Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a method for recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir is provided. The method includes drilling an injector well to be in communication with a reservoir having one or more production wells in communication with the reservoir, installing casing in the injector well, cementing the casing, perforating the casing, positioning a downhole steam generator in the casing, flowing fuel, oxidant and water to the downhole steam generator to intermittently produce a combustion product and/or a vaporization product in the reservoir, flowing injectants to the reservoir, and producing hydrocarbons through the one or more production wells.

Abstract: A method is for producing hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having therein an injector well and a producer well adjacent the injector well. The method may include conductively heating the subterranean formation by causing a current flow between the injector and producer wells, RF heating the subterranean formation after conductive heating by supplying RF power from at least the injector well, and producing the hydrocarbon resources from the producer well.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well in communication with an underground reservoir containing a native methane-containing solution at a first temperature, a production well in communication with the reservoir, a supply system providing a non-water based working fluid to the injection well at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, wherein exposure of the working fluid to the native fluid causes a portion of methane to come out of solution to form a production fluid of at least a portion of the working fluid and the portion of methane, and exposure to the first temperatures heats the production fluid to a third temperature higher than the second temperature, wherein the heated production fluid enters the production well, and an energy recovery apparatus in communication with the productions well for converting energy in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a multilateral well using magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling a multilateral well includes drilling and casing a mother wellbore, installing a multilateral junction, drilling and casing a first lateral well from the multilateral junction, and drilling a second lateral well from the multilateral junction using magnetic ranging while drilling such that the second lateral well has a controlled relationship relative to the first lateral well. The first and second lateral wells may form a SAGD well pair, in which case the first lateral well may be a producer well and the second lateral well may be an injector well.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and composition are described for safe energy delivery down hole resulting in increased recovery of subterranean hydrocarbons. The method utilizes the reaction of non-alkane fuels and selective oxidizers which are non-selective toward alkane chemical compounds. The energy released in the subterranean reaction is utilized to heat the wellbore, the formation or the formation hydrocarbons thereby lowering fluid viscosity and permitting greater flow especially for heavy oils. Further, safe delivery of oxidizers can be accomplished without limit on depth as the selective oxidizer may be delivered to point of use down hole as most all formations of interest contain primarily alkane hydrocarbons and will not react with the non-alkane selective oxidizer. In addition some products of reaction may be insoluble in water and can be utilized for fluid loss prevention, flow diversion, abrasive drilling and or as proppants.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upstream-downstream integrated process for the upgrading of a heavy crude oil with the capture of CO2, comprising the following operative steps: a) production of a heavy crude oil from a reservoir; b) distillation of said heavy crude oil, at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum, with the separation of a distilled fraction and a hydrocarbon residue containing asphaltenes; c) solvent deasphalting of said hydrocarbon residue containing asphaltenes with the formation of a precipitate of asphaltenes and a deasphalted oil (DAO); d1) oxy-combustion of said precipitate of asphaltenes in pure oxygen with the formation of a stream of exhausted gases comprising CO2 and water vapour; d2) as an alternative to said oxy-combustion, gasification of said precipitate of asphaltenes in pure oxygen with the formation of a stream of syngas which is subsequently transformed into a gas stream comprising CO2 and H2; e) separation of a substantially pure gaseous stream of CO2 from said stream of ex

Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation with steam-assisted gravity drainage comprises a subterranean access tunnel extending through the formation. In addition, the system comprises a steam injection well extending through the formation above a portion of the tunnel. Further, the system comprises a production well extending through the formation above the portion of the tunnel. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced bores extending upward from the access tunnel through the formation.

