3 T
US 20120145415Al
(19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0145415 A1 (43) Pub. Date:
Pantin et al.
(54) EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR
(30)
Jun. 14, 2012
Foreign Application Priority Data
OPTIMIZING RECOVERY FROM HEAVY CRUDE DEPOSITS
(75) Inventors:
Aug. 21, 2009
Ronald Pantin, Bogota (CO); Luis Andres Rojas, Bogota (CO); Mkac
Pubhcatlon Classl?catlon
(51) Int. Cl.
Fuenmayor, Calgary (CA)
E21B 43/16 (52)
(73) Assignee: (21)
(CO) .................................. .. 09088072
(2006.01)
U.S. Cl. ...................................................... .. 166/401
PACIFIC RUBIALES ENERGY
CORP., Toronto, ON (CA)
APP1- NOJ
(57)
13/391,567
(22) PCT Filed:
ABSTRACT
A method for extracting hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir that includes initiating a combustion reaction inside a reservoir by injecting oxidizing gas through a set of pipes arranged inside the injection Well, thereby generating a com
Aug. 19, 2010
bustion front, the path of Which ?rst meets an end of a hori
(86)
pCT NO;
pCT/IB2010/002045
Zontal portion of a production Well and, subsequently, the other end of the same; and using an assembly of pipes located inside the production Well to extract from inside the reservoir
Feb, 21, 2012
the hydrocarbons entering the horizontal portion.
§ 371 (0X1),
(2), (4) Date;
9
1 in
_c__./ 3
T
if“
5/“ g
g loo
4
5 “E”
r "“""
"
[WY --~c W ——| j
7
a5
8
Patent Application Publication
100
4’ '
4_
ilnum @H UQI
Jun. 14, 2012 Sheet 1 0f 3
US 2012/0145415 A1
Patent Application Publication
Jun. 14, 2012 Sheet 2 0f 3
Fig. 3
US 2012/0145415 A1
Jun. 14, 2012
US 2012/0145415 A1
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR OPTIMIZING RECOVERY FROM HEAVY CRUDE DEPOSITS
[0005]
Another object of the present invention Would be to
install a series of control sensors in the surface and bottom of
the Well, in order to control the combustion front in real time
and distance. The concept has been called Synchronization
Operations. [0001] The classic con?guration of the state of the art for a process for recovery of hydrocarbons based in an in situ combustion process arranges of a vertical injector comprising
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
an input and an output, said input being arranged at the top
[0006] FIG. 1 shoWs a typical cross-sectional schematic vieW of a con?guration of an injector Well and horizontal
and super?cial portion of Well, and such output arranged in
production Well according to the prior art.
Well’s interior. Additionally, it arranges of a horizontal pro duction Well comprising a ?rst vertical duct portion and a
horizontal duct portion. The horizontal duct portion of the production Well is substantially perpendicular to the vertical injector, and is oriented in a direction toWards the injector Well. The end of the production Well closest to the injector Well is called in the art as “toe” and the farther end to the
injector Well is called “heel”. The “heel” end of the horizontal zone is in direct connection With the vertical portion of the production Well, Which extends to the surface, outside the hydrocarbon reservoir. This technique is called “toe to heel,” Which is an arrangement that geometrically de?nes an inverted “L” and is knoWn in the art as THAI. Examples of the prior art are documents US. Pat. No 5,626,191, CA 2,255,
071, CA 2,643,739, CA 2,579,854, CA 2,569,676, CA 2,246, 461, US. Pat. No. 6,167,966, andthe US. Pat. No. 5,21 1,230 publication that although prior to the THAI system as such, forward some of its essential elements.
[0002]
The invention proposes, in the ?rst place, the variant
in the basic con?guration, consisting in to reverse the orien tation of the horizontal portion of the production Well With
respect to the vertical injector. Under this con?guration, the horizontal portion of the production Well is oriented in the same direction of the combustion front propagation, Which de?nes an “L” in Which the substantially horizontal portion is
oriented in the opposite direction to the injector Well. The proposed con?guration supports its effectiveness in the Way as is develops the combustion front Which, in his path, improving the characteristics of crude and the petroleum mobility relations With respect to Water and ?nally, better displacement of crude toWard the production Wells. Hence to make sure that the admission zone of recovered crude is
located farthest from the ignition zone, precisely by the propagation effect of the combustion front, this Would ensure a broad route of the displacement of crude in more optimal conditions of homogeneity and cooler relative temperatures. The invention proposes to extend the route of the combustion
front by a change in the disposition of the horizontal or
vertical production Wells, Without involving to sacri?ce large areas of the reservoir, as usual With the technologies of the
prior art. [0003] Another object of the invention is to provide mul tiple derivations to a same horizontal production Well, in order to enhance the crude recovery. These multiple admis sion derivations de?ne the multilateralism of the Well. Like
Wise the vertical injector could have multiple output deriva tions.
[0004] Another further object of the invention provides a multiWell arrangement Where the horizontal portion of each
horizontal production Well be located radially and projected outWard from the zone With respect to the vertical injector Well, and therefore of the zone Where it begins the combustion
Which is in harmony With the main objective of the invention above mentioned.
[0007]
FIG. 2 shoWs a cross-sectional schematic vieW of a
con?guration of an injector Well and horizontal production Well according to the invention. [0008]
FIG. 3 reveals a representation of an injector Well
and horizontal production Well has multiple admission deri vations.
[0009] FIG. 4 represents an injector Well that has multiple output derivations and a single horizontal Well according to the invention. [0010] FIG. 5 shoWs an injector Well Which has multiple output derivations and a horizontal production Well Which has
multiple admission derivations. [0011]
FIG. 6 reveals a scheme of the multi Well con?gu
ration proposed by the present invention. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012]
The process of the invention comprises as a ?rst step
providing at least one injector Well (1) through Which injected the means for initiating and/ or maintaining the combustion
reaction Within the reservoir (100). Said injector Well (1) comprises an assembly of pipes necessary and adapted to ful?ll their task of serving like injector Well in the process of the invention.
[0013]
The second step comprises providing at least one
production Well comprising a substantially horizontal portion (6) and Which presents a set of pipes suitable for extracting the
hydrocarbons entering the production Well (2) via the sub stantially horizontal portion (6). Said substantially horizontal portion (6) comprises a ?rst end (7), and a second end (8). The end (8) determines a change of direction in the orientation of the Well to the vertical portion (5) thereof, While standing the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well of the invention so that the end (8) is in a relative position closest to the
injector Well (1) that the end (7). [0014]
The next step of the process is to initiate the com
bustion reaction Within the reservoir injecting oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the injector Well (1). [0015]
The next step of the process is to remove the hydro
carbon that is entering the horizontal portion (6) from inside
the reservoir, through the pipe assembly Within the produc tion Well (2). PREFERRED CONFIGURATION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 shoWs a basic con?guration present in the prior art. This ?gure shoWs a vertical injector Well (1) com prising tWo ends. A ?rst end (3) for oxidizing gas intake (9) and a second end (4) through Which enters the oxidizing gas
(9) into the reservoir (1)00. A horizontal production Well (2) comprises a substantially horizontal portion (6). The substan
tially horizontal portion (6) comprises an end (7) commonly called “toe” and the other end (8) called “heel” and deter mines a direction change in the orientation of the Well toWard
Jun. 14, 2012
US 2012/0145415 Al
the vertical portion of the same (5). In the reservoir can be
geological conditions, and can control the How through them,
clearly distinguished three contiguous zones each other. The
during the process to optimize the combustion reaction con
?rst zone A that is Where the combustion is initiated (ignition
ditions, and consequently, the yield of production of the res
zone) and located in proximity of the injector Well, the next in
ervoir (amount of hydrocarbon displaced). The apertures
a B zone Where coke is formed, and ?nally the C zone Which
extend along the length of the submerged section in the res ervoir of the injector Well (1), can occupy 100% of the length thereof, preferably betWeen 10% and 60% of the length, more preferably betWeen 10% and 35% of the length. [0019] FIG. 2 shoWs the presence of a horizontal produc
is a zone Where is the hydrocarbon that is being displaced by the combustion front. Under this principle the hydrocarbon to be extracted is driven to enter in the horizontal portion (6), by gravity and differential pres sure. The recovered crude leaves
the reservoir through the horizontal production Well (2) by the end of the vertical portion (5). [0017]
FIG. 2 shoWs a con?guration for carrying out the
process of the invention. Said process comprises as a ?rst step
providing at least one injector Well (1) through Which are injected the required means for initiating and/ or maintaining the combustion reaction Within the reservoir (100). Said
injector Well (1) comprises an assembly of pipes necessary and adapted to ful?ll their task of serving like injector Well in the process of the invention. The injector Well (1) comprises a body and tWo ends. The ?rst end (3) is Where the injection starts Within the reservoir of the required means for carrying out the combustion reaction. Among the means that can be
injected to the reservoir (100) from the end (3) there is an oxidizing gas. Among the gases Which serve as oxidizing agent is found: air, oxygen enriched air, oxygen, or other oxidizing agent suitable for combustion. Among other means that can be injected into the reservoir With the oxidizing gas
through the injector Well (1), either simultaneously or sequen tially, are agents that assist in the combustion such as, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen donor agents, steam, Water, aqueous solu tions containing chemical compounds and/or mixtures thereof. The injection of hydrogen donor agents is performed in cases Where it is desired to do besides the extraction pro
cess, an improvement of the hydrocarbon directly into the reservoir, so as to increase the API degree thereof. The inj ec tion of agents that assist in the combustion takes place in cases
tion Well (2). The process of the invention contemplates as a
second step providing at least one production Well compris ing a substantially horizontal portion (6), and having a set of
pipes suitable for extracting the hydrocarbons entering to the interior of said production Well (2) through the substantially
horizontal portion (6). Said substantially horizontal portion (6) comprises a ?rst end (7), and a second end (8). The end (8) determines a direction change in the orientation of the Well toWard the vertical portion (5) thereof. In the FIG. (2) can be
observed that, unlike prior art (FIG. 1), the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well of the invention is positioned such that the end (8) is in a relative position closest to the injector Well (1), that the end (7). Due to this con?guration, the dis placed hydrocarbon front in its path Will meet ?rst With the end (8). The horizontal portion (6) can have at least a plurality of openings Which may extend along the length of the hori zontal portion (6) preferably being in a position near the end
(7). The plurality of openings may extend along the length of the horizontal portion (6) occupying 100% of the length thereof, preferably betWeen 10% and 60% of the length, more preferably, betWeen 10% and 35% length. The relative posi tion of the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well With respect of the end (4) of the injector Well (1) can be relatively high, coplanar, or relatively loW, depending on geological conditions of the reservoir and of the hydrocarbon character istics to be extracted. The present invention contemplates that
the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well (2) be hori
that requires increasing speed of the combustion reaction at
zontal, preferably substantially horizontal, although option
the points at Which the oxygen How is loW. In case in Which Water is injected, steam or aqueous solutions containing chemical compounds, the same can be injected through the same injector Well (1), or through a different injector Well provided for this purpose. In the case of steam, it can be
ally could be made available at an angle to the horizontal
injected into the hydrocarbon reservoir together With the oxi
plane. Similarly, one production Well (2) may comprise more than one horizontal portion (6), as described above, the same can be or not to the same relative height in the Well. The
present invention also contemplates that the injector Well (1)
dizing gas before the injection thereof, or after to sWeep the
have a horizontal or substantially horizontal portion. Simi larly, the same injector Well (1) may comprise more than one
petroleum not displaced by the combustion front, depending
