In situ combustion of tar sands with injection of gases
AssigneeMobil Oil Corporation
InventorCostandi A. Audeh
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Abstract
In-situ combustion of heavy subterranean oil formations, e.g., tar sands, is improved by introducing into the oil formation a stream of a combustible gas. The stream of gas may contain a small proportion of hydrocarbons condensable at temperature and pressure conditions of the formation. The improvement is applicable to both forward and reverse in-situ combustion processes.
Claims11
In a process for the recovery of petroliferous products from a subterranean formation including tar sand deposits by in-situ combustion, the improvement comprising introducing into said subterranean formation, prior to the commencement of the combustion, a stream of a combustible gas selected from the group consisting of a relatively light hydrocarbon gas having a condensation point of -173.degree. C. to -43.degree. C. at a pressure of one atmosphere and hydrogen sulfide, said combustible gas introduced in an amount to substantially saturate the formation with said gas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.