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: 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: 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.