US 11,732,567 B2
Apparatus and methods for hydrocarbon recovery
D. Scott Morton, Okotoks (CA)
Assigned to DRIFT RESOURCE TECHNOLOGIES INC, Okotoks (CA)
Filed by DRIFT RESOURCES TECHNOLOGIES INC., Okotoks (CA)
Filed on Sep. 27, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/486,570.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/084,288, filed on Sep. 28, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0098965 A1, Mar. 31, 2022
Int. Cl. E21B 43/29 (2006.01); E21F 13/04 (2006.01); E21B 43/16 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 43/29 (2013.01) [E21B 43/16 (2013.01); E21F 13/047 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of recovering hydrocarbons from a target area within a subterranean formation, the method comprising:
providing at least one production well in the formation at or near the target area;
providing at least one mechanical excavator rotatably disposed within the production well, the mechanical excavator having a first input end and a second discharge end;
permitting the hydrocarbons at the target area to be received within the first input end of the mechanical excavator; and
rotating the at least one mechanical excavator to convey the recovered hydrocarbons received within the first input end of the mechanical excavator from the first input end to the second discharge end for recovery;
wherein, as the hydrocarbons being recovered at the target area are depleted, the method further comprises withdrawing the at least one mechanical excavator away from the target area for permitting additional hydrocarbons to be received within the first input end of the mechanical excavator.