horizontal portion, as described above, the same can be or not
on the characteristics of hydrocarbon, petrophysical proper ties of the rock, and the extension of the combustion opera tion. [0018] The injector Well (1) has a second loWer end (4) Which is located inside the reservoir (100) of hydrocarbon. At the loWer end (4) is Where usually the gases and/or liquid ?uids leave that Were injected into the reservoir. HoWever, the injector Well (1) can present, along the length or part of the submerged section in the reservoir (100), a plurality of open ings through Which gases and/or liquid ?uids enter Within the reservoir. The plurality of apertures may be in a relatively high position With respect to the loWer end (4), or relatively loW, very close to or around said loWer end (4). It is also contemplated in the invention the possibility of having at least tWo pluralities of openings on the submerged section in the
at the same height relative of Well. In the event that the
injector Well (1) have horizontal portions, the same Would meet the fact that the end thereof Would be said end (4), and the plurality of apertures could be expanded to occupy 100%
of the length thereof, preferably betWeen 10% and 60% of the length, more preferably, betWeen 10% and 35% of the length. [0020]
The next step of the process is to initiate the com
bustion reaction Within the reservoir injecting oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the injector Well (1). The means of initiation of the combustion reaction can be varied,
preferably the reaction is initiated by prior steam injection or heating by a natural gas or electricity heater. Self ignition of the mixture of gas and oxidant is created by an appropriate chemical. As reference, FIG. 2 shoWs a state of progress of the
combustion front. Due to the particular con?guration of the
reservoir of the injector Well (1), preferably, a relatively high
horizontal portion (6) of the production Well of the invention,
plurality, close to the roof of the reservoir, and a relatively loW plurality very close to said loWer end (4). The choice of the position of the apertures is chosen according to the reservoir
the combustion front, regardless of the manner in Which it moves, Will be found With the ?rst end (8) of the horizontal
portion (6) and subsequently, With the end (7) of said hori
Jun. 14, 2012
US 2012/0145415 A1
zontal portion (6). Within the reservoir (100) are clearly dis tinguished three contiguous zones to each other, A zone that is Where the combustion starts (ignition zone), B zone Where coke is formed, and ?nally, C zone Which is a zone Where the
hydrocarbon is being displaced and, ?nally, by gravity and/or differential pressure, Will enter into the horizontal portion (6)
through the plurality of apertures present in said horizontal
portion (6). [0021]
The next step of the process is draWn from inside the
reservoir, through the pipe assembly Within the production
linear, distributed around an injector Well, or Without array de?ned, may have certain number of Wells and nozzles and
Which in practice Will be conditioned by reservoir conditions.
[0024] The invention contemplates to provide multiple variable sensors arranged along the length of part of the horizontal portion (6) of the horizontal Well production (2) to monitor and control the combustion front. Moreover, the present invention may contemplate to install a series of con trol sensors in both surface and bottom Wells, in order to control the combustion front in real time and distance.
Well (2), the hydrocarbon that is entering the horizontal por
[0025]
tion (6). Hydrocarbon extraction is performed by standard
erence, Which has to be seen and understood by a person With
extraction techniques Which are not shoWn in the ?gures to
broadly knowledge of the art and techniques related to the
facilitate understanding of the essential aspects of the inven
same. LikeWise, the draWings are for reference representa tions for easy vieWing of the principles and contributions to the art and in this Way should be interpreted broadly and not restrictive.
tion. Note that the ?rst material difference betWeen the inven tion and the prior art derives from the orientation of the production Well (2) as the direction in Which extends the
horizontal portion (6), is the same in Which propagating the
combustion front, and oriented, preferably in the opposite direction to the injector Well (1). This is contrary to Whichever occurs in the prior art Wherein the portion (6) (FIG. 1) Which extends in the opposite direction to the direction in Which
spreads the combustion front and facing the injector Well. [0022]
Looking at FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, one can see that alter
natively, may be provided combinations of inj ection-produc tion Wells, Which could have a vertical injector Well (1) With out derivations and a horizontal Well (2) With derivations or
multiple lateral projections (11) and (12) (FIG. 3). Another possible alternative in the context of the invention contem plates an injector Well (1) With lateral derivations (13) and (14), combined With a horizontal Well (2) Without derivations (FIG. 4). Additionally, it provides for the use of an injector Well (1) With multiple lateral derivations (13) and (14) With a horizontal production, Well (2) Which in turn is also provided
With multiple laterals derivations (11) and (12) (FIG. 5). The derivations are not limited in some cases those suggested
from the ?gures, may be greater in number and in different arrangement or relative height on the reservoir, derivations
settings can be horizontal, sloped. The number and arrange ment of the derivations is variable and dependent on the
The invention Was presented by description as ref
1. Process for the extraction of hydrocarbon from an under
ground reservoir comprising providing at least one injector Well comprising an assem
bly of pipes adapted to inject the necessary means to initiating and/or maintaining the combustion reaction Within the reservoir; providing at least one production Well comprising a sub stantially horizontal portion, and having a set of pipes
suitable for extracting the hydrocarbons entering in the interior of said production Well through the substantially horizontal portion, Wherein said substantially horizontal portion comprises a ?rst end, and a second end, While standing the horizontal portion of the production Well so that the end is in a relative position closest to the injector Well that the end; initiate the combustion reaction Within the reservoir inj ect
ing oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the inj ector Well Which generates a combustion front What in its path, Will meet With the ?rst end of the horizontal
portion and, subsequently, With the end; extracting from inside of the reservoir, through the assem
bly of pipes inside the production Well, the hydrocarbon
reservoir geology and the proper conditions of exploitation. Multilateralism, or in other Words have multiple laterals deri vations has as object improving the supply of oxidizing agent or enhance the uptake of displaced hydrocarbon, to have
that is entering to the horizontal portion. 2. Process according to claim 1, Wherein the injector Well, has, along the length or part of the submerged section in the reservoir. a plurality of openings through Which gases and/or
greater admission relative area in derivations provided to this end of the horizontal Well. Regardless of the type and number of derivations that could be found on the injector Well (1) and/ or the horizontal production Well (2), the process of the invention alWays Will be carried out by observing the relevant difference With respect to the prior art: The orientation of the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well (2) is in reverse
?uids liquid enter into the reservoir. 3. Process according to claim 1, Wherein the injector Well has at least 2 pluralities of openings on the submerged section in the reservoir.
