Treating hydrocarbon formations using hybrid in situ heat treatment and steam methods
Inactive Publication Date: 2013-10-17
SHELL OIL CO
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[0018]In some embodiments, a method for treating a formation includes providing heat to a first section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation while providing heated fluid to a second section of the hydrocarbon layer, wherein the first portion of the layer comprises
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Mining and upgrading tar sand is usually substantially more expensive than producing lighter hydrocarbons from conventional oil reservoirs.
As discussed above, there has been a significant amount of effort to
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[0035]The following description generally relates to systems and methods for treating hydrocarbons in the formations. Such formations may be treated to yield hydrocarbon products, hydrogen, and other products.
[0036]“API gravity” refers to API gravity at 15.5° C. (60° F.). API gravity is as determined by ASTM Method D6822 or ASTM Method D1298.
[0037]“ASTM” refers to American Standard Testing and Materials.
[0038]In the context of reduced heat output heating systems, apparatus, and methods, the term “automatically” means such systems, apparatus, and methods function in a certain way without the use of external control (for example, external controllers such as a controller with a temperature sensor and a feedback loop, PID controller, or predictive controller).
[0039]“Asphalt / bitumen” refers to a semi-solid, viscous material soluble in carbon disulfide. Asphalt / bitumen may be obtained from refining operations or produced from subsurface formations.
[0040]“Carbon number” refers to the numb...
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Abstract
A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heated fluid to a first section of the hydrocarbon layer while providing heat to a second section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The second section is vertically displaced from the first section. Heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters and heated water to at least a portion of the formation. Fluids are allowed to gravity drain to a third section of the hydrocarbon formation. Fluids are produced from the formation through at least one production well that is located in the third section of the formation.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 544,778 to Cao et al., entitled “METHODS OF TREATING HYDROCARBON FORMATIONS USING A HYBRID IN SITU HEAT TREATMENT AND STEAM”, filed Oct. 7, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.RELATED PATENTS[0002]This patent application incorporates by reference in its entirety each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,688,387 to Wellington et al.; 6,991,036 to Sumnu-Dindoruk et al.; 6,698,515 to Karanikas et al.; 6,880,633 to Wellington et al.; 6,782,947 to de Rouffignac et al.; 6,991,045 to Vinegar et al.; 7,073,578 to Vinegar et al.; 7,121,342 to Vinegar et al.; 7,320,364 to Fairbanks; 7,527,094 to McKinzie et al.; 7,584,789 to Mo et al.; 7,533,719 to Hinson et al.; 7,562,707 to Miller; 7,841,408 to Vinegar et al.; and 8,172,335 to Burns et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009-0189617 to Burns et al.; 2010 / 0258265 to Karanikas et al; 2011 / 0247806 to Harris; 2011 / 0247808 to Nguyen; 2011...
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