Reducing the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil

摘要

A method for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO₂. The cooled combustion product stream may be into an oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil.