• controlling a flow of the oxidizing fluid along at least a length of the reaction zone;
• generating heat within the reaction zone;
• and
• allowing the generated heat to transfer to the formation.

A system configurable to provide heat to a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater configurable to be placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone of the formation to generate heat in the reaction zone during use, wherein at least a portion of the reaction zone has been previously heated by the heater during use;
• a conduit configurable to be placed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configurable to provide the oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the reaction zone in the formation during use;
• wherein the system is configurable to provide molecular hydrogen to the reaction zone during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow the generated heat to transfer from the reaction zone to the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the reaction zone to generate heat in the reaction zone;
• providing molecular hydrogen to the reaction zone;
• and
• transferring the generated heat from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

A system configurable to heat a tar sands formation, comprising:

• a heater configurable to be placed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
• an oxidizing fluid source, wherein an oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at a reaction zone during use such that heat is generated in the reaction zone;
• a first conduit configurable to be placed in the opening, wherein the first conduit is configurable to provide the oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the reaction zone in the formation during use;
• and;
• a second conduit configurable to be placed in the opening, wherein the second conduit is configurable to remove a product of oxidation from the opening during use;
• and
• wherein the system is configurable to allow the generated heat to transfer from the reaction zone to the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid;
• providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
• allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the reaction zone to generate heat in the reaction zone;
• removing an oxidation product from the opening;
• and
• transferring the generated heat from the reaction zone to the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
• producing a mixture from the formation from a production well;
• and
• controlling heating in or proximate the production well to produce a selected yield of non-condensable hydrocarbons in the produced mixture.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
• measuring a temperature within a wellbore placed in the formation;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

An in situ method of measuring assessing a temperature within a wellbore in a tar sands formation, comprising:

• providing a pressure wave from a pressure wave source into the wellbore, wherein the wellbore comprises a plurality of discontinuities along a length of the wellbore;
• measuring a reflection signal of the pressure wave;
• and
• using the reflection signal to assess at least one temperature between at least two discontinuities.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation through a heater well.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein heating is provided from at least a first heater and at least a second heater, wherein the first heater has a first heating cost and the second heater has a second heating cost;
• controlling a heating rate of at least a portion of the selected section to preferentially use the first heater when the first heating cost is less than the second heating cost;
• and
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters to pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbon in the selected section of the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• wherein heating is provided from at least a first heater and at least a second heater, wherein the first heater has a first heating cost and the second heater has a second heating cost;
• controlling a heating rate of at least a portion of the selected section such that a cost associated with heating the selected section is minimized;
• and
• controlling the heat from the one or more heaters to pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbon in at least a portion of the selected section of the formation.

A method for controlling an in situ system of treating a tar sands formation, comprising:

• monitoring at least one acoustic event within the formation using at least one acoustic detector placed within a wellbore in the formation;, recording at least one acoustic event with an acoustic monitoring system;
• analyzing at least one acoustic event to determine at least one property of the formation;
• and
• controlling the in situ system based on the analysis of the at least one acoustic event.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• adding hydrogen to the selected section after a temperature of the selected section is at least about 270° C.;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least one portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• controlling a temperature of a majority of the selected section by selectively adding hydrogen to the formation.

A method of treating a tar sands formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least the portion to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing fluids from the formation wherein at least a portion of the produced fluids have been heated by the heat provided by one or more of the heaters, and wherein at least a portion of the produced fluids are produced at a temperature greater than about 200° C.

A method of converting formation fluids into olefins, comprising:

• converting formation fluids into olefins, wherein the formation fluids are obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that at least some hydrocarbons in the formation are pyrolyzed;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.

A method of separating olefins from fluids produced from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• separating olefins from the produced fluids, wherein the produced fluids are obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing fluids from the formation, wherein the produced fluids comprise olefins.

A method of enhancing phenol production from an in situ tar sands formation, comprising:

• controlling at least one condition within at least a portion of the formation to enhance production of phenols in formation fluid, wherein the formation fluid is obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least the portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.

A method of controlling phenol production from a tar sands formation, comprising;

• converting at least a portion of formation fluid into phenol, wherein the formation fluids in situ are obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.

A method of separating phenols from fluids produced from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• separating phenols from the produced fluids, wherein the produced fluids are obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing fluids from the formation, wherein the produced fluids comprise phenols.

A method of enhancing phenol production from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• controlling at least one condition within at least a portion of the formation to enhance production of phenols in formation fluid, wherein the formation fluid is obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.

A method of enhancing BTEX compounds production from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• controlling at least one condition within at least a portion of the formation to enhance production of BTEX compounds in formation fluid, wherein the formation fluid is obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.

A method of separating BTEX compounds from formation fluid from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• separating at least a portion of the BTEX compounds from the formation fluid wherein the formation fluid is obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing fluids from the formation, wherein the produced fluids comprise BTEX compounds.

A method of in situ converting at least a portion of formation fluid into BTEX compounds, comprising:

• in situ converting at least the portion of the formation fluid into BTEX compounds, wherein the formation fluid are obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation such that at least some hydrocarbons in the formation are pyrolyzed;
• and
• producing formation fluid from the formation.

A method of enhancing naphthalene production from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• controlling at least one condition within at least a portion of the formation to enhance production of naphthalene in formation fluid, wherein the formation fluid is obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.

A method of separating naphthalene from fluids produced from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• separating naphthalene from the produced fluids, wherein the produced fluids are obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing fluids from the formation, wherein the produced fluids comprise naphthalene.

A method of enhancing anthracene production from a tar sands formation, comprising:

• controlling at least one condition within at least a portion of the formation to enhance production of anthracene in formation fluid, wherein the formation fluid is obtained by:
• providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation;
• allowing the heat to transfer from at least one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation;
• and
• producing formation fluids from the formation.