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Recovering oil by cyclic steam injection combined with hot water drive

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5517761
In a method for producing oil from upper and lower oil-bearing permeable strata of a subterranean reservoir, low-grade steam is separated into hot water and steam phases. The water and steam phases are introduced into the lower and upper strata, respectively, from a first well for a first period. For a second period, hot fluids which include oil are produced from the upper strata through the first well. Cold water is indirectly heat exchanged with these hot fluids in the first well, and then, the heated water is injected during the second period into the lower strata. As a result, a continuous hot water drive moves from the first well toward a second well in the lower strata during the first and second periods. Oil is produced from the lower strata through the second well. (7 claims)
Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3421583
OSTI ID:
5517761
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English