Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus for analyzing the annulus effluent of a producing well. The apparatus is designed to measure the flow rate of the annulus effluent, sample the annulus effluent and determine the quantities of each of the various phases of the annulus effluent. The apparatus is preferably mounted on a mobile vehicle and comprises a means for measuring the flow rate of the annulus effluent, a liquid vapor separator to split the annulus effluent into streams of entrained liquid and vapor, a separator to split the entrained liquid into the phases of oil and water, a sampling loop for extracting a sample of annulus effluent vapor which contains a condensor and a separator for splitting the fluid into its various phases, a means for measuring the amounts of all of the phases of the annulus effluent, and a means to record the data gathered. The apparatus is very useful in determining whether a producing well should be shut-in, worked over or left to produce "as is".

Abstract: A method based on an orifice flow equation is provided for determining both the quality and the mass flow rate of steam flowing in a line, such as to an injection well in steam flooding operations for recovery of petroleum. A sample of the steam is drawn off from the steam line through an orifice and is condensed and collected. The mass of sample collected and the time to collect it give the mass flow rate of the sample. Pressure and temperature measurements at the sample line orifice together with the measured mass flow rate of the sample and with known constants are used in the orifice flow equation to derive the sample steam quality. The line steam also flows through an orifice, with pressure and temperature measurements thereon. The desired quality of the line steam is the same as the derived quality of the sample steam, since care is taken to make them the same.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation in which a well completion, including a well liner, lies in a generally horizontal disposition within the hydrocarbon productive substrate. The liner encloses conductor means for delivering a stream of a hot stimulating agent to the well's remote or injection end, and means for regulating the production of bitumen emulsion from the producing end thereof. A fluid impervious barrier is movably interposed in the well liner between the injection end and the producing end to establish a pressure differential across said barrier thereby directing a flow of stimulating agent into the substrate. Said agent, by liquefying bitumen, creates a pattern of paths along which the mixture flows toward the well's lower pressure producing end. By progressively moving the barrier toward said producing end, the flow path pattern can be extended into a broader area of the substrate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation in which a well completion, including a well liner, lies in a generally horizontal disposition within the hydrocarbon producing layer. The liner encloses conduit means for delivering a stream of a hot stimulating agent to the well's remote or injection end, and means for regulating the production of bitumen emulsion from the production end. A fluid impervious barrier is carried on and depends from the conductor means and forms a transverse fluid barrier within the liner. The conductor member is fixed within the liner whereby to serve as a means for introducing the thermal stimulating agent or medium to the substrate as well as functioning as a guide for the movable fluid impervious barrier. By adjusting the longitudinal position of said barrier, the hot stimulating agent is more effectively introduced to the substrate to improve the sweeping action thereof.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for analyzing the annulus effluent of a producing well in a steam flood and using the information derived therefrom to determine whether to workover the production well for greater production, whether to allow the well to continue producing "as is", or whether to shut-in the annulus or the tubing production and approximately when the well should be worked over or shut-in.