Abstract: Compounds, systems and method(s) for removing hydro-carbons from a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Various N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones, such as N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone, alone in hot water or steam, or in conjunction with other surfactants and/or solvents are injected into petroleum reservoirs containing heavy oil or bitumen to accomplish one or more functions: (1) increase rate of petroleum production compared to that produced using steam and/or hot water alone; (2) decrease steam to oil ratio; (3) extend life of a well by recovering more petroleum; (4) recover petroleum from wells that have been declared uneconomic using existing recovery methods; and/or (5) generally increase estimated petroleum reserves by reducing cost of production. The N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones are most usefully applied in cyclic steam stimulation, steam drive or steam assisted gravity drainage operations after the initial rate of petroleum production has begun to decline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compound(s), composition(s), systems and method(s) for removing hydro-carbons from a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Various N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidones, such as N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone, alone in hot water or steam, or in conjunction with other surfactants and/or solvents are injected into petroleum reservoirs containing heavy oil or bitumen to accomplish one or more functions: (1) increase the rate of petroleum production compared to that produced using steam and/or hot water alone; (2) decrease the steam to oil ratio; (3) extend the life of a well by recovering more petroleum; (4) recover petroleum from wells that have been declared uneconomic using existing recovery methods; and/or (5) generally increase the estimated petroleum reserves, by reducing the cost of production.

Abstract: A process for altering a wettability characteristic of a carbonate formation to stimulate oil production includes selecting an oil bearing carbonate formation, injecting a silicide dispersion into the carbonate formation, and reacting the injected silicide dispersion with water. The reaction alters the wettability characteristic of the carbonate formation toward water wettability. The silicide dispersion can include an alkali metal silicide, such as sodium silicide. The reaction generates hydrogen, silicate, and heat that pressurizes the carbonate formation with the generated hydrogen, heats the carbonate formation with the generated heat, and reduces the viscosity of the hydrocarbons in the carbonate formation with the generated silicate. The reaction re-mineralizes the surfaces in the carbonate formation and alters the wettability characteristics of the carbonate formation as a calcium-silicon phase is formed. The hydrocarbons are recovered from the carbonate formation with a production well.

Abstract: A process for altering a wettability characteristic of a carbonate formation to stimulate oil production includes selecting an oil bearing carbonate formation, injecting a silicide dispersion into the carbonate formation, and reacting the injected silicide dispersion with water. The reaction alters the wettability characteristic of the carbonate formation toward water wettability. The silicide dispersion can include an alkali metal silicide, such as sodium silicide. The reaction generates hydrogen, silicate, and heat that pressurizes the carbonate formation with the generated hydrogen, heats the carbonate formation with the generated heat, and reduces the viscosity of the hydrocarbons in the carbonate formation with the generated silicate. The reaction re-mineralizes the surfaces in the carbonate formation and alters the wettability characteristics of the carbonate formation as a calcium-silicon phase is formed. The hydrocarbons are recovered from the carbonate formation with a production well.