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Methods for heating with slots in hydrocarbon formations

  • US 8,739,874 B2
  • Filed: 04/08/2011
  • Issued: 06/03/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2010
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising:

  • forming at least one wellbore in a hydrocarbon containing formation, the wellbore comprising at least two substantially horizontal or inclined portions, a first opening at a first position of the earth'"'"'s surface and a second opening at a second position of the earth'"'"'s surface;

    forming one or more slots in a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation, wherein at least one of the slots extends from a side of the wellbore and is perpendicular to the at least two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore;

    providing heat to a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation from one or more heaters placed in at least a portion of one of the slots, wherein one or more of the heaters comprise one or more insulated electrical conductors;

    allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to the portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation; and

    producing hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon containing formation.

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