STEAM INJECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERY OF OIL

摘要

STEAM INJECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOVERY OF OIL A method and apparatus for recovering oil from an oil bearing formation utilizing steam injected into the formation. A working fluid is heated at the surface to produce a reversible, chemical reaction, particularly a reforming reaction in a reforming/methanation reaction cycle. The products of the reforming reaction are transported at near ambient temperatures to a downhole heat exchanger through which water is circulated. There a catalyst triggers the methanation reaction, liberating heat energy to convert the water to steam. The products of the methanation reaction are recirculated to the surface to repeat the cycle. In one embodiment the products of the methanation reaction are injected into the formation along with the steam. Various catalysts, and various systems for heating the working fluid are disclosed.