Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The system includes a mechanical fluid treatment unit that substantially reduces the concentration of precursor ions from the injection water. The treated water is injected under pressure into an injection well to cause the hydrocarbons to flow toward a production well. A chemical unit injects selected amounts of additives into the injection well to inhibit in-situ growth of crystals from insoluble salt precipitates formed due to the interaction of precursor ions present in the injected water and ions residents in the reservoir. The selected chemicals and their respective amounts are determined at least partially based on reservoir characteristics and the concentration of precursor ions in the treated water.

Abstract: A system of reciprocating bottom hole sucker rod pumps, situated in an oil well, to produce an oil rich stream to surface and inject a water stream to a same wellbore disposal zone. Two pumps vertically in tandem are actuated by a single sucker rod string. Separate intakes for each pump are situated so as to allow for gravity to segregate oil and water in the wellbore before reaching the intakes. Both streams are produced out of the pumps on the upstroke. Injection of the water stream is facilitated by an outer housing around the bottom pump to redirect flow to a disposal zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for selectively lifting produced fluids, including produced hydrocarbons and a portion of produced water, to a ground surface while injecting the remaining produced water into an injection zone subsurface in a subterranean well. The invention preferably utilizes a rod pump/electrical submersible centrifugal pump to carry out the dual injection and lifting steps. Further, this apparatus and method make it possible to produce hydrocarbons from oil wells in a manner that poses less risk and disturbance to the environment.

Abstract: A dual completion method for oil/gas wells, which method is designed to prevent or at least minimize, coning of water in a hydrocarbon producing well. In a preferred embodiment the method includes the steps of perforating a common zone in the oil/gas well at vertically-spaced locations and producing water-free oil and/or other hydrocarbons through the upper perforations and the well annulus or tubing, as well as preferably hydrocarbon-free water from the bottom perforations through well tubing. Careful control of hydrocarbon and water production maintains a stable hydrocarbon and water contact in the production and prevents coning of the water into the hydrocarbon and in some cases prevents coning of the hydrocarbon into the water. Production of hydrocarbon and water in this manner facilitates an equal pressure drop acting near the hydrocarbon/water contact in the well and formation to keep the water from rising in the formation.

Abstract: There is a provided an apparatus and process for multi-zone profile control in a well including a wellbore intersecting at least one production zone, at least one injection tube, at least one insulation means, and at least one zone isolation means. Control media is injected through the injection tube, exiting at at least one control media exit of the injection tube and entering the production zone. The insulation means allow multiple zones to be injected simultaneously with control media of different temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a well which has a wellbore which passes into both an oil and gas production zone and a gas injection zone. An oil and gas stream is produced from the production zone through the wellbore to the surface where gas is separated from the oil. After production is shut-in, gas is mixed with a carrier fluid at the surface to form a dense mixture which, in turn, is flowed down the same wellbore and through a downhole auger separator wherein a portion of the gas is separated from the mixture. The separated gas is injected into the injection zone with the remainder of the mixture being returned to the surface. At the conclusion of the injection cycle, the well is returned to production and, if desired, the process is repeated.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing oil production from an oil well producing a mixture of oil and gas through a wellbore penetrating an oil-bearing formation containing an oil-bearing zone and a selected injection zone, by driving a turbine in the oil well with the mixture of oil and gas; separating at least a portion of the gas from the mixture of oil and gas in the oil well to produce a separated gas and an oil-enriched mixture; driving a compressor with the turbine to compress at least a portion of the separated gas in the oil well to a pressure greater than a pressure in the selected injection zone to produce a compressed gas; injecting the compressed gas into the selected injection zone; and recovering at least a major portion of the oil-enriched mixture.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing oil production from an oil well producing a mixture of oil, water, gas, and/or solids through a wellbore penetrating an oil-bearing formation containing an oil-bearing zone and a selected injection zone, by separating from the mixture of oil, water, gas, and/or solids in the oil well at least a portion of the gas to produce a first separated gas and a first portion of an oil-enriched mixture; directing the first portion of the oil-enriched mixture through a bypass passageway having an outlet in fluid communication with a surface so that the first portion of the oil-enriched mixture bypasses a turbine in the oil well; driving the turbine with the first separated gas; driving a compressor in the oil well with the turbine; separating from the first separated gas in the oil well at least a portion of the gas to produce a second separated gas and a second portion of an oil-enriched mixture; compressing with the compressor the second separated gas to a pressure greater than a pres

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively stimulating a plurality of producing zones of an openhole wellbore in oil and gas wells in one trip. The assembly includes a plurality of modules connected in a tailpipe wherein the modules can be selectively actuated to conduct a matrix acidizing job and near wellbore erosion job on producing zones of interest in the wellbore. Each module includes a sleeve shiftable between a closed position and a treating position where a plurality of jet passageways are exposed to the central passageway of the assembly.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbons from a soil, e.g. to separate bitumen from oil sands, involves mixing the soil thoroughly with water and a supply of buoyant beads having surfaces that are of oleophilic material and coated with a surface layer of hydrocarbon solvent. The beads, soil and water are agitated for a period during which hydrocarbons from the soil become adhered to the solvent coated beads. After the mixture has been allowed to settle the beads separate towards the top and are removed and treated with solvent to recover the adhered hydrocarbons therefrom. Suitable solvents are oil refinery products such as naphtha, kerosine, gasoline, varsol, toluene and diesel fuel.

Abstract: A dual injection system for selectively injecting a treating fluid in a predetermined treating zone (16) of a well bore hole (10) adjacent a productive zone (14) with a marker fluid injected from the annulus (36) outside a coiled tubing string (34). The coiled tubing string (34) is inserted within the well bore hole (10) and a sensor (40) is provided on the coiled tubing string (34) with a lower end portion (42) extending below the sensor (40) for the discharge of the treating fluid from the lower end (44) of the extending end portion (42). The sensor (40) senses a detectable material, such as a radioactive material, in the marker fluid injected from the annulus (36) outside the coiled tubing string (34) and may be reciprocated within the well with the coiled tubing string (34) for determining the interface (46) between the marker fluid and the treating fluid so that the treating fluid does not enter the productive zone (18). In one embodiment (FIG.

Abstract: An in situ air sparging/soil vapor extraction apparatus includes first, second and third concentrically arranged pipes disposed in a single bore hole. The first pipe extends a first length through the bore hole to discharge pressurized gas from a second end. The second pipe surrounds the first pipe and extends a second distance, less than the first length of the first pipe, through the bore hole to discharge pressurized gas from the second end of the second pipe at a different level in the soil then the pressurized gas discharged from the second end of the first pipe. The third pipe surrounds the second pipe and is connected to a low pressure source to extract substantially all of the air discharged through the second ends of the first and second pipes and the contaminants entrained in the air from the soil and groundwater.

Abstract: A slidably sealing isolator and method for using the isolator in a wellbore tubular to control the injection and production of fluids to individual formation zones, the isolator having 1) a sliding band seal which does not need to be actuated or set in order to restrict fluid flow into a wellbore zone and is capable of slidably sealing at threaded joint portions of the wellbore tubular, and 2) a wellbore flow control means.

Abstract: A system and a method for producing increased quantities of oil from an oil well producing a mixture of oil and gas through a well bore penetrating an oil bearing formation containing a gas cap zone and an oil bearing zone by separating at least a portion of the gas from the mixture of oil and gas downhole in an auger separator to produce a separated gas and an oil enriched mixture; compressing at least a portion of the separated gas downhole to a pressure greater than the pressure in the gas cap zone to produce a compressed gas; and, injecting the compressed gas into the gas cap and, recovering at least a major portion of the oil enriched mixture.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: forming a well having a horizontal section located between the midpoint and the bottom of the formation and having a raised end; and continuously injecting a fluid through said raised end to induce hydrocarbons to flow towards the horizontal section in response to gravity drainage while continuously producing hydrocarbons through the horizontal section of the well-bore, so that the injection of fluids occurs simultaneously with the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing contaminants from a contaminated area of the subsurface which comprises providing a borehole in the contaminated area; placing in the borehole a perforated riser pipe inside of which is situated a vacuum extraction pipe with an opening situated within the perforated riser pipe, wherein a packing is situated in a portion of the annular space between the vacuum extraction pipe and the perforated riser pipe; applying a vacuum to the vacuum extraction pipe to draw gases and liquid from the subsurface into the perforated riser pipe below the packing and from the riser pipe into the vacuum extraction pipe and transport both the gases and the liquid to the surface as a common stream; forming from the common stream a stream which is primarily liquid and a stream which is primarily gaseous; and removing contaminants from at least one of the liquid stream and the gaseous stream. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the disclosed process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for removing contaminants from a contaminated area of the ground, the ground having a plurality of paths of preferential flow at different depths, which process comprises providing a borehole in the contaminated area to intersect at least a first path of preferential flow and a second path of preferential flow; placing in the borehole a first vacuum extraction pipe having a bottom opening situated within the first path of preferential flow and a second vacuum extraction pipe having a bottom opening situated within the second path of preferential flow; isolating the first path of preferential flow from the second path of preferential flow so that a vacuum applied to the first vacuum extraction pipe will extract gases and liquids from only the first path of preferential flow, and a vacuum applied to the second vacuum extraction pipe will extract gases and liquids from only the second path of preferential flow; applying a vacuum to at least one of the vacuum extraction pipes

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing or recompleting wells for production is disclosed. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted to the completion of oil or gas wells having a plurality of production zones. In particular, the apparatus is useful for oil or gas wells having production zones which require stimulation prior to initial production of the well, or producing wells which require recompletion in order to open new zones or to reperforate and stimulate existing zones from which production has slowed down or ceased. The apparatus comprises a header spool having a pressure rating that is about as high as the burst pressure rating of the surface casing of the well. The header spool is mounted to a casing spool before a wellhead is placed on the well. The header spool has an internal passage which is at least as large as the diameter of the casing in the well. This permits an efficient completion of the well after the casing is cemented in.

Abstract: A method for retarding the effect of water coning during the production of oil from a subterranean formation is described. The retarding occurs by injecting into the subterranean formation, at or below the oil/water interface, a polymer solution having a viscosity at least twice that of the connate water to form a zone of high viscosity about the wellbore during the oil production.

Abstract: A method using an "inverted" production well for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir wherein the production wellbore has a substantially vertical, non-inverted portion with angle building to near 90.degree.; an integral, substantially horizontal portion which extends into said reservoir; and an integral, upwardly curving tail portion which terminates near the top of the reservoir. A string of production tubing which may include a downhole pump is positioned within the non-inverted portion of wellbore. The inverted well increases the production interval within the reservoir and reduces bottom-water coning. Further, a plug can be set in the tail portion to reduce the production of steam through the wellbore. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single inverted well may be used both for injecting steam and producing fluids by extending a string of injection tubing through or adjacent to the production tubing and into the tail portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation having low permeability matrix blocks separated by a well-connected fracture network. Hot light gas is injected into the formation to heat the matrix blocks and create or enlarge a gas cap in the fracture network. The flowing pressure in one or more production wells is maintained at a value slightly less than the free gas pressure at the gas liquid interface, causing gas coning near the production well or wells. Both liquid and gas are recovered from below the gas/liquid interface in the fractures.

Abstract: A dynamic underground stripping process removes localized underground volatile organic compounds from heterogeneous soils and rock in a relatively short time. This method uses steam injection and electrical resistance heating to heat the contaminated underground area to increase the vapor pressure of the contaminants, thus speeding the process of contaminant removal and making the removal more complete. The injected steam passes through the more permeable sediments, distilling the organic contaminants, which are pumped to the surface. Large electrical currents are also applied to the contaminated area, which heat the impermeable subsurface layers that the steam has not penetrated. The condensed and vaporized contaminants are withdrawn by liquid pumping and vacuum extraction. The steam injection and electrical heating steps are repeated as necessary.

Abstract: A method for improving the productivity of a well by separating and disposing of at least a portion of the water which is produced from a subterranean producing formation. The water is allowed to separate from the produced fluids under the influence of gravity while in the wellbore. The separated water is then disposed without removing it from the wellbore by flowing it into a subterranean disposal formation which has a pressure less than that of said producing formation. Preferably, the well is completed with an inclined wellbore which significantly aids in the gravity separation of the water from the produced fluids (e.g. hydrocarbons).

Abstract: A device for rinsing contaminants from ground comprises a perforated well tube sunk through a well shaft in the ground to ground water. The ground water is received in the well shaft through lower perforations, pumped up the well shaft, and out to upper ground regions through upper perforations, so that it can circulate back down to the ground water level, thus flushing contaminants from the upper ground regions. The circulation is accomplished with a well tube insert assembly placed in the well tube, comprising a seal device intermediate upper and lower well tube portions, a pipe through the seal, and a pump in the pipe to pump water from the lower portion to the upper portion. After circulation is established, the well tube insert assembly may be raised within the well tube to raise the level of circulation in the ground. A filter or cleaning device may be placed in the circulation path to remove contaminants.

