Patent ID: 8685234
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: C09K,C10G,E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for increasing flowability of viscous or immobile hydrocarbon-containing materials in an underground formation, flow line, or storage tank comprising contacting a hydrocarbon-containing material selected from oil (tar) sands, oil shale, natural gas, petroleum gas, heavy crude oil and/or crude oil with a non-aqueous turpentine liquid in an underground formation, flow line, or storage tank; forming a mixture of non-aqueous turpentine liquid and hydrocarbon-containing material having decreased viscosity; and causing said mixture to flow as a one-phase liquid in said underground formation, flow line, or storage tank; and wherein said non-aqueous turpentine liquid comprises α-terpineol, β-terpineol, or a combination thereof.