HEATING HYDROCARBON CONTAINING FORMATIONS IN A CHECKERBOARD PATTERN STAGED PROCESS

摘要

A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is disclosed. The method includes providing heat to two or more first sections of the formation with one or more first heaters in two or more of the first sections such that the provided heat mobilizes first hydrocarbons in two or more of the first sections. At least some of the mobilized first hydrocarbons are produced through production wells located in two or more second sections of the formation. The first sections and the second sections are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. A portion of at least one of the second sections proximate at least one production well is provided some heat from the mobilized first hydrocarbons but is not conductively heated by heat from the first heaters. Heat is provided to the second sections with one or more second heaters in the second sections to further heat the second sections.