Use of hydrogen-free carbon monoxide with steam in recovery of heavy oil at low temperatures
US4487264A · kind A · utility
26Cited by
9References
1Claims
0Family size
Assignee
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1982 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/24
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A process for recovering oil from a subterranean heavy oil-containing reservoir is provided, wherein steam and carbon monoxide are injected into the reservoir at a temperature less than about 260.degree. C. At these low temperatures, the steam and hydrogen-free carbon monoxide are found to react in the reservoir, by the water gas reaction, to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen. These products both have upgrading effects on the heavy oil, enhancing its quality and producibility. At the low temperatures of the process, gasification and polymerization of the heavy oil are minimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.