Single horizontal well conduction assisted steam drive process for removing viscous hydrocarbonaceous fluids

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A conduction assisted steam flooding process is described where heavy oil is recovered from reservoirs with limited native injectivity and a high water saturated bottom zone. A horizontal well is placed above the water saturated zone. This well is perforated on its top side at selected intervals. An uninsulated tubing having a circumference smaller than the well is inserted therein to its furthest end thereby making a first and second conduit. Steam is injected into the second conduit and formation fluids are removed by the first conduit or tubing until steam communication is established between the two intervals. Once steam communication is established between the intervals, steam …