or contrary sense to the injector Well (1). In addition to What
has been described so far regarding the injection (1) and
production (2) Well, it is contemplated, When present multi lateralism described in this paragraph, that these Wells Will be, preferably, of short or medium length, so as to optimize
media distribution injected into the reservoir, the hydrocar bon extraction and control of the combustion front.
[0023]
Additionally, the invention contemplates an
arrangement scheme of several Wells as the one proposed
from FIG. 6. This ?gure shoWs a general arrangement of
multiple production Wells (2) according to the technique described in any of the previous ?gures. The invention is susceptible to be performed under any arrangement of Wells,
4. Process according to claim 3, Where openings extending along submerged section in the reservoir of the injector Well, can occupy 100% of the length thereof. 5. Process according to claim 1, Where betWeen the means
to initiating and/or maintaining the combustion reactions is found: air, oxygen enriched air, oxygen or other oxidizing agent suitable for combustion and/ or mixtures thereof. 6. Process according to claim 5, Where among other means that can be injected into the reservoir With the oxidizing gas, either simultaneously or sequentially, are agents that assist in
the combustion such as, carbon dioxide, hydrogen donor agents, steam, Water, aqueous solutions containing chemical compounds and/or mixtures thereof. 7. Process according to claim 1, Where the horizontal por tion can have at least a plurality of openings Which may
extend along the length of the horizontal portion.
US 2012/0145415 A1
8. Process according to claim 5, Where the plurality of openings may extend along the length of the horizontal por tion occupy 100% of the length thereof. 9. Process for the extraction of hydrocarbon from an under
ground reservoir comprising providing at least one injector Well comprising an assem
bly of pipes adapted to inject the necessary means to initiating and/or maintaining the combustion reaction Within the reservoir and comprising multiple laterals
derivations; providing at least one production Well comprising a sub
stantially horizontal portion, and having a set of pipes suitable for extracting the hydrocarbons entering in the interior of said production Well through the substantially horizontal portion, Wherein said substantially horizontal portion comprises a ?rst end, and a second end, While standing the horizontal portion of the production Well so that the end is in a relative position closest to the injector Well that the end Wherein said production Well com
prises multiple laterals derivations; initiate the combustion reaction Within the reservoir inj ect
ing oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the inj ector Well Which generates a combustion front What in its path, Will meet With the ?rst end of the horizontal
portion and, subsequently, With the end; extracting from inside of the reservoir, through the assem
Jun. 14, 2012
11. Process according to claim 9, Wherein the injector Well has at least 2 pluralities of openings on the submerged section in the reservoir. 12. Process according to claim 11, Wherein the openings extend along the length of the submerged section in the res ervoir of the injector Well, can occupy 100% of the length thereof. 13. Process according to claim 9, Where among the means to initiating and/ or maintaining combustion reactions is found: air, oxygen enriched air, oxygen or other oxidizing agent suitable for combustion and/ or mixtures thereof.
14. Process according to claim 13, Where among other means that can be injected into the reservoir With the oxidiz
ing gas, either simultaneously or sequentially, are found agents that assist in the combustion such as, carbon dioxide, hydrogen donor agents, steam, Water, aqueous solutions con
taining chemical compounds and/or mixtures thereof. 15. Process according to claim 9, Where the horizontal portion can have at least a plurality of openings Which may
extend along the length of the horizontal portion. 16. Process according to claim 15, Wherein the plurality of openings may extend along the length of the horizontal por tion occupy 100% of the length thereof. 17. Process according to claim 1, Where contemplates the use of multiple variable sensors arranged along the length in part of the horizontal portion of the horizontal production Well to monitor and control the front combustion.
bly of pipes inside the production Well, the hydrocarbon
18. Process according to claim 1, Where contemplates to
that is entering to the horizontal portion. 10. Process according to claim 10, Wherein the injector Well has, along the length or part of the submerged section in the reservoir, a plurality of openings through Which gases
install a series of control sensors both surface and bottom of
and/ or means enter into the reservoir.
Wells, in order to control the combustion front in real time and distance.
