Bitumen production and substrate stimulation with flow diverter means

摘要

A well completion, and method for recovering heavy hydrocarbons or bitumen from a subterranean formation. The completion includes a well liner which lies in a generally horizontal disposition within a hydrocarbon holding substrate to define the main or primary well. A secondary well which extends to the surface intersects the main well to communicate therewith. Said secondary well includes means to conduct a stream of hot stimulating fluid into the main well. A fluid impervious barrier or flow diverter means positioned within the main well between the injection end and the production end, establishes a pressure differential across the barrier. The barrier urges stimulating agent into the substrate at a desired location, thereby creating a heated path along which the bitumen emulsion flows toward the well's production end. Means is provided in the secondary well to position the impervious barrier from one end of the main well to the other.