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U.S. Department of Energy
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Additional oil recovery by improved miscible displacement

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6160146

This method of secondary recovery of oil by a miscible displacement process involves the injection of a solvent vapor which is readily condensable at reservoir conditions of temperature and pressure. The injected vapor must have a critical temperature higher than the reservoir temperature and a vapor pressure at reservoir temperature high enough to prevent excessive condensation. In the process, a solvent bank is injected into the reservoir as a vapor. Initially, the vapor condenses in the vicinity of the injection well bore, thereby forming a bank of liquid, condensed solvent. Once the release of latent heat from the condensing vapor has raised the local reservoir temperature sufficiently to prevent further condensation, the continued injection of solvent vapor displaces the liquid solvent bank, driving it progressively farther from the injection well. The reservoir oil is in turn displaced ahead of the condensed vapor bank. (11 claims)

Assignee:
Esso Production Res. Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3333632
OSTI ID:
6160146
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English