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

Method for producing heavy crude

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5693478
A process for the in situ recovery of viscous oil from a subterranean formation is disclosed. Steam is injected into the formation via a well, permitted to soak, and heated fluids including heated viscous oil are produced sufficient to create a substantial fluid mobility in the formation. Then a hydrocarbon solvent having a low concentration of low molecular weight paraffinic hydrocarbons is injected into the formation, and another steam injection, soak and oil production cycle is performed to recover significant additional quantities of oil.
Assignee:
Exxon Production Research Co
Patent Number(s):
US 4280559
OSTI ID:
5693478
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English