Method for oil recovery using a horizontal well with indirect heating

摘要

Disclosed is a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. A heated fluid is injected into the formation by means of a perforated conduit which is positioned substantially horizontally through the formation to heat hydrocarbons within the formation. After a suitable heating period, injection of heat is terminated to permit fluids including formation hydrocarbons to drain from the formation into the conduit. The drained fluids within the conduit are then heated to a temperature such that at least a portion of the drained fluids are vaporized. These vaporized fluids pass from the perforated conduit and into the formation to further heat formation hydrocarbons. Subsequently, formation fluids of reduced viscosity are recovered from the formation through the perforated conduit.