Abstract: A method for stimulating a hydrocarbon-containing formation that includes the steps of: introducing a heat source in the formation; heating a portion of liquid hydrocarbons in the formation to expand hydrocarbon volume, thereby rejuvenating fractures in the formation; passing at least some of the heated liquid hydrocarbons through the rejuvenated fractures; and producing at least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbons that passed through the rejuvenated fractures. The methods and processes provide for in-situ stimulation of hydrocarbon-containing formations using energy to expand in-situ liquid hydrocarbons, thus rejuvenating naturally occurring fractures. In some embodiments, the energy is supplied as heat from injection of an oxygen-containing fluid.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a method for the surface recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The reservoir can be a formation found in sandstone, carbonate, coal bed or other mineral deposit formations. The method includes drilling a well bore having a first substantially vertical portion and a first substantially horizontal portion, in which the first horizontal portion intersects the subterranean reservoir. A plurality of lateral well bores intersecting and extending from the first horizontal portion of the well bore are drilled. Thereafter, a drainage well bore is drilled below and substantially parallel to the first horizontal portion of the well bore, in which the drainage well bore intersects the first horizontal portion.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a method for the surface recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The reservoir can be a formation found in sandstone, carbonate, coal bed or other mineral deposit formations. The method includes drilling a well bore having a first substantially vertical portion and a first substantially horizontal portion, in which the first horizontal portion intersects the subterranean reservoir. A plurality of lateral well bores intersecting and extending from the first horizontal portion of the well bore are drilled. Thereafter, a drainage well bore is drilled below and substantially parallel to the first horizontal portion of the well bore, in which the drainage well bore intersects the first horizontal portion.