(19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0145415 A1 (43) Pub. Date:
Pantin et al.
(54) EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR
(30)
Jun. 14, 2012
Foreign Application Priority Data
OPTIMIZING RECOVERY FROM HEAVY CRUDE DEPOSITS
(75) Inventors:
Aug. 21, 2009
Ronald Pantin, Bogota (CO); Luis Andres Rojas, Bogota (CO); Mkac
Pubhcatlon Classl?catlon
(51) Int. Cl.
Fuenmayor, Calgary (CA)
E21B 43/16 (52)
(73) Assignee: (21)
(CO) .................................. .. 09088072
(2006.01)
U.S. Cl. ...................................................... .. 166/401
PACIFIC RUBIALES ENERGY
CORP., Toronto, ON (CA)
APP1- NOJ
(57)
13/391,567
(22) PCT Filed:
ABSTRACT
A method for extracting hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir that includes initiating a combustion reaction inside a reservoir by injecting oxidizing gas through a set of pipes arranged inside the injection Well, thereby generating a com
Aug. 19, 2010
bustion front, the path of Which ?rst meets an end of a hori
(86)
pCT NO;
pCT/IB2010/002045
Zontal portion of a production Well and, subsequently, the other end of the same; and using an assembly of pipes located inside the production Well to extract from inside the reservoir
Feb, 21, 2012
the hydrocarbons entering the horizontal portion.
§ 371 (0X1),
(2), (4) Date;
9
1 in
_c__./ 3
T
if“
5/“ g
g loo
4
5 “E”
r "“""
"
[WY --~c W ——| j
7
a5
8
Patent Application Publication
100
4’ '
4_
ilnum @H UQI
Jun. 14, 2012 Sheet 1 0f 3
US 2012/0145415 A1
Patent Application Publication
Jun. 14, 2012 Sheet 2 0f 3
Fig. 3
US 2012/0145415 A1
Jun. 14, 2012
US 2012/0145415 A1
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR OPTIMIZING RECOVERY FROM HEAVY CRUDE DEPOSITS
[0005]
Another object of the present invention Would be to
install a series of control sensors in the surface and bottom of
the Well, in order to control the combustion front in real time
and distance. The concept has been called Synchronization
Operations. [0001] The classic con?guration of the state of the art for a process for recovery of hydrocarbons based in an in situ combustion process arranges of a vertical injector comprising
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
an input and an output, said input being arranged at the top
[0006] FIG. 1 shoWs a typical cross-sectional schematic vieW of a con?guration of an injector Well and horizontal
and super?cial portion of Well, and such output arranged in
production Well according to the prior art.
Well’s interior. Additionally, it arranges of a horizontal pro duction Well comprising a ?rst vertical duct portion and a
horizontal duct portion. The horizontal duct portion of the production Well is substantially perpendicular to the vertical injector, and is oriented in a direction toWards the injector Well. The end of the production Well closest to the injector Well is called in the art as “toe” and the farther end to the
injector Well is called “heel”. The “heel” end of the horizontal zone is in direct connection With the vertical portion of the production Well, Which extends to the surface, outside the hydrocarbon reservoir. This technique is called “toe to heel,” Which is an arrangement that geometrically de?nes an inverted “L” and is knoWn in the art as THAI. Examples of the prior art are documents US. Pat. No 5,626,191, CA 2,255,
071, CA 2,643,739, CA 2,579,854, CA 2,569,676, CA 2,246, 461, US. Pat. No. 6,167,966, andthe US. Pat. No. 5,21 1,230 publication that although prior to the THAI system as such, forward some of its essential elements.
[0002]
The invention proposes, in the ?rst place, the variant
in the basic con?guration, consisting in to reverse the orien tation of the horizontal portion of the production Well With
respect to the vertical injector. Under this con?guration, the horizontal portion of the production Well is oriented in the same direction of the combustion front propagation, Which de?nes an “L” in Which the substantially horizontal portion is
oriented in the opposite direction to the injector Well. The proposed con?guration supports its effectiveness in the Way as is develops the combustion front Which, in his path, improving the characteristics of crude and the petroleum mobility relations With respect to Water and ?nally, better displacement of crude toWard the production Wells. Hence to make sure that the admission zone of recovered crude is
located farthest from the ignition zone, precisely by the propagation effect of the combustion front, this Would ensure a broad route of the displacement of crude in more optimal conditions of homogeneity and cooler relative temperatures. The invention proposes to extend the route of the combustion
front by a change in the disposition of the horizontal or
vertical production Wells, Without involving to sacri?ce large areas of the reservoir, as usual With the technologies of the
prior art. [0003] Another object of the invention is to provide mul tiple derivations to a same horizontal production Well, in order to enhance the crude recovery. These multiple admis sion derivations de?ne the multilateralism of the Well. Like
Wise the vertical injector could have multiple output deriva tions.
[0004] Another further object of the invention provides a multiWell arrangement Where the horizontal portion of each
horizontal production Well be located radially and projected outWard from the zone With respect to the vertical injector Well, and therefore of the zone Where it begins the combustion
Which is in harmony With the main objective of the invention above mentioned.
[0007]
FIG. 2 shoWs a cross-sectional schematic vieW of a
con?guration of an injector Well and horizontal production Well according to the invention. [0008]
FIG. 3 reveals a representation of an injector Well
and horizontal production Well has multiple admission deri vations.
