Patent ID: 7527096
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for extracting hydrocarbons from a reservoir containing hydrocarbons having an array of wells disposed therein, the method comprising: (a) continuously injecting a solvent fluid into the reservoir through a first, injection well in the array; (b) continuously producing reservoir fluid from a second, production well in the array, the production well being offset from the first well, said production being conducted simultaneously with the injection of step (a) to drive the formation of a solvent fluid chamber between the injection well and the production well; (c) continuing injection of the solvent fluid into the solvent fluid chamber through the injection well to expand the solvent fluid chamber within the reservoir while producing reservoir fluid from the production well; and, (d) upon solvent fluid breakthrough at the second well, switching the continuous injection of the solvent fluid from the first well to the second well whereby the second well becomes the injection well; and, (e) switching the continuous production of the reservoir fluid from the second well to the first well whereby the first well becomes the production well.