Abstract: A method for recovering connate fluids (e.g. oil) from a low permeability subterranean reservoir (e.g. diatomite) through a single wellbore. Upper and lower intervals are fractured from the wellbore that the fractured intervals only partially overlap, thereby leaving a partial, natural barrier formed of random-spaced, low permeable areas along the interface between the fractured intervals. This partial barrier improves the sweep efficiency of a drive fluid (e.g. water) which is injected into the lower fractured interval by forcing it to spread outward into the reservoir before it is flows through the upper fractured interval. The drive fluid is injected at approximately the same rate as that at which the fluids are produced so that displacement of oil occurs primarily due to imbibition.

Abstract: A method of producing high water-cut gas via in situ water-disposal. Initially, a well is drilled and cased. The casing is perforated at an upper gas producing interval. Next, a tubing is run down through the casing and its lower end is perforated so as to fluidly communicate with a lower non-productive interval. The tubing is also perforated at a location below the producing interval and a production packer is placed between the casing's lower end and the tubing thereby forming an annulus. A slidable sleeve is positioned in the annulus to selectively open and close perforations on the tube side of the annulus. As gas is produced, water separated from the gas collects in the annulus and falls through perforations in the tubing where it is disposed of in the non-productive interval.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the production or recovery of oil or bitumen produced or recovered in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion form a porous water containing oil or bitumen producing formation is maintained and improved by maintaining the temperature of the produced oil or bitumen in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion at a temperature not lower than and preferably greater than Tc, wherein Tc is the minimum temperature for the oil or bitumen, such as in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, to flow through the porous water-containing oil or bitumen producing formation. In a special practice of this invention to prevent water coning, a substantially water impermeable barrier can be produced in a water saturated formation by depositing therein a bitumen or oil-in-water emulsion barrier or zone at a temperature below Tc.

Abstract: A method of influencing a liquid in ground by forming a liquid circulation in ground comprises a shaft arranged in ground and extending to a desired liquid region, a pump arranged in the shaft for producing a liquid circulation, the pump having a feeding power selected so that in a shaft surrounding a liquid peak located above a normal liquid level is produced.

Abstract: The method relates to the application to a deflected well (1) of a well-known consolidation process through the polymerization in situ of a liquid substance (L) injected within a zone (2) to be consolidated through an injection pipe (5), by interaction with a reacting gas G injected thereafter. In order to limit the zone of intervention and to properly distribute the substance and the gas all over this zone, a combination of a pipe whose wall is fitted with openings (11) all over the end part thereof (5a), a confining packer (8) and a solid separation element (10) displaced in the pipe after the liquid substance by the reacting gas, which prevents any interaction of the reacting gas before it reaches the zone to be consolidated, is used. Injecting the liquid mixture comprises successive stages of circulation between the inside of pipe (5) and the annulus between the pipe and the well (1) and of forcing to have it make through the formation properly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby recovery from heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs may be increased over that achieved in the later stages of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) operations. Two sets of perforations perforate a steam chamber in a reservoir surrounding a well. The two sets of perforations are isolated hydraulically from each other within the casing by a thermal packer. Steam is then injected down the casing annulus into the upper set of perforations. After a period of steam injection, steam injection is halted and hydrocarbons are produced from the lower set of perforations through one of two strings of tubing extending through the thermal packer. The second string of tubing serves to vent the well during production. This process may be repeated over the life of the well, alternately injecting steam and producing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for reducing the time during which steam moves in a lateral direction between two parallel superimposed horizontal wells when utilizing a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) process. Foam is added while injecting steam into an upper horizontal well once steam breakthrough occurs in an interwell region. Foam enters the interwell region thereby causing an increased pressure gradient. This increased pressure gradient adds to the gravity force thereby providing a greater interstitial oil velocity which increases oil drainage between wells during startup.

Abstract: A solvent stimulation process whereby a viscosity reducing agent is circulated through a horizontal well via a production string. Said agent exits the production string and enters an annulus formed by said string and a liner. Said agent diffuses into the reservoir at a pressure below the reservoir pressure. As said agent diffuses through the reservoir under the influence of a concentration gradient, it reduces the oil's viscosity and makes it mobile. Simultaneously, oil of reduced viscosity migrates into the well under a pressure drawdown influence. A pseudo steady state production rate is achieved when convective movement of the oil of reduced viscosity is exactly counterbalanced by the diffusional rate of the viscosity reducing agent in a stimulated radial zone along said well. This stimulates a large volume of oil through the extensive surface area of the wellbore thus producing increased volumes of hydrocarbonaceous fluids from the reservoir.