Abstract: A wellbore system and a method of forming the wellbore system, where the wellbore system is made up of a primary wellbore that is disposed entirely above a producing zone and lateral wellbores that extend from the primary wellbore into the producing zone. By penetrating the producing, or target, zone with the lateral wellbores, fractures in the target zone can be better avoided thereby increasing the potential amount of recoverable hydrocarbon. Optionally, wellbore systems are included that have more than a single primary wellbore. Further disclosed is a method of maximizing wellbore production by selectively blocking designated lateral wellbores in which water or other non-hydrocarbon fluid is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced oil recovery system (1). The system (1) comprises an underground oil reservoir (2) comprising oil having an oil temperature (3) and an injection well (4) in fluid communication with the underground oil reservoir (2). The system (1) further comprises an enzyme storage (5) comprising temperature control means (6), wherein the temperature control means (6) are adapted for controlling the temperature of enzymes (7) in the enzyme storage (5) in relation to an operative temperature range (8) of the enzymes and/or the oil temperature (3) and the system (1) comprises injection means (9) for creating an injection stream comprising enzymes from the enzyme storage (5) to the underground oil reservoir (2) through the injection well (4). The invention further relates to a method for operating an underground oil reservoir (2).

Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems produce petroleum products by steam assisted gravity drainage with dual producers separated vertically and laterally from at least one injector. Placement of the producers limits temperature rise of draining fluids and hence reflux of non-condensable gases injected with steam. In particular, the fluids drain along a steam chamber boundary for recovery at positions that are not in a direct downward path from where the injector is introducing heat.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing petroleum from a formation utilizing a sacrificial agent and a surfactant are provided. The sacrificial agent reduces the amount of surfactant required to enhance oil recovery from a petroleum-bearing formation. The sacrificial agent is provided in a oil recovery formulation comprising a sacrificial agent and a surfactant dispersed in a fluid. The sacrificial agent is selected from the group consisting of a compound comprising a single carboxylic acid, a single carboxylic acid derivative, or a single carboxylate salt, or a compound lacking a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylate group, a sulfonic acid group, or a sulfonate group that is a pheol, a sulphonamide, or a thiol, or a compound having a molecular weight of 1000 or less that comprises one or more hydroxyl groups. The oil recovery formulation is introduced into a petroleum-bearing formation and petroleum is produced therefrom.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing petroleum from a formation utilizing a sacrificial agent and a surfactant are provided. The sacrificial agent reduces the amount of surfactant required to enhance oil recovery from a petroleum-bearing formation. The sacrificial agent is provided in a sacrificial agent formulation comprising a sacrificial agent dispersed in a fluid. The sacrificial agent is selected from the group consisting of a compound comprising a single carboxylic acid, a single carboxylic acid derivative, or a single carboxylate salt, or a compound lacking a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylate group, a sulfonic acid group, or a sulfonate group that is a phenol, a sulphonamide, or a thiol, or a compound having a molecular weight of 1000 or less that comprises one or more hydroxyl groups. The sacrificial agent formulation is introduced into a petroleum-bearing formation followed by a surfactant and petroleum is produced therefrom.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a portion of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation of a crude oil reservoir containing heavy hydrocarbons using a microwave enhanced heavy hydrocarbon recovery system includes forming a horizontal injection well having an injection horizontal run, forming a horizontal microwave source well having a microwave source horizontal run, forming a horizontal production well having a production horizontal run, introducing a treatment fluid into the crude oil reservoir through the horizontal injection well, introducing a microwave antenna having a microwave emitter into the horizontal microwave source well, introducing electrical power to the microwave emitter such, forming a microwave energy field which reduces the viscosity of the heavy hydrocarbons and forms a production fluid forms, and extracting the production fluid through the horizontal production well. The injection horizontal run is positioned below both the microwave source horizontal run and the production horizontal run.