Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the integration of at least two viscous oil recovery processes (VORPs), at least one of which is a solvent-dominated recovery process (SDRP). Integration of the SDRP and the VORP may be achieved through at least one of: solvent, heat, a production stream, and a viscous oil reservoir.

Abstract: Described is a method of operating a cyclic solvent-dominated recovery process (CSDRP) for recovering viscous oil from a subterranean reservoir of the viscous oil to enhance recovery effectiveness. The cyclic solvent process involves using an injection well to inject a viscosity-reducing solvent into a subterranean viscous oil reservoir. Reduced viscosity oil is produced to the surface using the same well used to inject solvent. The process of alternately injecting solvent and producing a solvent/viscous oil blend through the same wellbore continues in a series of cycles until additional cycles are no longer economical. Conventionally, the solvent composition remains constant over time within each injection cycle and among cycles. In the present method, by contrast, the solvent composition is varied over time thereby providing operational benefits as described herein.

Abstract: A method of operating a cyclic solvent-dominated recovery process (CSDRP) for recovering viscous oil from a subterranean reservoir of the viscous oil. The cyclic solvent process involves using an injection well to inject a viscosity-reducing solvent into a subterranean viscous oil reservoir. Reduced viscosity oil is produced to the surface using the same well used to inject solvent. The process of alternately injecting solvent and producing a solvent/viscous oil blend through the same wellbore continues in a series of cycles until additional cycles are no longer economical. Aspects of the invention relate to the particular volume of solvent injected in each cycle, when to switch from production to injection, the injection pressure to be used, the production pressure to be used, and to middle and late life operation.

Abstract: Described is a method of operating a cyclic solvent-dominated recovery process (CSDRP) for recovering viscous oil from a subterranean reservoir of the viscous oil. The cyclic solvent process involves using an injection well to inject a viscosity-reducing solvent into a subterranean viscous oil reservoir. Reduced viscosity oil is produced to the surface using the same well used to inject solvent. The process of alternately injecting solvent and producing a solvent/viscous oil blend through the same wellbore continues in a series of cycles until additional cycles are no longer economical. To improve solvent efficiency, the injection includes at least one restriction duration, where injection is restricted, between two continuous injection periods.

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.

Abstract: To recover oil, including viscous oil, from an underground reservoir, a cyclic solvent-dominated recovery process may be used. A viscosity reducing solvent is injected, and oil and solvent are produced. Unlike steam-dominated recovery processes, solvent-dominated recovery processes cause viscous fingering which should be controlled. To control viscous fingering, operational synchronization is used within groups and not between adjacent groups.