Method for recovery of stranded oil

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of recovering stranded oil wherein heated fluid is injected into a reservoir containing stranded oil in a region near the reservoir ceiling. The heated oil drains toward the reservoir floor and is recovered via a production well.

1 . A method of recovering stranded oil comprising:
 a) injecting heated fluid into a reservoir containing stranded oil in a region near the reservoir ceiling;   b) allowing heated oil to drain toward the reservoir floor; and   c) recovering drained oil via a production well.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heated fluid is produced downhole using a downhole combustor. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heated fluid is provided from the surface and passed downhole. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heated fluid is injected via a horizontal well. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the horizontal well comprises a plurality of branches. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the injected fluid is at a temperature high enough to result in cracking of the stranded oil. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said temperature is greater than 800F. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heated fluid is produced by passage of a fluid through a heated upper layer. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the fluid to be heated comprises nitrogen. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the fluid to be heated comprises carbon dioxide. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the heated fluid is produced downhole by in-situ combustion.