Abstract: A sub-surface hydrocarbon production system comprising an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons to be produced. A production well extends from the surface to a location proximate the hydrocarbon and a convection passage extends between the energy delivery well and the production well thereby forming a convection loop. The energy delivery well and the production well intersect at a location proximate the hydrocarbon such that the convection loop is in the form of a triangle. Preferably, the convection passage extends upwardly from a point at which the convection passage intersects the production well. The system also includes a heater, such as an electric heater or down-hole burner, disposed in the energy delivery well.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons may be produced from a well which comprises a contour section that follows a contour of a depression on a contoured base above which the reservoir is formed. Hydrocarbons may also be produced from a first well in a gravity-controlled recovery process and a second well which extends under and across the first well. For recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir, a pair of injection and production wells may be positioned and configured to optimize an initial rate of production from a pay region in the reservoir, and another well for producing hydrocarbons may be located below the production well and be positioned and configured to optimize an amount of hydrocarbon recovery from the pay region.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gas sequestration are provided. The systems include a porous storage reservoir containing a dense fluid; a first tubing string, configured to provide and inject a gaseous emissions (GE) stream at or near the top of the porous storage reservoir above the base portion of the porous storage reservoir; and a second tubing string configured to withdraw the dense fluid from the base portion of the porous storage reservoir. In some embodiments, the first and second tubing strings may be encased in a single well bore and may include measurement and control equipment for pressure management of the injection locations. The withdrawn dense fluids may be re-injected into an overlying porous reservoir or may be sent to the surface for treatment. Methods are provided for injection of GE and withdrawal of dense fluids for safe, long term gaseous sequestration of significant portions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and associated gases (gaseous emissions, GE).

Abstract: A method for circulating drilling fluid in a well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone and pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method also includes providing fluid down the substantially vertical well bore through a tubing. A fluid mixture returns up the substantially vertical well bore outside of the tubing. The fluid mixture comprises the drilling fluid after the drilling fluid exits the drill string.

Abstract: Methods and systems for integrating bitumen extraction processes with bitumen upgrading processes are disclosed. The methods and systems can include recovering an emulsion of hydrocarbon and water from a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage extraction process, breaking the emulsion, using the water from the emulsion to make steam, upgrading the hydrocarbon from the emulsion using the steam, separating diluent from the upgraded hydrocarbon, and using the diluent to break SAGD-produced emulsion.

Abstract: A method for in situ heating of a subsurface formation is provided. The method includes receiving hydrocarbon fluids produced from the subsurface formation as a result of heating. The method also includes processing the produced fluids to generate a hydrocarbon stream. A portion of the hydrocarbon stream is then delivered to a combustor along with an oxygen-containing stream as a combustion mixture. A diluent gas stream may also be provided for cooling. The mixture is then combusted to generate electricity, and to release an exhaust stream comprising carbon dioxide. The method also includes using at least a portion of the exhaust gas stream generated from the combustion for injection or for sequestration, thereby minimizing atmospheric release. In addition, at least a portion of the electrical power is delivered to a plurality of electrically resistive heating elements to deliver heat to the subsurface formation. A low emission power generation system is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for improving production of hydrocarbon resources. A method for improving recovery from a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir includes generating a productivity map for a plurality of wells in a contiguous region of a reservoir and injecting different mixtures of non-condensable gas (NCG) and steam into at least two injection wells in the plurality of wells based, at least in part, on the productivity map.

Abstract: Drilling a sidetrack wellbore out of the side of an existing wellbore utilizing a drillable billet having a path formed in the billet to lead a bi-centered drillbit to kick-out from the wellbore and form a sidetrack wellbore. The bi-centered bit is arranged for the lands of the pilot section to follow the path of the billet while the wings of the ream out a portion of the billet and also ream out the earth to form the full dimension sidetrack wellbore. The bi-centered bit is used to drill the sidetrack wellbore to the target zone so that the entire drilling process extends from the existing wellbore to the target zone without a mandatory withdrawal of the drillstring from the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing steam comprising the successive steps of: providing feedwater containing carbonate and/or sulfate ions; adding a crystallizing reagent able to react with carbonate and/or sulfate ions to the feedwater, in order to produce carbonate and/or sulfate crystals; filtering the feedwater with a ceramic membrane to produce a permeate stream; supplying the permeate stream to a boiler; and generating steam in the boiler. The invention also relates to an installation adapted for implementing said method, as well as to a process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation using the abovementioned method for producing steam.

Abstract: A process of increasing recovery rate of hydrocarbon from a reservoir of bituminous sands is disclosed. The process comprises softening bitumen in a region in the reservoir to generate a fluid comprising a hydrocarbon, to allow the fluid to drain by gravity from the region into a production well below the region for recovery of the hydrocarbon; and providing vapour of a compound to the region, and allowing the compound to disperse and condense in the region. The compound is represented by wherein (i) m is 1, and A is —NH2 or —N(H)CH2CH2OH; or (ii) m is 1 or greater than 1, and A is —OR1, R1 being an alkyl group. A mixture comprising steam and vapour of the compound for injection into the reservoir and a system for recovery of hydrocarbon from the reservoir are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation comprising water and a solvent; a mechanism to produce the water, solvent, oil, and gas from the formation; a separator to separate the oil, water, and a first portion of the solvent from the gas and a second portion of the solvent; and an absorption tower to expose the gas and the second portion of the solvent to water to remove the second portion of the solvent from the gas.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation comprising water and an additive; and a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for drilling a well in a reservoir. The method includes planning a well trajectory for a serpentine well pair. The production well is drilled using lateral displacements and vertical displacements to follow a base of a pay interval in the reservoir. The production well is completed with perforations in regions comprising a hydrocarbon. At least a portion of the production well includes a liner with no perforations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: A method and system for surface production of gas from a subterranean zone includes forming a drainage pattern in a subsurface zone. The drainage pattern includes a plurality of cooperating bores and has a coverage area extending between the cooperating bores. Water pressure is lowered throughout the coverage area of the subsurface zone without significant subsurface drainage by producing water through the cooperating bores of the drainage pattern to the surface. Gas is produced from the coverage area of the subsurface zone with at least some of the water.

Abstract: A method for in situ extraction of hydrocarbon materials in a subsurface region includes increasing permeability of a low permeability hydrocarbon-containing subsurface region to create a first well sub-region and a second well sub-region vertically below the first well sub-region. The first well sub-region is heated to extract liquid hydrocarbon materials that flow to the second well sub-region. The liquid hydrocarbon materials are then transported from the second well sub-region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to in situ combustion. Configurations of the injection and production wells facilitate the in situ combustion. Utilizing wet combustion for some embodiments promotes heat displacement for hydrocarbon recovery with procedures in which one or more of the production and injection wells are configured with lengths deviated from vertical. In some embodiments for either dry or wet combustion, at least the production wells define intake lengths deviated from vertical and that are disposed at staged levels within a formation. Each of the productions wells during the in situ combustion allow for recovery of hydrocarbons through gravity drainage. Vertical separation between the intake lengths of the production wells enables differentiated and efficient removal of combustion gasses and the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recompacting a hydrocarbon reservoir to prevent override of a fill material are provided. An exemplary method includes detecting a slurry override condition and reducing a pressure within the reservoir so as to reapply a stress from an overburden.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present technology provides a method for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from a reservoir using a heating well to reduce overburden stress over portions of the reservoir and where the heating well being located in a subsurface formation proximate to the reservoir. The method may include heating the subsurface formation via the heating well above the reservoir, below the reservoir, or both, to form an expansion pillar and producing a hydrocarbon from the reservoir.

Abstract: Described embodiments relate to methods, systems and infrastructure for flow manipulation within a porous volume. Some embodiments relate to a method of subsurface flow manipulation, comprising: providing fluid at a first subsurface location adjacent to or in a subsurface volume through which the fluid is to pass; providing first suction at a second subsurface location adjacent to or in the subsurface volume to extract fluid from the subsurface volume, the second subsurface location being located across at least part of the subsurface volume from the first subsurface location; providing fluid at a third subsurface location spaced from the first subsurface location and adjacent to or in the subsurface volume; and providing second suction at the first, second or a fourth subsurface location adjacent to the subsurface volume to extract fluid from the subsurface volume.

Abstract: The application relates to a sustainable and green remedial approach for in situ remediation. The system and method use directionally drilled horizontal wells filled with granular reactive media generally installed in the direction of groundwater flow for groundwater remediation. “Flow-focusing” behavior is leveraged to capture and passively treat proportionally large volumes of groundwater in situ. The system and method perform well in low hydraulic conductivity environments where the success of other in situ remediation methods is controlled by aquifer injectability. Reactive media are selected according to the contaminants to be treated and site characteristics. Energy conservation and other considerations result in considerable cost savings compared to current in situ remediation systems.

Abstract: A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. A system includes injecting carbon dioxide and syngas into a deposit of oil under the ground to crack and hydrogenate the heavy oil to produce upgraded oil with a reduced density and reduced viscosity. The carbon dioxide acts as a pressurization agent to further reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil. The method transports the reduced density and reduced viscosity oil aboveground. The carbon dioxide is left underground after the reduced viscosity oil is transported aboveground.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. An apparatus for extracting low viscosity oil from an oil field includes a gasification unit to generate syngas adapted to hydrogenate and hydrocrack high viscosity oil to produce low viscosity oil. At least one injection well injects the syngas belowground to a location near an upper portion of an oil deposit. At least one production well for recovering and bringing aboveground at least some low viscosity oil that was high viscosity oil that was at least partially hydrogenated and cracked by the syngas to produce the low viscosity oil.

Abstract: A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. A method includes injecting syngas into the oil deposit for processing the oil to produce upgraded oil with a reduced density and viscosity. A natural catalytic bed of the oil deposit is utilized to aid a rate of processing the oil into upgraded oil. The upgraded oil with reduced density and viscosity is extracted from the underground oil deposit by transporting the upgraded oil aboveground.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for in situ upgrading of crude oil is provided. The system includes at least one injection well, at least two first production wells, and at least one second production well. The at least one injection well has a vertical portion and a plurality of non-vertical portions connected to the vertical portion. The at least two first production wells are preferably equi-spaced and each has a horizontal portion with a first axial direction, wherein each said horizontal portion of the first production wells is horizontally spaced apart. The at least one second production well has a horizontal portion with a second axial direction. The catalytic reactor is placed at the horizontal portion of the at least one second production well such that oil coming through the second production well will first go through the catalytic reactor for hydroprocessing.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for using the pressure control equipment positioned at a wellbore location to support loads generated during rig operations. One illustrative system disclosed herein includes at least one first pressure control device positioned proximate a first wellbore location, the at least one first pressure control device being adapted to retain wellbore pressure at the first wellbore location. The system also includes a first machine positioned proximate the at least one first pressure control device, the first machine being adapted to perform a first rig operation on the first wellbore location. Furthermore, the disclosed system includes a first structural support that is adapted to transfer loads generated by the first machine during the first rig operation to the at least one first pressure control device, wherein the at least one first pressure control device is adapted to support the loads.

Abstract: A method and system for displacing water from a porous geological formation are provided. The zone to be displaced is defined by the injection of water into one or more barrier wells around the zone. One or more gas injection wells and water production wells are located within the zone. During pressurized gas injection within the zone, the barrier wells are operated to achieve a hydraulic pressure barrier surrounding the zone that is sufficient to prevent penetration therethrough by the injected gas. The well system is operated to concurrently limit gas entry into the water production well. Accordingly, the gas displaces water downward within the zone such that water is produced at the water production wells.

Abstract: A method, system, and method for developing the system, for producing hydrocarbons from a plurality of hydrocarbon containing reservoirs is described. The system includes at least one conventional hydrocarbon reservoir and at least one natural gas hydrate reservoir. The system also includes a production facility, including water separation apparatus, which is in fluid communication with the at least one hydrocarbon reservoir and the at least one natural gas hydrate reservoir. The production facility can separate hydrocarbons and water concurrently received from the first conventional hydrocarbon and the second natural gas hydrate reservoirs. The at least one hydrocarbon reservoir and the at least one hydrate reservoir can be concurrently developed. Or else, the at least one hydrate reservoir can be developed later in time and then fluidly connected to the production facility.

Abstract: An in situ heat treatment system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes a plurality of wellbores in the formation. At least one heater is positioned in at least two of the wellbores. A self-regulating nuclear reactor provides energy to at least one of the heaters to heat the temperature of the formation to temperatures that allow for hydrocarbon production from the formation. A temperature of the self-regulating nuclear reactor is controlled by controlling a pressure of hydrogen supplied to the self-regulating nuclear reactor, and wherein the pressure is regulated based upon formation conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for combustion steam generation is provided, which includes a combustion chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end; a manifold at the inlet end configured to introduce a fuel and an oxidizer into the combustion chamber; an outer casing defining a coolant chamber between the outer casing and the combustion chamber; and a plurality of converging coolant inlets for conducting coolant from the coolant chamber into the combustion chamber at or near the outlet end of the combustion chamber. The converging coolant inlets are radially disposed around the combustion chamber and preferably configured to produce a converging-diverging nozzle from the coolant conducted into the combustion chamber. The device may be used in systems and methods for enhanced recovery of subterranean hydrocarbons, by deployment into and operation in a wellbore, where the produced steam and combustion gases are injected into a hydrocarbon formation to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a production facility at a topside of the well; a water production facility connected to the production facility; wherein the water production facility produces water by removing some multivalent ions, then removing some monovalent ions, and then adding back some monovalent ions, and then injects the water into the well.

Abstract: A multi-function multi-hole rig including multiple machines for accomplishing various rig functions, e.g., drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), cementing machine(s), workover machine(s), etc., for drilling, completing and/or working over multiple wellbores without moving the rig. Rig functions may be performed one after the other and/or simultaneously, while allowing other functions related to completion and production to continue simultaneously.

Abstract: A multi-function multi-hole rig is disclosed which, in certain aspects, includes multiple machines for accomplishing rig functions, e.g. drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), and/or cementing machine(s), for producing multiple usable wellbores one after the other. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently extracting geothermal energy from a subterranean thermal reservoir through a wellbore where the heat exchange fluid is introduced at a slower velocity than the velocity at which the fluid is extracted. The method and apparatus further comprises a gas zone near the top of the wellbore to reduce heat losses of the heat exchange fluid. A portion of the casing of the wellbore can directly contact the subterranean environment for improved thermal conductivity. Alternatively, a thermally conductive wall comprising a thermally conductive material can surround a potion of the casing of the wellbore. Further, the inner and/or outer surface of the pipes and conduits of the disclosed method and apparatus can include features that enhance the surface areas for improved heat transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A method for sequencing drill holes for a mobile drill rig is disclosed. The method may include receiving a hole pattern having a plurality of planned holes and generating at least a first group of parallel pathways and a second group of parallel pathways between the plurality of holes of the hole pattern. The first group of pathways may be angled relative to the second group of pathways. The method may also include selecting between the first group of pathways and the second group of pathways based on which group of pathways includes fewer total pathways.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for in situ heating of an organic-rich rock formation is provided. Preferably the organic-rich rock formation comprises kerogen. The method may include the steps of providing a first wellbore extending at least to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation, and providing a second wellbore also extending to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation and intersecting the first wellbore. The method may also include injecting air and a combustible fuel into the first wellbore, and providing a downhole burner in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The method may further include, circulating combustion products into and up the second wellbore such that a pyrolysis zone is created from the first wellbore and second wellbores that provides substantially complete pyrolysis of the organic-rich rock formation between the first wellbore and the second wellbore.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a first array of wells dispersed above the formation; a second array of wells dispersed above the formation; wherein the first array of wells comprises a mechanism to inject a miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation while the second array of wells comprises a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation for a first time period; and wherein the second array of wells comprises a mechanism to inject a miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation while the first array of wells comprises a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation for a second time period.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for recovering oil from an underground oil-containing reservoir. The process includes providing one or more injection wells for injecting a gaseous fluid (steam and air) into the reservoir, the one or more injection wells having a plurality of generally horizontal injector legs, the injector legs positioned within a first depth region in the reservoir. The process further includes providing one or more extraction wells for recovering oil from the reservoir, the one or more extraction wells having plurality of generally horizontal extractor legs, the extractor legs positioned within a second depth region in the reservoir below the first depth region and spaced between the injector legs. Gaseous fluid, typically steam, is injected through the injector legs for a first period of time; and then air is injected through at least one of the injector legs. Alternative embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for extracting hydrocarbons from a tank including providing a facility having an injection well including at least one tube for steam injection, a production well including at least one hydrocarbon extraction tube, a set of measuring sensors, at least one hydrocarbon extracting pump in the production well, an automaton for controlling and monitoring the running of the facility; rejecting the steam into the injection well; extracting the hydrocarbons with the pump of the production well; and controlling speed of the pump depending on the difference between the measured temperature at the pump input and the evaporation temperature calculated on the basis of the measured pressure at the input of the pump. The method enables an increase in hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a sub-surface reservoir having present therein a wellbore in which a production conduit and an injection conduit are located, said method comprising injecting a heating fluid into the reservoir via said injection conduit, characterised in that said heating fluid is released via a plurality of discrete permeable sections (injection sections) located along the length of the injection conduit and produced hydrocarbons are collected via a plurality of discrete permeable sections (production sections) located along the length of the production conduit.

