Hong Bin Lu

US Patent:

52151492, Jun 1, 1993

Filed:

Dec 16, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/808788

Inventors:

Hong S. Lu - Carrollton TX

Assignee:

Mobil Oil Corporation - Fairfax VA

International Classification:

E21B 4324

US Classification:

166303

Abstract:

A conduction assisted steam flooding process is described where heavy oil is recovered from reservoirs with limited native injectivity and a high water saturated bottom zone. A horizontal well is placed above the water saturated zone. This well is perforated on its top side at selected intervals. An uninsulated tubing having a circumference smaller than the well is inserted therein to its furthest end thereby making a first and second conduit. Steam is injected into the second conduit and formation fluids are removed by the first conduit or tubing until steam communication is established between the two intervals. Once steam communication is established between the intervals, steam injection is ceased and a thermal packer is placed around the tubing so as to form two separated, spaced-apart, perforated intervals. Thereafter, steam is injected into the reservoir via one interval and hydrocarbonaceous fluids are removed at the other interval.

US Patent:

59312300, Aug 3, 1999

Filed:

Jun 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/881020

Inventors:

Robert P. Lesage - Calgary, CA
Hong Sheh Lu - Plano TX
Mehmet Saltuklaroglu - Calgary, CA

Assignee:

Mobil Oil Corporation - Fairfax VA

International Classification:

E21B 4324

US Classification:

166303

Abstract:

A method for recovering viscous oil from a subterranean formation through a wellbore having a horizontal section into the formation. Steam is circulated through the horizontal section to initially heat the formation and to produce fluids to the surface. After the initial heating is complete, production is ceased while the injection of steam is continued to accumulate a slug of steam within and around the horizontal section. The well is then shut-in and the formation is allowed to "soak". Production is then resumed and steam is again continuously injected into the well when oil appears in the produced fluids. This cycle is repeated until the production of oil drops belows an acceptable rate.