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Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by initiating and propagating vertical permeable inclusions in a plane substantially orthogonal to the borehole axis. These inclusions containing proppant are thus highly permeable and enhance drainage of heavy oil from the formation, and also by steam injection into these planes, enhance oil recovery by heating the oil sand formation, the heavy oil and bitumen, which will drain under gravity and be produced. Multiple propped vertical inclusions are constructed at various locations along a substantially horizontal wellbore by dilation of the formation in the plane of the intended inclusion by radial expansion and axial extension of the formation by an expanding packer system that expands both radially and axially. In another embodiment of the invention, the expansion device is part of a casing string or liner and is in contact with the formation by a swellable elastomer, or by a cement or polymer based grout. The expansion device is expanded by an inflatable packer and the device expands both radially outward and extensionally in the axial direction, giving rise to a dilated extensional plane in the formation which is substantially orthogonal to the well bore axis. Injected fluid propagates preferentially in this dilated and extensional plane within the formation.

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First Claim