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US 7,841,408 B2Granted
In situ heat treatment from multiple layers of a tar sands formation
AssigneeShell Oil Company
InventorHarold J. Vinegar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. The method includes providing a drive fluid to a first hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the first layer. At least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons are allowed to flow into a second hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. Heat is provided to the second layer from one or more heaters located in the second layer. At least some hydrocarbons are produced from the second layer of the formation.
Claims21
A method for treating a tar sands formation, comprising:
- providing a drive fluid to a first hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the first layer;
- allowing at least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons to flow into a second hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation;
- providing heat to the second layer from one or more heaters located in the second layer, wherein at least at of at least one of the heaters positioned substantially horizontally in the second layer;
- and
- producing at least some hydrocarbons from the second layer of the formation.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.