Methods, systems and apparatus for production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsIAIN COOPER, REX BURGOS, PATRICK SCHNEIDER, JOHN STYRE
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting
Claims53
A method of recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation comprising:
- drilling a U-tube borehole that extends between two distinct surface locations;
- and
- forming at least one enlarged cavity along the length of the U-tube borehole.
A method according to claim 11 wherein the at least one enlarged cavity is disposed along a horizontal section of the U-tube borehole.
A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation comprising:
- two coiled tubing rigs that are located at two distinct surface locations, the rigs for drilling a U-tube borehole that extends between the two distinct surface locations;
- and
- means for forming at least one enlarged cavity along the length of the U-tube borehole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.