ConocoPhillips has patented a method for producing heavy oil that involves testing various injection fluids in controlled conditions. The process optimizes fluid injection profiles based on cumulative oil production rates, allowing for efficient switching between fluids to enhance oil recovery from reservoirs. GlobalData’s report on ConocoPhillips gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on ConocoPhillips, HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) peptides was a key innovation area identified from patents. ConocoPhillips's grant share as of July 2024 was 82%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for producing heavy oil using optimized injection profiles
The granted patent US12071850B2 outlines a method for producing heavy oil through a systematic approach involving the testing and selection of various injection fluids. The process begins with a temperature and pressure-controlled gravity drainage experiment, where multiple samples from a reservoir are tested by injecting different fluids. The method emphasizes measuring the oil production rate and the rate of change (ROC) in cumulative oil production (COP) or recovery factor (RF) over time. Based on these measurements, the method allows for the selection of multiple injection fluids, switching to a new fluid when the ROC drops by a predetermined percentage, thus creating a tailored injection fluid profile. This profile includes a sequence of fluids injected at specific time intervals, aimed at optimizing heavy oil production from a well-pair consisting of a horizontal injection well and a parallel production well.
The patent further details specific conditions under which the switching of injection fluids occurs, with thresholds ranging from 30% to 70% drops in ROC. It also specifies the types of fluids that can be used, including steam, hydrocarbons, and non-condensable gases. The method is designed to enhance the efficiency of heavy oil extraction while potentially reducing costs compared to traditional steam and solvent injection methods. The claims also highlight the importance of measuring actual production rates and ROC during the process, ensuring that the method remains adaptable to the reservoir's performance over time. Overall, this patent presents a comprehensive strategy for improving heavy oil production through a dynamic and responsive injection fluid management system.
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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