[0009] FIG. 4 represents an injector Well that has multiple output derivations and a single horizontal Well according to the invention. [0010] FIG. 5 shoWs an injector Well Which has multiple output derivations and a horizontal production Well Which has
multiple admission derivations. [0011]
FIG. 6 reveals a scheme of the multi Well con?gu
ration proposed by the present invention. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012]
The process of the invention comprises as a ?rst step
providing at least one injector Well (1) through Which injected the means for initiating and/ or maintaining the combustion
reaction Within the reservoir (100). Said injector Well (1) comprises an assembly of pipes necessary and adapted to ful?ll their task of serving like injector Well in the process of the invention.
[0013]
The second step comprises providing at least one
production Well comprising a substantially horizontal portion (6) and Which presents a set of pipes suitable for extracting the
hydrocarbons entering the production Well (2) via the sub stantially horizontal portion (6). Said substantially horizontal portion (6) comprises a ?rst end (7), and a second end (8). The end (8) determines a change of direction in the orientation of the Well to the vertical portion (5) thereof, While standing the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well of the invention so that the end (8) is in a relative position closest to the
injector Well (1) that the end (7). [0014]
The next step of the process is to initiate the com
bustion reaction Within the reservoir injecting oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the injector Well (1). [0015]
The next step of the process is to remove the hydro
carbon that is entering the horizontal portion (6) from inside
the reservoir, through the pipe assembly Within the produc tion Well (2). PREFERRED CONFIGURATION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 shoWs a basic con?guration present in the prior art. This ?gure shoWs a vertical injector Well (1) com prising tWo ends. A ?rst end (3) for oxidizing gas intake (9) and a second end (4) through Which enters the oxidizing gas
(9) into the reservoir (1)00. A horizontal production Well (2) comprises a substantially horizontal portion (6). The substan
tially horizontal portion (6) comprises an end (7) commonly called “toe” and the other end (8) called “heel” and deter mines a direction change in the orientation of the Well toWard
Jun. 14, 2012
US 2012/0145415 Al
the vertical portion of the same (5). In the reservoir can be
geological conditions, and can control the How through them,
clearly distinguished three contiguous zones each other. The
during the process to optimize the combustion reaction con
?rst zone A that is Where the combustion is initiated (ignition
ditions, and consequently, the yield of production of the res
zone) and located in proximity of the injector Well, the next in
ervoir (amount of hydrocarbon displaced). The apertures
a B zone Where coke is formed, and ?nally the C zone Which
extend along the length of the submerged section in the res ervoir of the injector Well (1), can occupy 100% of the length thereof, preferably betWeen 10% and 60% of the length, more preferably betWeen 10% and 35% of the length. [0019] FIG. 2 shoWs the presence of a horizontal produc
is a zone Where is the hydrocarbon that is being displaced by the combustion front. Under this principle the hydrocarbon to be extracted is driven to enter in the horizontal portion (6), by gravity and differential pres sure. The recovered crude leaves
the reservoir through the horizontal production Well (2) by the end of the vertical portion (5). [0017]
FIG. 2 shoWs a con?guration for carrying out the
process of the invention. Said process comprises as a ?rst step
providing at least one injector Well (1) through Which are injected the required means for initiating and/ or maintaining the combustion reaction Within the reservoir (100). Said
injector Well (1) comprises an assembly of pipes necessary and adapted to ful?ll their task of serving like injector Well in the process of the invention. The injector Well (1) comprises a body and tWo ends. The ?rst end (3) is Where the injection starts Within the reservoir of the required means for carrying out the combustion reaction. Among the means that can be
injected to the reservoir (100) from the end (3) there is an oxidizing gas. Among the gases Which serve as oxidizing agent is found: air, oxygen enriched air, oxygen, or other oxidizing agent suitable for combustion. Among other means that can be injected into the reservoir With the oxidizing gas
through the injector Well (1), either simultaneously or sequen tially, are agents that assist in the combustion such as, carbon
dioxide, hydrogen donor agents, steam, Water, aqueous solu tions containing chemical compounds and/or mixtures thereof. The injection of hydrogen donor agents is performed in cases Where it is desired to do besides the extraction pro
cess, an improvement of the hydrocarbon directly into the reservoir, so as to increase the API degree thereof. The inj ec tion of agents that assist in the combustion takes place in cases
tion Well (2). The process of the invention contemplates as a
second step providing at least one production Well compris ing a substantially horizontal portion (6), and having a set of
pipes suitable for extracting the hydrocarbons entering to the interior of said production Well (2) through the substantially
horizontal portion (6). Said substantially horizontal portion (6) comprises a ?rst end (7), and a second end (8). The end (8) determines a direction change in the orientation of the Well toWard the vertical portion (5) thereof. In the FIG. (2) can be
observed that, unlike prior art (FIG. 1), the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well of the invention is positioned such that the end (8) is in a relative position closest to the injector Well (1), that the end (7). Due to this con?guration, the dis placed hydrocarbon front in its path Will meet ?rst With the end (8). The horizontal portion (6) can have at least a plurality of openings Which may extend along the length of the hori zontal portion (6) preferably being in a position near the end
(7). The plurality of openings may extend along the length of the horizontal portion (6) occupying 100% of the length thereof, preferably betWeen 10% and 60% of the length, more preferably, betWeen 10% and 35% length. The relative posi tion of the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well With respect of the end (4) of the injector Well (1) can be relatively high, coplanar, or relatively loW, depending on geological conditions of the reservoir and of the hydrocarbon character istics to be extracted. The present invention contemplates that
the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well (2) be hori
that requires increasing speed of the combustion reaction at
zontal, preferably substantially horizontal, although option
the points at Which the oxygen How is loW. In case in Which Water is injected, steam or aqueous solutions containing chemical compounds, the same can be injected through the same injector Well (1), or through a different injector Well provided for this purpose. In the case of steam, it can be
ally could be made available at an angle to the horizontal
injected into the hydrocarbon reservoir together With the oxi
plane. Similarly, one production Well (2) may comprise more than one horizontal portion (6), as described above, the same can be or not to the same relative height in the Well. The
present invention also contemplates that the injector Well (1)
dizing gas before the injection thereof, or after to sWeep the
have a horizontal or substantially horizontal portion. Simi larly, the same injector Well (1) may comprise more than one
petroleum not displaced by the combustion front, depending
horizontal portion, as described above, the same can be or not