Abstract: A conduction heating, gravity assisted, single well, process for removing viscous hydrocarbonaceous fluids from a reservoir penetrated by a horizontal wellbore. Steam and a gas soluble in hydrocarbonaceous fluids are circulated into the wellbore at or below the reservoir pressure through an upper perforated conduit of the horizontal wellbore. Circulation is continued so as to allow steam to heat the reservoir by conductance while gas enters the hydrocarbonaceous fluids. Thus, heated hydrocarbonaceous fluids having a reduced viscosity flow from the reservoir around the horizontal wellbore where the fluids are produced to the surface by a lower conduit within the horizontal wellbore. The lower conduit is open along its length so as to be in fluid communication with the reservoir for the length of the horizontal wellbore.

Abstract: Process for removing an industrial residue containing sodium sulphate, in which the sodium sulphate in the residue 7 is treated with a calcium salt 12 to precipitate calcium sulphate 13, which is sent to a rock salt deposit 15, from which an aqueous solution of sodium chloride 16 is withdrawn.The process applies to the residues from the desulphurization of fumes by means of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fluid injection and oil production from a single wellbore which includes providing a path of communication between the injection and production zones.

Abstract: Fluids such as steam, water, foam, or chemical inhibitors which prevent scale or asphalt deposition are injected into or drawn from the reservoir formation near the intake zone of a production well via at least one fluid transfer leg which protrudes at a downhole location away from the production well into the reservoir formation.

Abstract: A method to improve the displacement efficiency of hydrocarbonaceous fluids from a formation where at least two horizontal perforated wellbores are utilized. One horizontal wellbore is placed at a lower level and another is placed at a higher level in said formation. Thereafter, a first displacement liquid immiscible with and having a density greater than hydrocarbonaceous fluids in said formation is injected into said lower horizontal wellbore. Afterwards, a second hydrocarbon immiscible displacement liquid having a density greater than said first liquid is injected into said lower wellbore. The second liquid displaces said first displacement liquid and hydrocarbonaceous fluids to said higher level in the formation. Subsequently, the displacing liquids and hydrocarbonaceous fluids are produced to the surface.

Abstract: An improved process for the remediation of soil contaminated by the presence therein of organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants which comprises (1) supplying thermal energy to the soil at one or more locations under the surface of the soil, (2) collecting the vapors resulting from contaminant vaporization or decomposition under the influence of the thermal energy, after passage horizontally through the soil, at one or more locations under the surface of the soil and separating from the collected vapors the environmentally undesirable components thereof.

Abstract: A method for recovery of oil from a subterranean, viscous oil-containing formation penetrated by one or more wells each of which is provided with at least one separate flow paths, the first flow path in fluid communication with the bottom of the formation from adjacent or below the formation and the second flow path in fluid communication with substantially the full vertical thickness of the formation. Steam is injected into the formation via the second flow path and fluids including oils are recovered from adjacent or below the bottom of the formation via the first flow path at a predetermined rate which is substantially less than the injection rate of steam so as to increase the formation pressure to a desired level. Formation pressure is maintained at the desired level while continuing injection of steam and production of fluids including oil until the fluids recovered contain an unfavorable amount of water.

Abstract: Production of viscous hydrocarbons is initiated by first injecting an injection fluid down at least two tubing strings in a wellbore having multiple tubing strings therein. Following an initiation phase, flow of injection fluid in the production tubing string is ceased, and production of formation fluid to the surface commenced in the heated tubing. The production of formation fluids is controlled, and entry of uncondensed steam from the formation into the wellbore avoided by maintaining a liquid level in the formation which is above the production perforations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fluid injection and oil production from a single wellbore which includes providing a path of communication between the injection and production zones.

