Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cooling a drilling mud in a drilling operation. In aspects, the disclosure includes drawing the drilling mud from a last active volume mud tank of a plurality of active volume mud tanks and conducting the drilling mud to a heat-exchanger apparatus and then returning the drilling mud to the last active volume mud tank. In other aspects, the disclosure includes a variable frequency drive (“VFD”) for controlling a pumping rate of an electrically driven pump for the drilling mud, wherein the VFD is capable of adjusting the pumping rate for pumping of the drilling mud through a heat-exchanger apparatus. In further aspects, systems and methods are provided that use a tube-and-shell heat exchanger. The aspects are independently capable of providing improved efficiency. These and other aspects are preferably used in combination for greater efficiency.

Abstract: A method for recovering bitumen that includes contacting the bitumen with steam and/or water and an organic amine having a boiling point at one atmosphere of greater than 145° C. and recovering the bitumen. The bitumen can be in oil sands, where the step of contacting includes contacting the oil sands having bitumen with the steam and/or water and the organic amine. Contacting the bitumen with the steam and/or water and the organic amine and recovering the bitumen can be done in-situ in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-powered seawater pumping apparatus for reducing seawater intrusion in a land in which an aquifer with a seawater-fresh water boundary surface is formed. The seawater pumping apparatus includes a pumping pipe having two open end portions, a first end portion of the open end portions being positioned below a sea level and a second end portion being positioned below the seawater-fresh water boundary surface in the land, and a well disposed to surround a lateral surface of a land-buried portion of the pumping pipe, which is buried in the land, so as to space away the land-buried portion of the pumping pipe from the land. The pumping pipe is filled with seawater, and the well comprises a screen having a plurality of through holes formed along a circumference of the well at a lower end portion of the well.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the production of well fluid. According to an embodiment, an inflow assembly may be deployed downhole with, for example, completion equipment used in the production of well fluid. The inflow assembly comprises a first inflow control device and a second inflow control device disposed in series along a flow path routed between an exterior and an interior of the inflow assembly. As well fluid flows into an interior of the inflow assembly along the flow path, the first inflow control device and the second inflow control device perform different tasks with respect to controlling fluid flow. The different tasks may be selected to, for example, facilitate production of well fluid while protecting the completion equipment.

Abstract: A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a housing, a fluid channel defined within the housing, the fluid channel having an inlet, and a flow control body disposed in the fluid channel, the flow control body tapering towards the inlet. The flow control body, in use, causes a fluid flowing through the fluid channel to flow into an annular fluid flow path within the fluid channel. The annular fluid flow path has a geometry selected based on a subcool of the fluid at a pressure of the fluid entering the fluid channel, and the geometry is selected to induce cavitation of the fluid to choke fluid flow through the fluid channel.