on the characteristics of hydrocarbon, petrophysical proper ties of the rock, and the extension of the combustion opera tion. [0018] The injector Well (1) has a second loWer end (4) Which is located inside the reservoir (100) of hydrocarbon. At the loWer end (4) is Where usually the gases and/or liquid ?uids leave that Were injected into the reservoir. HoWever, the injector Well (1) can present, along the length or part of the submerged section in the reservoir (100), a plurality of open ings through Which gases and/or liquid ?uids enter Within the reservoir. The plurality of apertures may be in a relatively high position With respect to the loWer end (4), or relatively loW, very close to or around said loWer end (4). It is also contemplated in the invention the possibility of having at least tWo pluralities of openings on the submerged section in the
at the same height relative of Well. In the event that the
injector Well (1) have horizontal portions, the same Would meet the fact that the end thereof Would be said end (4), and the plurality of apertures could be expanded to occupy 100%
of the length thereof, preferably betWeen 10% and 60% of the length, more preferably, betWeen 10% and 35% of the length. [0020]
The next step of the process is to initiate the com
bustion reaction Within the reservoir injecting oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the injector Well (1). The means of initiation of the combustion reaction can be varied,
preferably the reaction is initiated by prior steam injection or heating by a natural gas or electricity heater. Self ignition of the mixture of gas and oxidant is created by an appropriate chemical. As reference, FIG. 2 shoWs a state of progress of the
combustion front. Due to the particular con?guration of the
reservoir of the injector Well (1), preferably, a relatively high
horizontal portion (6) of the production Well of the invention,
plurality, close to the roof of the reservoir, and a relatively loW plurality very close to said loWer end (4). The choice of the position of the apertures is chosen according to the reservoir
the combustion front, regardless of the manner in Which it moves, Will be found With the ?rst end (8) of the horizontal
portion (6) and subsequently, With the end (7) of said hori
Jun. 14, 2012
US 2012/0145415 A1
zontal portion (6). Within the reservoir (100) are clearly dis tinguished three contiguous zones to each other, A zone that is Where the combustion starts (ignition zone), B zone Where coke is formed, and ?nally, C zone Which is a zone Where the
hydrocarbon is being displaced and, ?nally, by gravity and/or differential pressure, Will enter into the horizontal portion (6)
through the plurality of apertures present in said horizontal
portion (6). [0021]
The next step of the process is draWn from inside the
reservoir, through the pipe assembly Within the production
linear, distributed around an injector Well, or Without array de?ned, may have certain number of Wells and nozzles and
Which in practice Will be conditioned by reservoir conditions.
[0024] The invention contemplates to provide multiple variable sensors arranged along the length of part of the horizontal portion (6) of the horizontal Well production (2) to monitor and control the combustion front. Moreover, the present invention may contemplate to install a series of con trol sensors in both surface and bottom Wells, in order to control the combustion front in real time and distance.
Well (2), the hydrocarbon that is entering the horizontal por
[0025]
tion (6). Hydrocarbon extraction is performed by standard
erence, Which has to be seen and understood by a person With
extraction techniques Which are not shoWn in the ?gures to
broadly knowledge of the art and techniques related to the
facilitate understanding of the essential aspects of the inven
same. LikeWise, the draWings are for reference representa tions for easy vieWing of the principles and contributions to the art and in this Way should be interpreted broadly and not restrictive.
tion. Note that the ?rst material difference betWeen the inven tion and the prior art derives from the orientation of the production Well (2) as the direction in Which extends the
horizontal portion (6), is the same in Which propagating the
combustion front, and oriented, preferably in the opposite direction to the injector Well (1). This is contrary to Whichever occurs in the prior art Wherein the portion (6) (FIG. 1) Which extends in the opposite direction to the direction in Which
spreads the combustion front and facing the injector Well. [0022]
Looking at FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, one can see that alter
natively, may be provided combinations of inj ection-produc tion Wells, Which could have a vertical injector Well (1) With out derivations and a horizontal Well (2) With derivations or
multiple lateral projections (11) and (12) (FIG. 3). Another possible alternative in the context of the invention contem plates an injector Well (1) With lateral derivations (13) and (14), combined With a horizontal Well (2) Without derivations (FIG. 4). Additionally, it provides for the use of an injector Well (1) With multiple lateral derivations (13) and (14) With a horizontal production, Well (2) Which in turn is also provided
With multiple laterals derivations (11) and (12) (FIG. 5). The derivations are not limited in some cases those suggested
from the ?gures, may be greater in number and in different arrangement or relative height on the reservoir, derivations
settings can be horizontal, sloped. The number and arrange ment of the derivations is variable and dependent on the
The invention Was presented by description as ref
1. Process for the extraction of hydrocarbon from an under
ground reservoir comprising providing at least one injector Well comprising an assem
bly of pipes adapted to inject the necessary means to initiating and/or maintaining the combustion reaction Within the reservoir; providing at least one production Well comprising a sub stantially horizontal portion, and having a set of pipes
suitable for extracting the hydrocarbons entering in the interior of said production Well through the substantially horizontal portion, Wherein said substantially horizontal portion comprises a ?rst end, and a second end, While standing the horizontal portion of the production Well so that the end is in a relative position closest to the injector Well that the end; initiate the combustion reaction Within the reservoir inj ect
ing oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the inj ector Well Which generates a combustion front What in its path, Will meet With the ?rst end of the horizontal
portion and, subsequently, With the end; extracting from inside of the reservoir, through the assem
bly of pipes inside the production Well, the hydrocarbon
reservoir geology and the proper conditions of exploitation. Multilateralism, or in other Words have multiple laterals deri vations has as object improving the supply of oxidizing agent or enhance the uptake of displaced hydrocarbon, to have
that is entering to the horizontal portion. 2. Process according to claim 1, Wherein the injector Well, has, along the length or part of the submerged section in the reservoir. a plurality of openings through Which gases and/or
greater admission relative area in derivations provided to this end of the horizontal Well. Regardless of the type and number of derivations that could be found on the injector Well (1) and/ or the horizontal production Well (2), the process of the invention alWays Will be carried out by observing the relevant difference With respect to the prior art: The orientation of the horizontal portion (6) of the production Well (2) is in reverse
?uids liquid enter into the reservoir. 3. Process according to claim 1, Wherein the injector Well has at least 2 pluralities of openings on the submerged section in the reservoir.
