Abstract: A thermal hydrocarbon recovery method comprising cycling high pressure fluid injection for a period of time followed by low pressure fluid injection for a period of time, the high pressure injection primarily to dilate and enhance reservoir porosity/permeability and improve the subsequent low pressure fluid injectivity. The method is particularly useful for recovering heavy and extra heavy hydrocarbons from tight formations and/or low vertical permeability reservoirs under viscosity reduction and gravity drainage methods. This method is believed to be applicable for recovering heavy or extra heavy oil from reservoirs with geological risk associated with cap rock integrity.

Abstract: A method for recovering subsurface hydrocarbons, including heavy oil or bitumen, wherein a heated non-condensable gas such as nitrogen is injected downhole to heat the reservoir, followed by a steam injection step to heat the hydrocarbon to enable its flow to the wellbore and production to surface. The dual injection method can be repeated as desired to enhance production of the hydrocarbon resource, and in the case of cyclic steam stimulation would involve a period of shutting in the well after injection of the non-condensable gas and steam prior to the production phase.

Abstract: A horizontal wellbore orientation system and a method of making and using the same is provided. A horizontal wellbore orientation system of a hydrocarbon reservoir comprises at least one horizontal well extending substantially parallel to the minimum horizontal stress of a surrounding formation. A method of constructing the system comprises determining the minimum and maximum horizontal stress of the formation based on fractal trends, and drilling at least one horizontal wellbore oriented substantially parallel to the minimum horizontal stress. A method of producing hydrocarbon using the system comprises drilling at least one horizontal well extending substantially parallel to the minimum horizontal stress of a surrounding formation, injecting a fluid into the at least one horizontal well, and producing at least a portion of the reservoir hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method for enhanced oil recovery using cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and electromagnetic heating (EMH). One or more CSS cycles are conducted on a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir in order to dilate the reservoir and improve permeability, followed by EMH application for thermal recovery of the hydrocarbon to surface. The alternating process can be repeated as desired while economically viable. The method is particularly applicable to produce heavy hydrocarbons such as bitumen or heavy oil from a heterogeneous reservoir that has low permeability.