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

Down-dip steam injection for oil recovery

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6813196
This invention relates to a steam drive process for producing a relatively viscous oil from a dipping subterranean reservoir located updip from an active aquifer from which water inflows whenever more fluid is produced than is injected at a location above the original oil-water contact within the reservoir. Fluid is produced from the reservoir at 2 or more locations, with one being farther updip from the oil-water contact than another and with the fluid being produced at a rate that causes an inflow of water into the reservoir. A discrete slug of steam is injected into the reservoir at one or more locations that is updip from the oil-water contact but downdip from the farthest downdip fluid production location, with the steam being injected at a rate and pressure sufficient to divert inflowing water around at least one steam zone that is forming and expanding within the reservoir. The production of fluid from the reservoir is continued after the steam slug has been injected. (4 claims)
Assignee:
Shell Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3795278
OSTI ID:
6813196
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English