or contrary sense to the injector Well (1). In addition to What
has been described so far regarding the injection (1) and
production (2) Well, it is contemplated, When present multi lateralism described in this paragraph, that these Wells Will be, preferably, of short or medium length, so as to optimize
media distribution injected into the reservoir, the hydrocar bon extraction and control of the combustion front.
[0023]
Additionally, the invention contemplates an
arrangement scheme of several Wells as the one proposed
from FIG. 6. This ?gure shoWs a general arrangement of
multiple production Wells (2) according to the technique described in any of the previous ?gures. The invention is susceptible to be performed under any arrangement of Wells,
4. Process according to claim 3, Where openings extending along submerged section in the reservoir of the injector Well, can occupy 100% of the length thereof. 5. Process according to claim 1, Where betWeen the means
to initiating and/or maintaining the combustion reactions is found: air, oxygen enriched air, oxygen or other oxidizing agent suitable for combustion and/ or mixtures thereof. 6. Process according to claim 5, Where among other means that can be injected into the reservoir With the oxidizing gas, either simultaneously or sequentially, are agents that assist in
the combustion such as, carbon dioxide, hydrogen donor agents, steam, Water, aqueous solutions containing chemical compounds and/or mixtures thereof. 7. Process according to claim 1, Where the horizontal por tion can have at least a plurality of openings Which may
extend along the length of the horizontal portion.
US 2012/0145415 A1
8. Process according to claim 5, Where the plurality of openings may extend along the length of the horizontal por tion occupy 100% of the length thereof. 9. Process for the extraction of hydrocarbon from an under
ground reservoir comprising providing at least one injector Well comprising an assem
bly of pipes adapted to inject the necessary means to initiating and/or maintaining the combustion reaction Within the reservoir and comprising multiple laterals
derivations; providing at least one production Well comprising a sub
stantially horizontal portion, and having a set of pipes suitable for extracting the hydrocarbons entering in the interior of said production Well through the substantially horizontal portion, Wherein said substantially horizontal portion comprises a ?rst end, and a second end, While standing the horizontal portion of the production Well so that the end is in a relative position closest to the injector Well that the end Wherein said production Well com
prises multiple laterals derivations; initiate the combustion reaction Within the reservoir inj ect
ing oxidizing gas through the pipe set present inside the inj ector Well Which generates a combustion front What in its path, Will meet With the ?rst end of the horizontal
portion and, subsequently, With the end; extracting from inside of the reservoir, through the assem
Jun. 14, 2012
11. Process according to claim 9, Wherein the injector Well has at least 2 pluralities of openings on the submerged section in the reservoir. 12. Process according to claim 11, Wherein the openings extend along the length of the submerged section in the res ervoir of the injector Well, can occupy 100% of the length thereof. 13. Process according to claim 9, Where among the means to initiating and/ or maintaining combustion reactions is found: air, oxygen enriched air, oxygen or other oxidizing agent suitable for combustion and/ or mixtures thereof.
14. Process according to claim 13, Where among other means that can be injected into the reservoir With the oxidiz
ing gas, either simultaneously or sequentially, are found agents that assist in the combustion such as, carbon dioxide, hydrogen donor agents, steam, Water, aqueous solutions con
taining chemical compounds and/or mixtures thereof. 15. Process according to claim 9, Where the horizontal portion can have at least a plurality of openings Which may
extend along the length of the horizontal portion. 16. Process according to claim 15, Wherein the plurality of openings may extend along the length of the horizontal por tion occupy 100% of the length thereof. 17. Process according to claim 1, Where contemplates the use of multiple variable sensors arranged along the length in part of the horizontal portion of the horizontal production Well to monitor and control the front combustion.
bly of pipes inside the production Well, the hydrocarbon
18. Process according to claim 1, Where contemplates to
that is entering to the horizontal portion. 10. Process according to claim 10, Wherein the injector Well has, along the length or part of the submerged section in the reservoir, a plurality of openings through Which gases
install a series of control sensors both surface and bottom of
and/ or means enter into the reservoir.
Wells, in order to control the combustion front in real time and distance.
