Patent ID: 6129148
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: E21B,F22B

Abstract:
A method of utilizing thermal energy for reducing the viscosity of clogging hydrocarbons in an oil well open to atmospheric pressure, the method comprising:heating feed water in a heat exchanger at a pressure and to a predetermined temperature at which substantially no vaporization of the feed water occurs in the heat exchanger, the predetermined temperature being sufficient to cause flashing of the feed water at atmospheric pressure into steam and hot water;maintaining the oil well at substantially atmospheric pressure;introducing the heated feed water into a conduit extending into the upper end of the oil well;admitting the hot water and the steam resulting from flashing of the heated feed water within the oil well into the formation surrounding the oil well; andcontinuing the foregoing steps until the viscosity of the hydrocarbons in the oil well and in the adjacent oil formation is decreased sufficiently that the hydrocarbons can be pumped out of the well.