초록 ▼

A method of extracting liquid hydrocarbons from geological formations having a reduced or low liquid hydrocarbon flow rate utilizing a wellbore extending downwardly from the surface of the ground into the geological zone of interest. The method includes the steps of first creating at least one downh

A method of extracting liquid hydrocarbons from geological formations having a reduced or low liquid hydrocarbon flow rate utilizing a wellbore extending downwardly from the surface of the ground into the geological zone of interest. The method includes the steps of first creating at least one downhole reservoir through enlarging a portion of the wellbore. The downhole reservoir is made substantially larger than the wellbore and formed so as to hold a desired amount of effluent, which includes liquid hydrocarbons, based upon approximated flow rates of effluent from the geological zone of interest. Effluent is allowed to accumulate in the downhole reservoir for a desired length of time until it reaches a desired level. Finally, the effluent is evacuated from the downhole reservoir through the use of a pump.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A method of extracting liquid hydrocarbons from geological formations having reduced or low liquid hydrocarbon flow rates wherein conventional extraction methods that utilize a small diameter wellbore extending downwardly from the surface of the ground into the geological zone of

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A method of extracting liquid hydrocarbons from geological formations having reduced or low liquid hydrocarbon flow rates wherein conventional extraction methods that utilize a small diameter wellbore extending downwardly from the surface of the ground into the geological zone of interest that harbours liquid hydrocarbons have been previously employed, the method comprising the steps of:(i) calculating the approximate flow rate of effluent from the geological zone of interest;(ii) creating at least one downhole reservoir through enlarging a lower portion of the existing small diameter wellbore, said downhole reservoir substantially larger than the existing small diameter wellbore and having a size sufficient to hold a desired amount of effluent based upon the approximated flow rate of effluent from the geological zone of interest;(iii) lining said downhole reservoir to prevent sloughing of its sides;(iv) allowing effluent to accumulate in said downhole reservoir for a desired length of time until effluent in said reservoir reaches a desired level; and,(v)thereafter evacuating accumulated effluent from said downhole reservoir through the use of a pump or artificial lifting means.