Abstract: A device for the in-situ extraction of a hydrocarbon-containing substance, while reducing the viscosity thereof, from an underground deposit, has at least one injection pipeline extending in the deposit and at least one production pipeline leading out of the deposit, which together form a so-called well pair. The injection and production pipelines each have a starting region extending above ground in some areas, and an active region connecting to the starting region inside the deposit. With the method, during a heating phase hot steam is applied to the injection and production pipelines, while during a production phase hot steam is applied only to the injection pipeline. Furthermore, the active region of the injection pipeline is additionally configured as an induction heater regarding the surrounding area in the deposit. In the associated device, for example, the well pair formed by the injection pipeline and production pipeline can be configured as electrodes.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. A method may include the steps of injecting a first fluid into a first horizontal well in the reservoir by a first device; producing hydrocarbons from a second horizontal well disposed below the first well; injecting a second fluid into a third well laterally offset from each of the first and second wells while continuing to produce hydrocarbons from the second well; and selectively ceasing injection into the first well when the second well is in fluid communication with the third well. The first and second fluid may comprise steam, carbon dioxide, oxygen, or combinations thereof. Injection into the first well selectively may be ceased when pressure in the first well is increased to a first injection pressure.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a first well above the formation; a second well above the formation; the first well comprises a mechanism to inject a miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation; the first well comprises a seal comprising a fluorinated polymer, the seal adapted to contain the miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation within a tubular; and the second well comprises a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimal lift resource allocation, which includes optimally allocating lift resource under a total lift resource constraint or a total production constraint, the allocating step including distributing lift resource among all lifted wells in a network so as to maximize a liquid/oil rate at a sink.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a first well above the formation; a second well above the formation; the first well comprises a mechanism to inject a miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation; the first well comprises a seal comprising a composite material, the composite material comprising a plurality of fibers in a matrix, the matrix material comprising a fluorinated polymer or a polyketone, the seal adapted to contain the miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation within a tubular; and the second well comprises a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in situ reservoir recovery process that uses a horizontal well located near the top of a reservoir and an inclined production well to extract bitumen or heavy oil from a reservoir. In a first stage, the top well is used for cold production of reservoir fluids to the surface, in which, reservoir fluids are pumped to the surface in the absence of stimulation by steam or other thermal and/or solvent injection. A lower production well is drilled into the formation below the top well. The top well is converted to an injection well or, if no cold production then a top well is drilled as an injector well. A portion of the bottom well is inclined so that one end of the incline is closer to the injector well than the other end of the incline. In the process, steam circulation creates a heated zone at the point of the two wells that are closest together in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method comprising recovering a carbon source from a formation; converting at least a portion of the carbon source to a synthesis gas; converting at least a portion of the synthesis gas to an ether; and injecting at least a portion of the ether into the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for enhancing a recovery process employing one or more substantially horizontal wellbores. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for enhancing a recovery process employing one or more horizontal wellbores by providing a zone of increased permeability in a hydrocarbon reservoir to facilitate vertical movement of flowable materials through the reservoir to thereby enhance the recovery process. In some embodiments, the reservoir comprises one or more vertical permeability impediments.