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO2 and steam, is injected at pressure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, where steam condenses out of the compound heat medium releasing heat to the reservoir. The condensate is produced with the hydrocarbon as a hydrocarbon/water mixture or emulsion. Non-condensable gases, primarily CO2, from the compound heat medium may remains in the reservoir through void replacement, leakage to adjacent geological strata. Beneficially, any CO2 produced is recovered at pressure, for use in other processes, or for disposal by sequestration. Produced water is recovered and recycled as a moderator and steam generating medium.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering petroleum from a formation. An oil recovery formulation comprising at least 75 vol. % dimethyl sulfide is introduced into a subterranean petroleum bearing formation and petroleum is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering petroleum from a formation. An oil recovery formulation comprising at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition is introduced into a petroleum bearing formation and petroleum is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering petroleum from a formation. An oil recovery formulation comprising at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition is introduced into a subterranean petroleum bearing formation comprising heavy oil, extra heavy oil, or bitumen, and petroleum is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering petroleum from a formation. An oil recovery formulation comprising at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition is introduced into a petroleum bearing formation and petroleum and oil recovery formulation are produced from the formation. The produced oil recovery formulation is separated from the produced petroleum, and the produced oil recovery formulation is introduced into the formation.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering petroleum from a formation. An oil recovery formulation comprising at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition is introduced into a petroleum bearing formation, an oil immiscible formulation is introduced into the formation subsequent to introduction of the oil recovery formulation into the formation, and petroleum is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises pre-heating by exposure to electromagnetic radiation from a electromagnetic radiation source, injecting through at least one injection well a solvent into the reservoir to dilute the hydrocarbons contained in the pre-conditioned portion, and producing through at least one production well a mixture of hydrocarbons and solvent. An apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises at least one radio frequency antenna configured to transmit radio frequency energy into a subterranean reservoir, a power source to provide power to the at least one radio frequency antenna, at least one injection well configured to inject a solvent from a solvent supply source into the subterranean reservoir to lower the viscosity of the hydrocarbons, and at least one production well configured to produce a mixture comprising hydrocarbons and solvent from the subterranean reservoir.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: A method for enhanced recovery of hydrocarbonaceous fluids, the method including the steps of creating a plurality of wellbores in a subterranean formation, whereby one or more of the plurality of wellbores may include a directionally drilled portion with solution disposed therein, and an electrode operatively connected with a power source. Other steps include generating an electrical field within the subterranean formation, thereby causing an electrochemical reaction to produce a gas from the solution, such that the gas mixes with hydrocarbonaceous fluids present in the formation and increases pressure within at least one of the plurality of wellbores, the subterranean formation, and combinations thereof, thereby enhancing recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable to operate on a plurality of wells through a single main bore are disclosed herein. One or more chamber junctions are provided in fluid communication with one or more conduits within the single main bore. Each chamber junction includes a first orifice communicating with the surface through the main bore, and one or more additional orifices in fluid communication with individual wells of the plurality of wells. Through the chamber junctions, each of the wells can be individually or simultaneously accessed. A bore selection tool having an upper opening and at least one lower opening can be inserted into the chamber junction such that the one or more lower openings align with orifices in the chamber junction, enabling selected individual or multiple wells to be accessed through the bore selection tool while other wells are isolated from the chamber junction.