Abstract: Ether amine additives are used in oil recovery such as steam-assisted gravity drainage and cyclic steam stimulation, as well as surface mining of bitumen. Methods of oil recovery using the ether amine additives are described. The ether amine additives are injected with steam into a subterranean oil reservoir such as oil tar sands to improve recovery of oils such as bitumen and/or heavy oil, or used to wash surface-mined rock to assist in oil extraction therefrom. The ether amine additives may be added to steam in steam-assisted oil recovery methods such as cyclic steam stimulation and steam-assisted gravity drainage. Condensates of the additives in steam exhibit very low advancing and receding contact angles and low interfacial tensions at low concentrations of the additives.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of solution mining trona by injecting an aqueous solvent into an underground cavity comprising trona to dissolve trona in the aqueous solution and removing the aqueous solution from the cavity at about the WTN triple point (the temperature at which solid phase wegscheiderite, trona, and nahcolite can co-exist in an aqueous solution). Alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution are recovered to produce a barren liquor. The method further includes either (i) treating the barren liquor to produce an aqueous solvent or (ii) treating injected aqueous solvent to reduce clogging at the trona dissolution surface caused by supersaturation of sodium bicarbonate, and precipitation of nahcolite and wegscheiderite as the aqueous solution in the cavity approaches saturation of both dissolved sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A fracturing device includes a power unit, and the power unit includes a muffling compartment, a turbine engine, an air intake unit and a cleaner. The air intake unit is communicated with the turbine engine through an intake pipe and configured to provide a combustion-supporting gas to the turbine engine; the cleaner is configured to clean the turbine engine; the air intake unit is at a top of the muffling compartment and the muffling compartment has an accommodation space, the turbine engine and the cleaner are within the accommodation space, and the cleaner is at a side of the turbine engine away from the air intake unit.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and techniques for deep reservoir stimulation of a hydrocarbon-containing subsurface formation. The methods may comprise introducing or injecting a formation-dissolving fluid, such as a wet acid-forming gas, into the subsurface formation; allowing the formation-dissolving fluid, such as the wet acid-forming gas, to react with the subsurface formation for a period of time; and producing hydrocarbons from the subsurface formation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a foam-forming composition for use in enhanced heavy oil recovery, and a method of using said foam-forming composition for recovering heavy oil and/or bitumen. The foam-forming composition of the present invention comprises a mixture of (di)alkyl diphenyloxide (di)sulfonate compounds and the process of heavy oil recovery is performed at elevated temperatures using steam.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system for removing contaminant chemicals, bacteria and organic matter to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the biological oxygen demand (BOD). The system uses thermal energy to remove chemicals that can be oxidized to reduce the COD, and to destroy bacteria and organic matter to reduce the BOD of the treated water. The system can include an expansion chamber and a nozzle to create steam which can be used as thermal energy to heat the waste water and provide the proper treatment to reduce the COD and BOD of the processed waste water.

Abstract: A particularly effective well configuration that can be used for single well steam assisted gravity drainage (SW-SAGD) wherein steam flashing through production slots is prevented by including passive inflow control devices (ICDs) or active interval control valves in the completion. A thermal packer separates the injection and production segments of a horizontal well having a toe and a heel, and the ICDs can be evenly spaced or can decrease towards the heel. The cumulative steam to oil ratio (CSOR) of the SW-SAGD well is thus lowered, as compared to the same well without passive flow control devices or active interval control valves.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils, from a subterranean reservoir. The process includes providing a supercritical aqueous fluid at a high temperature and high pressure to the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, injecting the aqueous fluid into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons in the reservoir, and recovering the heated hydrocarbons from the reservoir. In some cases, the supercritical fluid is also used to upgrade the hydrocarbons and/or facilitate the transportation of the hydrocarbons from the production field to another location, such as a refinery.

Abstract: A process for in situ thermal recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir is provided. The process includes: providing an oxygen-enriched mixture, fuel, feedwater and an additive including at least one of ammonia, urea and a volatile amine to a Direct-Contact Steam Generator (DCSG); operating the DCSG, including contacting the feedwater and the additive with hot combustion gas to obtain a steam-based mixture including steam, CO2 and the additive; injecting the steam-based mixture or a stream derived from the steam-based mixture into the reservoir to mobilize the hydrocarbons therein; and producing a produced fluid including the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Both organic deposits and inorganic deposits in a wellbore are simultaneously removed from a wellbore by contacting the deposits with a single phase fluid for an amount of time effective to simultaneously disperse the organic deposits and dissolve the inorganic deposits, where the single phase fluid includes least one solvent, at least one surfactant, at least one co-solvent, and at least one scale dissolver. The method further involves at least partially removing the organic deposits and inorganic deposits from the wellbore. In an embodiment where it is not necessary to remove inorganic deposits, the scale dissolver may be omitted.

Abstract: A multi-stage combustion impact wave coal mass cracking and heat injection alternating intensified gas extracting method is provided. A large amount of N2 or CO2 is injected into a drill hole by a heat injection and gas injection extracting pipe and by a high-pressure gas cylinder and a reducing valve, then a certain amount of methane and dry air are injected into a high-temperature and high-pressure combustion chamber by the high-pressure gas cylinder and the reducing valve, to be mixed and combusted to form high-temperature and high-pressure impact wave. High-temperature vapour is injected into the drill holes by the heat injection and gas injection extracting pipe to promote desorption of the coal masses.

