Abstract: A steam, carbon dioxide, or solvent injection method is used in combination with a cased well completed to have an upper vertical section, a lower vertical section and a horizontal section which connects the two vertical sections. Steam, carbon dioxide, or solvent is injected down tubing in the well and through perforations near the lower portion of the lower vertical section of the well and into an oil-bearing formation that is penetrated by the well. Oil is produced from the formation via perforations in the casing in the upper vertical section and thence upward through the annulus formed between the tubing and the casing to the surface of the earth for recovery.

Abstract: A process where massive hydraulic fracturing (MHF) is used in combination with a novel horizontal and vertical well drilling scheme. The novel well drilling scheme provides the cost benefits of vertical drilling along with the increased pay zone contact of extended-reach drilling. MHF additionally provides for substantially enhanced reservoir drainage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laboratory simulation of the dynamic formation of sand arches in production of oil and/or gas from unconsolidated or poorly consolidated wells is disclosed. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed opposite a perforation in a member simulating the casing of a well and the simulated well is operated at conditions approximating those of interest in the field. The acoustic transducer is moved incrementally across the perforation and measurements of the distance between the transducer and the formation are measured. These can then be used to generate a profile of the surface of the formation behind the perforation. Preferably, an ultrasonic transducer which emits a focussed beam of acoustic energy is employed.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency by which fracture fluids are produced back from a hydrocarbonaceous fluid bearing formation. To remove said fracture fluid, a chemical blowing agent is placed into the formation. After placement of said blowing agent and fracturing the formation, the blowing agent decomposes thereby either causing the filter cake to become more porous or providing a driving force for fluid load removal from the matrix. Increased porosity enhances communication between the formation and the fracture, thus increasing the efficiency of fracture fluid production. Gas liberation within the matrix establishes communication pathways for subsequent removal of hydrocarbonaceous fluids by displacing fluid loads into the fracture and the well.