| 摘要 |
A method of extracting highly viscous nonfracturable oil from earthen deposits is presented by the instant invention. A plurality of radially extending horizontal conduits direct heated hydrocarbon vapors into the formation. The vapors are selected to have a boiling point above the pour point of the viscous oil. Thus, as the vapors rise in the formation, they will be in heat exchange relationship with the viscous oil to cause the latter to flow downwardly. In addition to the thermal exchange of energy, the vapors will move toward molecular equilibrium with the viscous oil formation. This latter action will cause the vapors to "strip off" the more volatile, lower boiling components, from the descending liquid oil. The liquified oil, on the other hand, will condense the less volatile, higher boiling point fraction of the vapors. The total effect is one of rectification which establishes a distinct temperature gradient in the formation and results in complete dissemination of the vapors from the bottom to the top. Because the temperature is maximized at the point of withdrawal of the liquified oil, removal of the oil is facilitated. To this end, a plurality of second conduits, radially extending and horizontally disposed, are placed in the formation to carry off the liquified oil. By allowing the liquified oil to accumulate to a degree at the bottom of the formation and locating the openings for extracting the liquid below the vapor outlet openings, a pool is formed which seals off the vapor from extraction openings, thereby preventing the vapors from returning until condensed as liquid.
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