Abstract: A method for thermal recovery of hydrocarbon housed in a reservoir comprising injecting a mixture comprising either hydrocarbon and water (for downhole heating) or hydrocarbon and steam (heated at surface) into a wellbore and circulating the heated mixture of hydrocarbon and steam inside the wellbore allowing the heated mixture to increase the temperature of the reservoir and thereby reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon within the reservoir. The injection of steam facilitates the delivery of more heat to the reservoir due to the latent heat of steam, compared with circulating heated hydrocarbon alone.

Abstract: A method for remediating a microannulus in a cased wellbore may include conveying a downhole tool into the cased wellbore to a location of interest. The location of interest may include one or more perforations in a casing and a microannulus. The downhole tool may include a heat generation device. The method may also include activating the heat generation device to melt a fill material at the location of interest such that the fill material flows through the perforations into one or more voids, including the microannulus, in or around cement disposed between the casing and the cased wellbore. Additionally, the method may include deactivating the heat generation device to facilitate solidification of the fill material in the one or more voids and sealing of the microannulus.

Abstract: Inflow control devices that can be used for both viscous and less viscous hydrocarbons. Optimized configurations for passive inflow control devices or ICDs having two types of fluidic pathways are combined in the same device or well in series or in parallel. Also provided, are well configurations that can be used for e.g., steam assisted oil recovery methods, wherein steam flashing is prevented by included dual type passive inflow control devices in the completion.

Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.

Abstract: A system and method for covering a cellar at a wellhead to prevent and control fluids and gases from the cellar. The covering includes a mat that circumscribes a wellhead tubular that projects upward from the cellar. A split seam in the mat extends radially from the opening to the mat outer periphery which allows the mat to be placed around the wellhead tubular. A fastener joins the ends of the mat that meet at the split seam. The mat includes a collar, which mounts to the mat along the opening and extends axially away from an upper surface of the mat. The collar is secured to the wellhead tabular with a strap. Two discharge lines project through the mat into the cellar, one for pumping into the cellar, and one for withdrawing fluid that has collected in the cellar.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of solution mining trona by injecting an aqueous solvent into an underground cavity comprising trona to dissolve trona in the aqueous solution and removing the aqueous solution from the cavity at about the WTN triple point (the temperature at which solid phase wegscheiderite, trona, and nahcolite can co-exist in an aqueous solution). Alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution are recovered to produce a barren liquor. The method further includes either (i) treating the barren liquor to produce an aqueous solvent or (ii) treating injected aqueous solvent to reduce clogging at the trona dissolution surface caused by supersaturation of sodium bicarbonate, and precipitation of nahcolite and wegscheiderite as the aqueous solution in the cavity approaches saturation of both dissolved sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for checking at least one geometric characteristic and one optical characteristic of a trimmed ophthalmic lens (10) including the following steps: a) arranging the trimmed ophthalmic lens on a support (110), b) capturing at least one image of the trimmed ophthalmic lens, c) determining, from the image, a measured geometric characteristic of the trimmed ophthalmic lens, d) determining at least one measured optical characteristic of the trimmed ophthalmic lens in a reference frame of the image captured in step b), e) comparing the measured geometric characteristic associated with the measured optical characteristic to a predefined desired ophthalmic lens model, including at least one desired geometric characteristic and one associated desired optical characteristic. Also disclosed is an associated checking device.

