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

Method of improved oil recovery by simultaneous injection of steam and water

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5675159
A method is disclosed for recovering heavy oil from a subterranean, permeable, heavy oil-containing formation comprising injecting steam into the lower portion of the formation, injecting a controlled amount of unheated water into the upper portion of the formation and displacing the oil through the formation toward a production well where the oil is produced. The steam injection releases heat (BTU) to the heavy oil and formation reducing the viscosity of the oil and increasing its mobility for recovery. The sequence of injection of the water and steam is designed to yield the maximum oil recovery per BTU injected by increasing the volume of the formation subjected to heating and increasing the vertical sweep.
Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 4392530
OSTI ID:
5675159
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English