| abstract |
The subject invention is directed to a method for the surface recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The reservoir can be a formation found in sandstone, carbonate, coal bed or other mineral deposit formations. The method includes drilling a well bore having a first substantially vertical portion and a first substantially horizontal portion, in which the first horizontal portion intersects the subterranean reservoir. A plurality of lateral well bores intersecting and extending from the first horizontal portion of the well bore are drilled. Thereafter, a drainage well bore is drilled below and substantially parallel to the first horizontal portion of the well bore, in which the drainage well bore intersects the first horizontal portion. The drainage well bore is configured to allow for the drainage of fluids from the plurality of lateral well bores and the first horizontal portion of the well bore, which allows for the recovery of hydrocarbons through the vertical portion of the well bore separate from the fluids. |