Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a wellbore using a loop system to heat oil in a subterranean formation contacted by the wellbore. The loop system comprises a loop that conveys a fluid (e.g., steam) down the wellbore via a injection conduit and returns fluid (e.g., condensate) from the wellbore via a return conduit. A portion of the fluid in the loop system may be injected into the subterranean formation using one or more valves disposed in the loop system. Alternatively, only heat and not fluid may be transferred from the loop system into the subterranean formation. The fluid returned from the wellbore may be re-heated and re-conveyed by the loop system into the wellbore. Heating the oil residing in the subterranean formation reduces the viscosity of the oil so that it may be recovered more easily.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a wellbore using a loop system to heat oil in a subterranean formation contacted by the wellbore. The loop system comprises a loop that conveys a fluid (e.g., steam) down the wellbore via a injection conduit and returns fluid (e.g., condensate) from the wellbore via a return conduit. A portion of the fluid in the loop system may be injected into the subterranean formation using one or more valves disposed in the loop system. Alternatively, only heat and not fluid may be transferred from the loop system into the subterranean formation. The fluid returned from the wellbore may be re-heated and re-conveyed by the loop system into the wellbore. Heating the oil residing in the subterranean formation reduces the viscosity of the oil so that it may be recovered more easily.

Abstract: Methods of operating a downhole tool comprise thermally-controlling the tool by sensing a temperature and controlling the tool in response to the sensed temperature. Thermally-controlled downhole tools comprise a control element responsive to a change in temperature that control flow into, out of, or through a wellbore. Methods and systems for servicing a wellbore comprise using a thermally-controlled tool comprising a thermally-controlled valve (TCV) in a wellbore. The TCV includes a valve body comprising an injection port for allowing material to flow into or out of the wellbore and an opening/closing mechanism for regulating flow of the material through the injection port in response to a change in temperature. The valve body may be coupled to a downhole conduit. A plurality of TCV's may be arranged in the wellbore to control the injection of steam into the wellbore or the recovery of oil from the wellbore.