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 treating an oil-in-water, such as a bitumen-in-water emulsion, by premixing the emulsion for a sufficient period of time to permit it to become fully intermixed with emulsion breaking diluents and other additive materials. The modified, bitumen-containing emulsion stream is circulated through a premixer. At least a part of the emulsion stream is recirculated therein to intermix with fresh incoming emulsion flow. Thereafter the now more thoroughly intermixed emulsion, together with the various diluents and additives, is in better condition to be introduced to a separator unit for affecting a quiescent separation of water from the bitumen.

Abstract: A well completion and method for improving the productivity of hydrocarbon emulsion from a substrate layer which holds the hydrocarbon. The well completion includes an elongated substantially horizontally disposed liner, the walls of which are perforated to receive the emulsion from the substrate. Operationally, a flow of hot stimulating fluid is injected into the productive layer in a manner to achieve optimum penetration, as well as maximum horizontal sweep thereof. A flowable dam or gravel pack is disposed at the completion remote end and serves to pass a flow of stimulating fluid whereby to achieve the desirable distribution of said stimulating medium into the substrate. However, the gravel pack deters passage of emulsion back into the liner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating an oil-in-water, such as a bitumen-in-water emulsion, by premixing the emulsion for a sufficient period of time to permit it to become fully intermixed with emulsion breaking diluents and other additive materials. The modified, bitumen-containing emulsion stream is circulated through a premixer. At least a part of the emulsion stream is recirculated therein to intermix with fresh incoming emulsion flow. Thereafter the now more thoroughly intermixed emulsion, together with the various diluents and additives, is in better condition to be introduced to a separator unit for affecting a quiescent separation of water from the bitumen.

Abstract: A spacer for use in a deep well that is to have a submersible pump situated downhole and with a string of tubing attached to the pump for delivering the pumped fluid. The pump is electrically driven, and power is supplied via an armored cable which parallels the string of tubing. Spacers are clamped to the cable and have the tubing running through an eccentrically located passage in each spacer. The outside dimensions of a spacer fit freely inside any casing in the well.

Abstract: A filter element which is physically capable of withstanding adverse operating conditions in a subterranean environment. The filter element comprises a durable, yet fluid pervious casing through which a particulate carrying fluid is radially passed after leaving the substrate. An annular bed within the casing, is formed of a metallic fibrous mass which defines multitudinous flow passages that retain the solid particles, yet pass the residual fluid therethrough. A fluid pervious sheath surrounds the metallic mass to form an initial particle retention phase, to maintain the fibrous mass in its desired shape, and to function as a base for accumulating retained solids.

Abstract: A process for recovering bitumen from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions is disclosed wherein water soluble demulsifiers are used. These demulsifiers are polyureas of average molecular weight greater than about 5,000 prepared by the reaction between a polyisocyanate and a polyoxyalkylenediamine. To resolve the bituminous petroleum emulsions, the process is carried out between 25.degree. and 160.degree. C. wherein the demulsifier of the invention is contacted with the bituminous emulsion.