Abstract: A steam-assisted gravity drainage method is described that includes a two stage solvent injection scheme, wherein steam plus solvent injection is followed by steam plus heavier-solvent injection. The two solvent injections improve recoveries of both the heavy oil and the injected solvent while limiting steam requirements, thus improving the economics of the method.

Abstract: A steam-assisted gravity drainage method includes a two stage solvent injection scheme, wherein steam plus solvent injection is followed by steam plus heavier-solvent injection. The two solvent injections improve recoveries of both the heavy oil and the injected solvent while limiting steam requirements, thus improving the economics of the method.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons in a subterranean reservoir are recovered using Expanding Solvent-Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (ES-SAGD), including recovering hydrocarbons while reducing the solvent retention in the reservoir. Reducing solvent retention improves process economics.

Abstract: A method for recovering petroleum from a formation, wherein at least two injection wells and at least one production well are in fluid communication with said formation, comprising: introducing a gaseous mixture into a first and a second injection well at a temperature and a pressure, wherein said gaseous mixture comprises steam and non-condens able gas (NCG); and recovering a fluid comprising petroleum from said production well, wherein said injection wells and a production well are horizontal wells, and wherein said first injection well is disposed 1-10 meters above said production well, and said second injection well is disposed at least 5 meters above said first injection well.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons in a subterranean reservoir are recovered using Expanding Solvent-Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (ES-SAGD), including recovering hydrocarbons while reducing the solvent retention in the reservoir. Reducing solvent retention improves process economics.

Abstract: A method of producing heavy oil by first injecting water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules into a region. The method then introduces electromagnetic waves such as microwaves and/or radio frequencies into the region at a frequency sufficient to excite the water and the sulfur hexafluoride molecules and increase the temperature of at least a portion of the water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules within the region to produce heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules. At least a portion of the heavy oil is heated in the region by contact with the heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules to produce heated heavy oil. The heated heavy oil is then produced.

Abstract: Methods relate to producing hydrocarbons, such as bitumen in an oil sands reservoir. The methods include utilizing an injector well with multiple horizontal laterals to provide downward fluid drive toward a producer well. Combined influence of gravity and a dispersed area of the fluid drive due to the laterals facilitate a desired full sweep of the reservoir. Fluids utilized for injection include water heated to less than 60 weight percent steam, solvent for the hydrocarbons and emulsifying agent for the hydrocarbons. The methods employing these fluids provide energy efficient recovery of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A steam-assisted gravity drainage method includes a two stage solvent injection scheme, wherein steam plus solvent injection is followed by steam plus heavier-solvent injection. The two solvent injections improve recoveries of both the heavy oil and the injected solvent while limiting steam requirements, thus improving the economics of the method.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O and sulfur hexafluoride within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O and sulfur hexafluoride contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery through gas production control for noncondensable gases in SAGD or ES-SAGD operations. Steam may be injected into one or more injection wells to heat the hydrocarbons and reduce their viscosity to more easily produce the hydrocarbons. A noncondensable gas may be injected into the injection wells to beneficially reduce the steam-to-oil ratio, improving economic recovery. Unfortunately, excessive production of noncondensable gases can adversely suppress hydrocarbon production rates. To counteract this problem, gas production rates at the production wells may be controlled to optimize hydrocarbon output by limiting the produced gas-to-water ratio to certain limited ranges. The noncondensable gas may optionally comprise a combustion gas such as flue gas. By providing a useful application of existing combustion gases, green house gases emissions may be reduced.

Abstract: A method for recovering petroleum from a formation, wherein at least two injection wells and at least one production well are in fluid communication with said formation, comprising: introducing a gaseous mixture into a first and a second injection well at a temperature and a pressure, wherein said gaseous mixture comprises steam and non-condensable gas (NCG); and recovering a fluid comprising petroleum from said production well, wherein said injection wells and a production well are horizontal wells, and wherein said first injection well is disposed 1-10 meters above said production well, and said second injection well is disposed at least 5 meters above said first injection well.

Abstract: Methods are provided using heated fluids along with combined/drive cyclical injection/production profiles to enhance hydrocarbon recovery from shallow and/or low mobility reservoirs. In certain embodiments, injection and production flow rates to and from the reservoir are varied to beneficially modulate certain pressure drive profiles between a minimum pressure and a maximum pressure. During these drive profile modulations, heated water, solvent, and surfactant are injected into the reservoir. The combination of injected fluids and cyclical pressure drive profiles beneficially enhances hydrocarbon recovery from the reservoir. Other optional variations include using multiple injection and/or production wells. Advantages include accelerated hydrocarbon recovery, higher production efficiencies, and lower costs. These advantages ultimately translate to higher production and/or reduction of total hydrocarbon extraction time. These methods are particularly advantageous when applied to shallow reservoirs (e.g.

Abstract: A method of producing heavy oil by first injecting water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules into a region. The method then introduces electromagnetic waves such as microwaves and/or radio frequencies into the region at a frequency sufficient to excite the water and the sulfur hexafluoride molecules and increase the temperature of at least a portion of the water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules within the region to produce heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules. At least a portion of the heavy oil is heated in the region by contact with the heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules to produce heated heavy oil. The heated heavy oil is then produced.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O and sulfur hexafluoride within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O and sulfur hexafluoride contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: Laboratory coreflood experiments were conducted on Athabasca oil sands using hot water and caustic or carbon dioxide. Production temperatures were maintained at 150.degree. C. or lower and at an injection pressure of 3.55 MPa (500 psi). The objective of the experiments was to determine the conditions under which oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion could be produced in-situ. In addition, the study was to investigate the potential benefit of adding carbon dioxide to hot water to improve bitumen recovery.The results prove that when the pH of injected fluids is between 10.5 and 11.5, the O/W emulsion predominates. The emulsion is stable and has a viscosity much lower than that of the oil itself, due to the continuous water phase, and should beneficial in the recovery of heavy oil and bitumen. When the injected fluids have a pH less than 10.5, the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion predominates.