Abstract: A method for remediating a microannulus in a cased wellbore may include conveying a downhole tool into the cased wellbore to a location of interest. The location of interest may include one or more perforations in a casing and a microannulus. The downhole tool may include a heat generation device. The method may also include activating the heat generation device to melt a fill material at the location of interest such that the fill material flows through the perforations into one or more voids, including the microannulus, in or around cement disposed between the casing and the cased wellbore. Additionally, the method may include deactivating the heat generation device to facilitate solidification of the fill material in the one or more voids and sealing of the microannulus.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include injecting a solvent via a wellbore into the subterranean formation while supplying radio frequency (RF) power from the wellbore and into the subterranean formation. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources via the wellbore and from the subterranean formation while supplying RF power from the wellbore and into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system, method and a computer program product may be provided for characterizing natural resource subsurface attributes and compositions. The system prescribes alterations of one or more controls of a natural resource. The system applies the altered controls to the natural resource wells. The system collects measurement data of the natural resource wells that responds to the applied altered controls. The system determines, based on the collected measurement data, the natural resource subsurface attributes and compositions that pertain to the natural resource.

Abstract: A tight-shale oil production tool includes a combustor operable to generate an aqueous-phase nitric acid, combustion products.

Abstract: Processes for separating a feed stream for a combined hydrotreating zone into multiple components. The hydrotreating zone receives at least two streams from the separation, preferably a naphtha stream and a diesel stream. The two streams are treated in the hydrotreating zone and then separated into naphtha and diesel streams. In at least one embodiment, three separation columns are used. In at least one embodiment, two separation columns are used.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises pre-heating by exposure to electromagnetic radiation from a electromagnetic radiation source, injecting through at least one injection well a solvent into the reservoir to dilute the hydrocarbons contained in the pre-conditioned portion, and producing through at least one production well a mixture of hydrocarbons and solvent. An apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises at least one radio frequency antenna configured to transmit radio frequency energy into a subterranean reservoir, a power source to provide power to the at least one radio frequency antenna, at least one injection well configured to inject a solvent from a solvent supply source into the subterranean reservoir to lower the viscosity of the hydrocarbons, and at least one production well configured to produce a mixture comprising hydrocarbons and solvent from the subterranean reservoir.

Abstract: A larger diameter coiled tubing is run into an extended reach deviated wellbore to a location at or near its horizontal reach limit. The smaller diameter coiled tubing is then run through the larger diameter tubing until the end of the smaller tubing protrudes from the larger tubing. The smaller tubing is then run further into the wellbore to a location further than would have been possible if either tubing had been run alone. Supplementary reach-increasing techniques such as friction reducing vibrators and/or downhole tractors can also be used in combination with the described techniques.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing hydrocarbons from a reservoir. The process includes within the hydrocarbon reservoir, electrically heating a liquid heating fluid such that the liquid heating fluid is evaporated to produce a gaseous heating fluid, heating hydrocarbon-comprising material with the gaseous heating fluid such that the heated hydrocarbon-comprising material is mobilized and such that the gaseous heating fluid is condensed to produce a condensed heating fluid, and electrically heating at least a fraction of the condensed heating fluid such that the at least a condensed heating fluid fraction is re-evaporated, and while the evaporation, the condensing, and the re-evaporation are being effected, producing a produced fluid including at least the mobilized hydrocarbon-comprising material.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing a carbon emissions intensity of a fuel includes injecting a carbon dioxide fluid into a first wellbore; producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a second wellbore to a terranean surface; and producing a fuel from the produced hydrocarbon fluid, the fuel including a low-carbon fuel and assigned an emissions credit based on a source of the carbon dioxide fluid.

Abstract: A portable modular treatment system to be remotely deployed adjacent a solvent extraction bitumen well may include a portable initial separation module configured to receive a liquid emulsion from the solvent extraction bitumen well including bitumen, produced water, solvent, and at least one non-condensable gas, and liberate the at least one non-condensable gas while the solvent remains with the liquid emulsion. The system may further include a portable free water removal module configured to receive the liquid emulsion from the portable initial separation module and separate the bitumen and solvent from the produced water, a portable skimming tank module configured to receive the produced water from the portable free water removal module and remove free oil from the produced water through gravity separation, and a portable condenser module configured to receive the bitumen and solvent from the portable free water removal module and separate the bitumen and solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the extraction of hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir using a well is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a power source operable to supply periodic electrical power at a first frequency; at least one impulse generator unit operable to convert the periodic electrical power at the first frequency into periodic electrical power at a second frequency and to couple electromagnetic energy generated by the periodic electrical power at the second frequency into the reservoir, the second frequency being at least ten times higher than that of the first frequency; and a conducting cable being operatively coupled between the power source and the at least one impulse generator unit.

