In situ steam generation and combustion recovery

Patent · Tue Dec 09 04:00:00 EST 1969

OSTI ID:5595444

Earlougher, Jr, R C

This process is essentially a steam-flooding technique, wherein steam is generated in situ. It involves injecting into the formation a combustible mixture of a hydrocarbon and an aqueous medium and a combustion-supporting material, i.e., an oxygen-containing material. Thereafter, the injected material is ignited and the position of the combustion front and the immediate outlying steam front is controlled by varying the amount and ratio of injected combustible mixture to oxygen-containing material. Oil in the formation is displaced by the steam drive toward at least one production well where the crude oil is recovered. Heat losses in steam flooding are reduced by this method. Since the steam is generated in situ, there is no heat loss to the well bore, and heat loss due to employment of surface equipment is eliminated. Furthermore, since the well bore is not subjected to elevated temperatures, equipment failure due to thermal stresses is eliminated. (10 claims)

• Assignee: Marathon Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3482630
• OSTI ID: 5595444
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASES
HEAT TRANSFER
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OIL WELLS
OXIDATION
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
STEAM INJECTION
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
VAPORS
VISCOSITY
WATER VAPOR
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS