Patent ID: 9702236
Date: 2017-07-11
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. A method for recovering a hydrocarbon from a reservoir, the method comprising the steps of: a. drilling at least one well from surface to the reservoir; b. injecting steam down the at least one well to the reservoir to alter the hydrocarbon to a reduced viscosity; c. after ceasing injection of the steam, applying heat to a near-wellbore region of the reservoir to maintain the hydrocarbon in the near-wellbore region at the reduced viscosity; d. after commencing application of the heat, allowing the steam to elevate the temperature of the reservoir and the hydrocarbon while continuing to apply the heat; and e. producing the hydrocarbon to the surface while continuing to apply the heat; wherein the heat being applied while producing the hydrocarbon is at a temperature sufficient to maintain water in the near-wellbore region in a liquid state based on drawdown pressure; and wherein the temperature is sufficient to maintain the hydrocarbon at the reduced viscosity in the near-wellbore region to a level suitable to enable the producing of the hydrocarbon.