METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A HIGH PRESSURE THERMAL VAPOR STREAM

摘要

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A HIGH PRESSURE THERMAL VAPOR STREAM A method and apparatus for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream of water vapor and-combustion gases for recovering heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean formation, wherein the method includes directing high pressure combustion gases into a partially water-filled vapor generator vessel for producing therein a high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases, and thereafter injecting high quality steam into the high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases within the vapor generator vessel to increase the steam-to-combustion gas ratio of the discharge stream produced within the vapor generator vessel, and thereafter flowing the discharge stream into a subterranean formation for enhanced recovery of viscous petroleum therefrom.