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

Control of gravity segregation by high density fluid injection

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5924739

Gravity segregation is controlled and oil recovery is enhanced by the controlled injection of a high density miscible fluid, such as carbon dioxide, into an oil-bearing formation. Pressure within the formation is maintained so that the density of the injected fluid is equal to or as close to that of the oil as possible. Generally, the density of the miscible fluid should be maintained within about 10% of the density of the oil to be displaced. Mixtures of the miscible fluid and displaced oil are produced from the lower portions of the reservoir so that the miscible fluid will sweep the entirety of the reservoir and thereby avoid bypassing oil by gravity segregation of oil and miscible fluid. (7 claims)

Assignee:
Cities Service Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3661208
OSTI ID:
5924739
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English