Abstract: For hydrocarbon recovery from a reservoir of bituminous sands, steam and a multi-function agent are injected into the reservoir for mobilizing bitumen in the reservoir to form a fluid comprising hydrocarbons, water and the multi-function agent. The fluid is produced from the reservoir. The multi-function agent may comprise an organic molecule that reduces viscosity of oil and the interfacial tension between oil and water or a gas or rock in the reservoir, and has a partition coefficient favoring solubility in oil over water and a partial pressure in the reservoir allowing the organic molecule to be transported with steam as a vapor. The multi-function agent may comprise a solvent for reducing viscosity of oil and a surfactant for reducing interfacial tension, where both the solvent and surfactant are transportable with steam as vapor.

Abstract: A process for recovering oil is provided. The process entails recovering an oil-water mixture from an oil-bearing formation. Next, the process entails separating oil from the oil-water mixture and producing produced water having hardness and other scale-forming compounds, suspended solids, free oil and emulsified oil. A pre-treatment process is undertaken to remove hardness and other scale-forming compounds. This entails precipitating hardness and other scale-forming compounds. After the precipitation of hardness and other scale-forming compounds, the produced water is directed to a membrane separation unit for filtering the produced water and producing a retentate having suspended solids, hardness and other scale-forming compounds, free oil and emulsified oil. The membrane separation unit also produces a permeate stream substantially free of hardness and other scale-forming compounds, suspended solids, free oil and emulsified oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating subterranean formations. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation including placing a first aqueous composition and a second aqueous composition in a subterranean formation. The placing includes injecting the first aqueous composition through a tubular passage in a wellbore. The placing also includes injecting the second aqueous composition through an annular passage in the wellbore.

Abstract: An analytical method that establishes a thermodynamic equilibrium or known dynamic relationship between the concentrations of gases, natural gas liquids and oils or pressures of gasses in an isolated zone of a shale, or group of distinct shale gas intervals, with the concentrations of fluids or pressures of gasses in a wellbore penetrating the shale interval or intervals. An analytical method for identifying the chemical composition of gas, natural gas liquids and oils and determining their origin in an isolated zone of a shale, or group of distinct shale gas intervals with the identification of chemical composition of gas, natural gas liquids and oils in a wellbore penetrating the shale interval or intervals. A surface measurement apparatus capable of performing the measurement ex-situ. A downhole measurement apparatus capable of reliably performing the measurement in-situ and a downhole straddle-packer assembly capable of isolating part of, or an entire shale interval.

Abstract: A method for generating steam for hydrocarbon production is provided. The method includes producing steam using heat from an exhaust stream from a gas turbine system. A water stream is condensed from combustion products in the exhaust stream, and the water stream is used as a make-up water for production of the steam.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of sulfhydryl compounds from sour hydrocarbon fluids is described. In the method, an aldehyde-releasing compound, which is high temperature stable and is highly water-soluble, is introduced to a hydrocarbon fluid stream as a scavenger for sulfhydryl compounds. The aldehyde-releasing compound is allowed to mix with the hydrocarbon fluid stream and the aldehyde-releasing compound is allowed to react with the sulfhydryl compounds present in the hydrocarbon fluid stream, thereby reducing the presence sulfhydryl compound in the hydrocarbon fluid stream.

