USE OF HYDROGEN-FREE CARBON MONOXIDE WITH STEAM IN RECOVERY OF HEAVY OIL AT LOW TEMPERATURES

摘要

"USE OF HYDROGEN-FREE CARBON MONOXIDE WITH STEAM IN RECOVERY OF HEAVY OIL AT LOW TEMPERATURES" 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.