Importance

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Abstract

Fluid and/or heat are induced to flow from one natural or artificial undeound aquifer, which extends vertically, at an incline or horizontally, across a host-rock formation to a well. Alternatively, fluid and/or heat are induced to flow from a well across the host-rock formation to a natural or artificial aquifer. The aquifer and well constitute the polarities of a hydrologic cell, like the electrodes of a battery or electric cell. An aquifer can be formed by fracturing the host formation and by injecting proppants into the fracture. Fluid and/or heat is injected into the source of the hydrologic cell and is induced to flow across the hydrocarbon bearing host formation within the cell such that the displacement of the injected fluid or heat causes the hydrocarbon to flow into the sink of the hydrologic cell. Aquifer(s) or well(s) can serve as either the source or the sink of the hydrologic cell. At least one aquifer serves as one of the polarities of the hydrological cell.

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First Claim