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Miscible displacement process using modified alcohol banks

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6160201

In a method of recovering oil from a subsurface oil reservoir, the first step is injection of a bank of alcohol solvent, miscible with reservoir resident water. Behind this bank of alcohol solvent a second bank of mixed solvents (consisting essentially of a hydrocarbon solvent miscible with reservoir oil and an alcohol solvent miscible with the hydrocarbon solvent and the reservoir oil) is injected. This is followed by a third bank of solvent, miscible with the hydrocarbon and alcohol solvent of the second bank. Behind the third bank of solvent there is introduced a floodwater miscible with the alcohol solvent of the third bank, the floodwater displacing the alcohol banks and the alcohol banks displacing the reservoir oil to a producing well spaced from the input well. A watersoluble gas can be mixed with the alcohol solvents of the first and third banks. (23 claims)

Assignee:
Esso Production Res. Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3334688
OSTI ID:
6160201
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English