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

Method for maximum in-situ visbreaking of heavy oil

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6505015
A method for the recovery of viscous oil from a subterranean, viscous oil-containing formation by injecting steam into the formation via at least one well at a sufficient temperature, rate, and in a sufficient amount to effect maximum visbreaking of the oil in place, terminating injection of steam and producing fluids including oil through the same well used for injecting steam. The injection-production cycle may be repeated for a plurality of cycles until the ratio of oil/water in the produced fluids is unfavorable.
Assignee:
Mobil Oil Corporation
Patent Number(s):
US 4530401
OSTI ID:
6505015
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English