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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Igniting an underground formation

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5000203
A method of igniting an underground oil formation consists of injecting sufficient heated fluid into the formation to raise the temperature and pressure so that, upon subsequently injecting a spontaneously ignitable fuel followed by an oxygen-containing gas, the fuel begins burning immediately. Among the fuels which can be used are crude oil, tung oil, linseed oil, tall oil, and mixtures thereof. Gases such as oxygen and air can be used to initiate and propagate the combustion zone, and heated fluids such as steam can be used to raise the temperature and pressure of the formation. (10 claims)
Assignee:
Phillips Petroleum Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3457995
OSTI ID:
5000203
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English