Abstract: A thermal acidization and recovery process for increasing production of heavy viscous petroleum crude oil and synthetic fuels from subterranean hydrocarbon formations containing clay particles creating adverse permeability effects is described. The method comprises injecting a thermal vapor stream through a well bore penetrating such formations to clean the formation face of hydrocarbonaceous materials which restrict the flow of fluids into the petroleum-bearing formation. Vaporized hydrogen chloride is then injected simultaneously to react with calcium and magnesium salts in the formation surrounding the bore hole to form water soluble chloride salts. Vaporized hydrogen fluoride is then injected simultaneously with its thermal vapor to dissolve water-sensitive clay particles thus increasing permeability. Thereafter, the thermal vapors are injected until the formation is sufficiently heated to permit increased recovery rates of the petroleum.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons and synthetic fuels from a subterranean formation by drilling a well bore through the formation and completing the well by cementing a casing means in the upper part of the pay zone. The well is completed as an open hole completion and a superheated thermal vapor stream comprised of steam and combustion gases is injected into the lower part of the pay zone. The combustion gases migrate to the top of the pay zone and form a gas cap which provides formation pressure to produce the viscous hydrocarbons and synthetic fuels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing highly viscous minerals from a subterranean formation by injection of an acidic, thermal vapor stream without substantial scale buildup in downstream piping, pumps and well bore. The process comprises heating the formation by injection of heat, preferably in the form of a thermal vapor stream composed of combustion gases and steam and injecting an acidic compound simultaneously with the thermal vapor stream into the formation at a temperature above the dew point of the thermal vapor stream. The acidic, thermal vapor stream increases the solubility of metal ions in connate water and thus reduces scaling in the downstream equipment during the production of viscous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An improvement in the method for producing high pressure thermal vapor streams from combustion gases for injection into subterranean oil producing formations to stimulate the production of viscous minerals is described. The improvement involves controlling corrosion in such thermal vapor gases by injecting water near the flame in the combustion zone and injecting ammonia into a vapor producing vessel to contact the combustion gases exiting the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a thermal vapor stream for injecting into a subterranean formation for the recovery of liquefiable minerals therefrom, including a pressure vessel containing a high pressure combustion chamber for producing a heating gas for introduction into a heating gas injector. The heating gas injector is partly immersed in a steam generating section of the pressure vessel such that the heating gas is passed through the steam generating section to produce steam and combustion products which are directed between the pressure vessel and the combustion chamber for simultaneously cooling of the combustion chamber by further heating of the steam and combustion gases.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for burning a hydrocarbon fuel for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream comprising steam and combustion gases for injecting into a subterranean formation for the recovery of liquefiable minerals therefrom, wherein a high pressure combustion chamber having multiple refractory lined combustion zones of varying diameters is provided for burning a hydrocarbon fuel and pressurized air in predetermined ratios injected into the chamber for producing hot combustion gases essentially free of oxidizing components and solid carbonaceous particles. The combustion zones are formed by zones of increasing diameters up a final zone of decreasing diameter to provide expansion zones which cause turbulence through controlled thorough mixing of the air and fuel to facilitate complete combustion.

Abstract: A thermal process for recovering heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean hydrocarbon formation having low relative permeabilities to water and oil wherein a well bore penetrating the formation and surrounding subterranean strata are initially heated by injecting a heated fluid containing steam into the well and simultaneously venting a portion of the fluid at the surface to lift any condensed liquids forming in the well bore towards the surface to keep the well essentially free of condensed fluids. The well injection and venting are continued until the well and surrounding subterranean strata are heated sufficiently for the heated fluid to be injected into the formation without condensed liquids forming in the well at a rate greater than the formation can accept. The heated fluid is then injected directly into the formation at a high injection rate to raise the formation temperature to a desired level, followed by withdrawing the resulting heated petroleum therefrom through the well.

Abstract: A new and improved process for the recovery of heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean formation is disclosed. A heated fluid comprising steam and a heated non-condensable gas is injected into the formation through a penetrating well at an initial predetermined injection rate until the injection rate diminishes to a predetermined level. The injection is then discontinued and a heated non-condensable gas is immediately injected into the formation through the well until the injection rate thereof reaches a desired level. The steam-gas mixture and heated non-condensable gas are then alternately injected in sequence until the steam-gas mixture can be injected into the formation continuously at a desired injection rate and the formation and petroleum have been heated to a predetermined extent. The heated, mobile petroleum is then recovered by withdrawal through the well in a conventional manner.