Systems and Methods for the Production of a Subterranean Reservoir Containing Viscous Hydrocarbons

摘要

A method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a reservoir in a subterranean formation includes (a) injecting steam into the reservoir. In addition, the method includes (b) injecting a surfactant into the reservoir with the steam during (a). Further, the method includes (c) decreasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir with thermal energy from the steam. Still further, the method includes (d) emulsifying the hydrocarbons with the surfactant during (b) and (c). Moreover, the method includes (e) mobilizing at least some of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir.

主权项

1. A method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a reservoir in a subterranean formation, the reservoir having an ambient temperature and an ambient pressure, the method comprising:
(a) selecting a pretreatment agent that is water-soluble and substantially non-reactive in the reservoir at the ambient temperature of the reservoir; (b) forming an aqueous pretreatment solution with the pretreatment agent; (c) injecting the aqueous pretreatment solution into the reservoir at a temperature less than or equal to the ambient temperature of the reservoir; and (d) adding thermal energy to the reservoir to increase the temperature of the reservoir to an operating temperature after (c).