Thomas H Hutchinson

US Patent:

45974446, Jul 1, 1986

Filed:

Sep 21, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/653103

Inventors:

Thomas S. Hutchinson - Dallas TX

Assignee:

Atlantic Richfield Company - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

E21B 3600
E21B 4324
E21B 4330

US Classification:

166302

Abstract:

A method for positioning a large diameter shaft from the surface into the earth and at least partially through a subterranean oil-bearing formation, said method comprising (a) Positioning a central well near the center of a selected shaft location, said central well extending at least partially through said oil-bearing formation; (b) Positioning a plurality of wells at a selected distance outside the diameter of said shaft and about said shaft, said wells extending at least partially through said oil-bearing formation; (c) Injecting a fluid through at least a portion of said wells into said oil-bearing formation to remove oil from said oil-bearing formation; (d) Producing fluids from said central well; (e) Injecting water into said oil-bearing formation through said portion of said wells after the injection of said fluid through said portion of the said wells; (f) Freezing a zone about said location; and, (g) Excavating said shaft.