Abstract: A method of recovering bitumen from a subterranean tar sand formation characterized by a plurality of steps. First, a continuous wellbore having a second section thereof contained within the formation and first and third sections thereof extending the second section to the earth's surface is formed. Next, the first and third sections of the wellbore are cased. Thereafter, a heated fluid is circulated through the wellbore contacting the formation to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen contained therein rendering the bitumen mobile. Subsequently, bitumen mobilized by the heated fluid is recovered via the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of producing bitumen from a subterranean tar sand formation characterized by the following muti-step process. First, a continuous wellbore having a second section thereof contained within the formation and a first and a third section extending said second section to the earth's surface is formed. Next, a perforated liner is inserted into the wellbore extending the entire length thereof and having perforations so positioned thereon to be adjacent the second section of the wellbore. Thereafter, a heated fluid is circulated through the wellbore, contacting the formation via the perforations, thereby reducing the viscosity of the bitumen contained therein rendering it mobile. Subsequently, the mobilized bitumen is recovered via the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of producing bitumen from a subterranean tar sand formation by the following multi-step method. First, an injection well is drilled to the formation and extended into the formation. Subsequent thereto, a perforated liner is inserted into the injection well extending the entire length thereof and having the perforations provided in the portion of the injection well in contact with the formation. Next, a plurality of production wells are drilled and completed into the formation positioned above and along the length of the injection well. Thereafter, a heated fluid is circulated through the injection well contacting the formation via the perforations and thereby reducing the viscosity of the bitumen contained therein rendering same mobile. Subsequently, the mobilized bitumen is recovered through the plurality of production wells.

Abstract: A method of recovering bitumen from a subterranean tar sand formation by the following multi-step method. First, an injection well is drilled to the formation and cased. Perforations are provided in the portion of the injection well contacting the formation. Next, a plurality of production wells are drilled and completed into the formation positioned above and along the length of the injection well. Thereafter, a heated fluid is circulated through the injection well contacting the formation via the perforations and thereby reducing the viscosity of the bitumen contained therein rendering same mobile. Subsequently, the mobilized bitumen is recovered through the plurality of production wells.