Abstract: A method for enhancing oil recovery is disclosed. The method includes providing a subsurface reservoir containing hydrocarbons therewithin and a wellbore in fluid communication with the subsurface reservoir. A solution for injection into the reservoir is formed by mixing a composition with at least one non-ionic chemical, at least one polymer, and at least one alkali. The non-ionic chemical can be alcohol alkoxylates such as alkylaryl alkoxy alcohols or alkyl alkoxy alcohols. The solution is solution is clear and aqueous stable when mixed. The solution is injected through the wellbore into the subsurface reservoir.

Abstract: A SAGDOX satellite system for recovering hydrocarbons includes a central SAGDOX site, at least one SAGDOX satellite site, and a pipeline corridor for communication between the central SAGDOX site and the SAGDOX satellite site. The satellite system is designed to recover hydrocarbons using a SAGDOX process at the satellite site and transfer recovered hydrocarbons to the central site.

Abstract: A fracture extending away from a first subterranean well and toward a second subterranean well may be initiated by pumping fluid into the first subterranean well. The fracture may be propagated further towards the second subterranean well by continuing to pump fluid into the first subterranean well, while monitoring a pressure in the second subterranean well. Proppant may be pumped into the second subterranean well via the first subterranean well and the fracture upon detection of a change in the monitored pressure in the second subterranean well. The change in monitored pressure in the second subterranean well may be sufficient to indicate that the first and second wells are in fluid communication and interacting via the fracture.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.

Abstract: A system including a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of a sulfur containing compound into a formation; and a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur containing compound into a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation, the mechanism within the formation.

Abstract: A method for creating a drainage network in a subsurface rock formation includes drilling a first plurality of wellbores extending laterally in a first direction. Each wellbore includes a main portion and an extension portion extending therefrom. A second plurality of wellbores is drilled laterally in a second direction substantially opposed to the first direction. Each of the second plurality of wellbores includes a main portion and an extension portion extending therefrom. The extension portions of the first plurality of wellbores are disposed adjacent main portions of the second plurality of wellbores. The extension portions of the second plurality of wellbores are disposed adjacent main portions of the first plurality of wellbores. Each main portion is hydraulically isolated from each associated extension portion. Each main portion of each of the first and second plurality of wellbores is stimulated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fracturing a formation are provided. A method includes generating a subsurface model including the production formation and a zone proximate to the production formation. A number of scenarios are simulated in which a volumetric change is created in the zone proximate to the production formation. A scenario is selected from the plurality of scenarios to stimulate the production formation. The scenario is performed to create a fracture field in the production formation.

Abstract: It is provided a method and an apparatus for continuously thermally treating an oil reservoir, in particular a method and an apparatus for thermally treating an oil reservoir by separately introducing a first and a second composition into an oil well and contacting the first and second compositions in a pay zone of the oil reservoir to initiate a chemical reaction producing heat and gases. With the method and apparatus according to the present invention it becomes possible to simultaneously introduce the compositions into the oil well and to extract the resultant oil or oil containing mixture through the same oil well.

Abstract: A synchronized crude oil production system using in-situ combustion that measures, monitors, and controls the operating conditions in real time. The system includes at least one injection well, at least one production well, and at least one inclined synchronization well. The end of the production well(s) and the end of the inclined synchronization well(s) within the reservoir are oriented outward the injection well and the wells include measurement, monitoring, and control elements. The measurement and monitoring elements transmit signals and data collected to one or more processing units which, together or independently, use an analytical model to assess the combustion conditions in the well-subsurface system and the forward move of the combustion front and, depending on the results, synchronize the production operations. Each well being operated and handled remotely at the control valves thereof in order to influence the displacement direction of the combustion front.

Abstract: Methods and systems for in situ extraction of bitumen from deposits of bitumen-containing material are described. The methods and systems can generally include establishing freeze walls within the deposit of bitumen-containing material to establish a confined zone into which solvents can be injected in order to extract bitumen from the bitumen-containing deposits. Different types of solvents can be sequentially injected in order to extract bitumen and also help reduce the amount of solvent left behind in the deposit.

Abstract: The present techniques provide methods and systems for fracturing reservoirs without directly treating them. For example, an embodiment provides a method for fracturing a subterranean formation. The method includes causing a volumetric decrease in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: The present techniques provide systems and methods for fracturing a production formation. A method includes creating a notch in a formation and causing a volumetric change in a treatment interval proximate to a production interval so as to apply a mechanical stress on the production interval, wherein the treatment interval, the production interval, or both are located within the formation. A horizontal fracture is created in the formation originating from the notch.

