CPC E21B 43/29 (2013.01) [E21B 43/16 (2013.01); E21F 13/047 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |
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.
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