Abstract: Method and installation for the production of hydrocarbons from a mixture of said hydrocarbons with an aqueous phase by use of a reinjection unit (7), and a separation unit (8) and with regulating the reinjection rate as a function of the content of hydrocarbons (16,15) in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the gravitational separation of hydrocarbons and water discharged from a production formation of a subterranean well. The well casing is extended downwardly beyond the production zone to a water absorbing zone of the subterranean well. A mixture of hydrocarbons and water flows into the interior of the casing through perforations disposed adjacent the production zone. A fluid collection chamber is provided either exteriorly or interiorly of the casing perforations permitting the hydrocarbons to rise to the top of any water. The water flows downwardly, or is forcibly pumped downwardly to the water absorbing formation and is absorbed in such formation. If the fluid pressure of the formation is not sufficient to force the hydrocarbons to the surface of the well, any conventional pump may be mounted in the well casing to effect the pumping of the separated hydrocarbons to the well surface.

Abstract: A tube bundle, suitable for the transportation of gas from a subsea wellhead, comprises (a) an insulated external casing, (b) an internal production line for gas, moisture and possibly oil or condensate and (c) an internal tube for carrying a heating medium through the bundle to its wellhead end. The heating tube has a tapered or stepped layer of insulating material with the insulation increasing in thickness in the direction away from the wellhead.The combination of heating and carefully designed insulation is particularly effective in preventing hydrate formation in the gas line.

Abstract: A method for enhanced oil recovery from a subsurface earth formation is disclosed. At least one essentially upward deviated hole from a vertical shaft in the formation is formed. An outer loop borehole is formed in proximity with the deviated hole. A heating fluid is injected from the surface to the outer loop borehole to heat the formation in proximity with the upward deviated hole to facilitate drainage of oil and the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extracting a viscous hydrocarbon from a productive substrate which is characterized by amounts of unconsolidated sand particles. A hot, thermal stimulating medium is introduced at an elevated pressure to the productive substrate through the remote end of an elongated well liner. As the hydrocarbon becomes mobile it is urged to the lower pressured segment of the liner. An expandable diverter, pervious to the stimulating medium, is positioned in the liner to form a quasi-barrier. Said barrier is progressively lengthened to cause the stimulating medium to penetrate progressively increasing lengths of the productive substrate to assure extraction of hydrocarbon along the entire liner length.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation in which a well completion, including a well liner, lies in a generally horizontal disposition within the hydrocarbon productive substrate. The liner encloses conductor means for delivering a stream of a hot stimulating agent to the well's remote or injection end, and means for regulating the production of bitumen emulsion from the producing end thereof. A fluid impervious barrier is movably interposed in the well liner between the injection end and the producing end to establish a pressure differential across said barrier thereby directing a flow of stimulating agent into the substrate. Said agent, by liquefying bitumen, creates a pattern of paths along which the mixture flows toward the well's lower pressure producing end. By progressively moving the barrier toward said producing end, the flow path pattern can be extended into a broader area of the substrate.

Abstract: A process is provided for the recovery of hydrocarbons, and especially heavy hydrocarbons, from oil-bearing strata, wherein mining liquids are injected at a bottom level and removed at an upper collecting level together with displaced liquid hydrocarbons, and the mining liquids are separated from the product hydrocarbons at the well-head and re-injected. The mining liquids may consist, in part, of an unrefined fraction from product cracking or semi-refining carried out in the vicinity of the well head, together with inorganic solvents, and are injected under pulsating pressure at a temperature not exceeding 100.degree. C. The strata can be deliberately fractured horizontally at the injection and collecting levels to promote desirable flow patterns, the fractures being propped open by means of a particulate filling medium. Hot gas under pressure can be injected at the boundaries of the working zone to create barriers to flow by the melting and re-solidifying of heavy hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of a fracture or fractures created in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. The method comprises creating a fracture in the formation extending from a lower end portion of the wellbore and then removing a location orientated core containing a portion of the fracture from the wellbore to thereby determine the orientation of the fracture in the formation.

Abstract: A well completion, having an injection end and a recovery end, and method for recovering heavy hydrocarbons or bitumen from a subterranean formation. The completion includes a well liner which lies in a generally horizontal disposition within a hydrocarbon holding substrate. Means for carrying a stream of a hot stimulating fluid from the well's injection end such that said fluid will migrate into the substrate surrounding the liner. A fluid impervious barrier is movably positioned within the well liner between the injection end and the production end thereof, and prompts establishment of a pressure differential across the said barrier. The barrier urges pressurized stimulating agent outwardly into the substrate, thereby creating a heated path along which the bitumen emulsion flows toward the well's lower pressure production end. The barrier is adapted to be repositioned within the liner to adjust the bitumen flow path through the substrate.