Abstract: A method and systems for using a non-volatile solvent to recover heavy oils are provided. In a method a solvent that includes a non-volatile component is injected into the reservoir. A mobilizing fluid is injected into the reservoir. Fluid is produced from the reservoir, wherein the fluid comprises the solvent, the mobilizing fluid, and the hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and systems are provided for the enhancement of a start-up of a resource recovery process. The system includes a well pair including a production well at a first elevation and an injection well at a higher elevation. The well pair is configured to force an initial fluid communication between the production well and the injection well to occur at a selected region along a completion of the production well and a completion of the injection well.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for heating a hydrocarbon reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes a reduced oil saturation zone in proximity to a heavy oil zone. The method includes injecting an oxidizing gas into the reduced oil saturation zone and combusting hydrocarbons included within the reduced oil saturation zone. The method also includes determining a level of heating within the heavy oil zone that is conductively heated by combustion of the hydrocarbons within the reduced oil saturation zone, and producing hydrocarbons from the heavy oil zone once a desired level of heating has occurred.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for fracturing a production formation. A method includes drilling a well into a zone proximate to a production formation, and increasing a volume of the zone through the well in order to apply a mechanical stress to the production formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to mitigate water loading in wellbores to increase oil and gas production and/or extend the life of the well. Beginning with a production wellbore through a subterranean formation used to extract hydrocarbons from a reservoir, a water draw-off wellbore, through the subterranean formation on a low-side of the production wellbore, is created to direct water to a non-producing formation. Fluids are produced through the production wellbore at a rate sufficient to lift the fluids to at least an entrance of the draw-off wellbore and allow the water to separate from the hydrocarbons due to gravity. The separated water is directed through the draw-off wellbore to the non-producing formation. Configurations of dual and multi-lateral production and draw-off wellbore arrangements are presented.

Abstract: The present techniques provide methods and systems for fracturing reservoirs without directly treating them. For example, an embodiment provides a method for fracturing a subterranean formation. The method includes causing a volumetric increase in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation, creating a fracture network in the subterranean formation to improve permeability therein.

Abstract: A method for drilling and completing multiple wellbores in a subsurface rock formation includes drilling a first wellbore along a first selected trajectory through the rock formation. The first wellbore is fracture treated and then abandoned. A second wellbore is drilled along a second selected trajectory through the rock formation. The second trajectory is laterally spaced from the first trajectory. The second wellbore is then fracture treated and abandoned. A third wellbore is drilled along a third selected trajectory through the rock formation. The third trajectory is disposed between the first and second trajectories. The third wellbore is fractured treated such that a fracture network extending therefrom hydraulically connects to fracture networks extending from the first and second wellbores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the method describes connecting multiple wells to a stimulation fluid pumping system via a pumping system manifold. The pumping system manifold is adjusted to provide a first well flow path from the stimulation fluid pumping system to a first well. Then, a first stimulation treatment is pumped into the first well. Concurrently with the pumping of the first stimulation treatment, a second well is prepared for a second stimulation treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a method for recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir is provided. The method includes drilling an injector well to be in communication with a reservoir having one or more production wells in communication with the reservoir, installing casing in the injector well, cementing the casing, perforating the casing, positioning a downhole steam generator in the casing, flowing fuel, oxidant and water to the downhole steam generator to intermittently produce a combustion product and/or a vaporization product in the reservoir, flowing injectants to the reservoir, and producing hydrocarbons through the one or more production wells.

Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing oil in which an ether-containing formulation is injected into a formation containing oil and an oil-immiscible formulation is injected into the formation, and oil is produced from the formation. The oil-immiscible formulation has a salt content of at most 5 wt. % and is comprised of water having a salt content of at most 5 wt. %.

Abstract: A method and systems for improving recovery from a hydrocarbon reservoir are described. A method includes identifying an interval within the reservoir that comprises a reduced reservoir quality, wherein the interval includes hydrocarbons. A production chamber is formed in a reservoir interval below the interval of reduced reservoir quality, wherein the production chamber is in contact with the interval of reduced reservoir quality. Hydrocarbons are mobilized in the interval of reduced reservoir quality by contact with a mobilizing agent and a pressure is changed within the interval of reduced reservoir quality to allow hydrocarbon flow from the interval of reduced reservoir quality.