Abstract: Heavy oil recovery using downhole radio frequency radiation heating accelerates SAGD thermal recovery processes. In one embodiment, one or more SAGD well pairs traverse a subterranean formation for recovering heavy oil. The SAGD well pairs each create a steam chamber which, over time, expands to allow each steam chamber to interact with one another and in this way, increases the recovery heavy oil from the formation. One or more antennas may be interposed between the steam chambers to introduce electromagnetic radiation into the formation to heat the fluids therein to accelerate expansion of the steam chambers, particularly where antennas are judiciously situated to optimize steam chamber expansion. Where an infill production well is present, the antennas may be situated to accelerate steam chamber communication with the infill production well. Advantages include lower cost, higher efficiencies, quicker and increased hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling combustion gas output in direct steam generation for oil recovery. A direct combustion steam generator burns a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas mixture to produce combustion products including steam, CO2 and N2. Supplemental oxygen is separately supplied to the combustion steam generator to adjust the oxygen content of the oxygen-containing gas mixture during the combustion process in order to adjust the ratio of CO2 to N2 produced in the combustion products.

Abstract: The method and an apparatus for improving the steam dryness of a steam injection boiler includes injecting wet saturated steam and gas into an oil layer together in a sealed way, after the dryness of the wet saturated steam at an outlet of the steam injection boiler is improved by a dryness raiser. The dryness raiser includes a combined spray head, a steam heating chamber, a combustion chamber, and a mixing chamber. The gas generated by the combustion chamber enters into the mixing chamber and is fully mixed with the steam from the steam injection boiler. The dryness of the wet saturated steam at the outlet of the steam injection boiler can be improved to 95%-100%, and the effects of improving steam enthalpy, replenishing stratum energy and enlarging the steam wave and size are realized, so as to heat up the oil layer more effectively, and improve heavy oil development.

Abstract: A system for disrupting convective heat flow within a body of hydrocarbonaceous material includes a body of hydrocarbonaceous material which is sufficiently porous that convective currents can form in void spaces of the material. A bulk fluid occupies these void spaces and the bulk fluid is heated by a heat source, causing the bulk fluid to flow through the void spaces in convective currents. A convective barrier is placed in an upper portion of the body of hydrocarbonaceous material. This convective barrier is configured to disrupt convective flow of the bulk fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing a liquid ore. The method comprises producing a liquid ore from a well in a geologic formation. The liquid ore comprises at least 250 g/L of total dissolved solids and has a pH of 6 or less. The geologic formation comprises (i) an ancient ocean sedimentary bed, (ii) a breach in the basement rock, (iii) a geothermal gradient through the geologic formation, (iv) a seismographic dim-out within the sedimentary bed, and (v) a circulation of water through the geologic formation. The ancient ocean sedimentary bed may contain at least one second well that has produced a second liquid ore, the second liquid ore comprising at least 250 g/L of total dissolved solids and having a pH of 6 or less. Also provided are methods for processing a liquid ore to obtain, for example, solid magnesium carbonate or magnesium metal.

Abstract: Methods for cementing a subterranean well comprise installing a casing string into a borehole, wherein the casing string comprises a metal having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) lower than about 6×10?6/° C. A cement sheath is then placed between the exterior surface of the casing string and the formation wall. The low-CTE metal may reduce casing shrinkage when the well temperature falls during stimulation treatments, cyclic steam injection or when the well temperature reaches equilibrium at the top of a long casing string.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.

Abstract: A bitumen stream is upgraded by heating to near-critical or super-critical conditions in the stream. The bitumen stream may be from a water-based extraction process, an in situ bitumen recovery process, or a solvent-based bitumen extraction process. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water and/or clay may be added. The clay offers a catalytic effect. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water may alternatively be removed.

Abstract: Method for preheating an oil reservoir comprises injecting saturated or superheated steam at an initial injection pressure into a tubing placed inside a well drilled in the oil reservoir. Steam temperature at an outlet of the tubing is measured and a heat flow from the well to the oil reservoir is calculated. An optimal steam injection rate when steam quality of the injected steam at the tubing outlet becomes greater than zero, is calculated, the optimal steam injection rate ensuring compensation of the heat flow from the well to the oil reservoir with the heat of steam condensation. A steam injection rate is decreased to the calculated optimal steam injection rate value by decreasing the initial injection pressure providing constant temperature at the outlet of the tubing.