Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons in which a first torroidal vortex of fuel and a combustion supporting gas is created with its center adjacent the axis of an elongated combustor; a second torroidal vortex of combustion supporting gas is generated between the first torroidal vortex; the fuel is burned in the presence of the combustion supporting gas to produce a flue gas at the downstream end of the combustor; water is introduced into the flue gas adjacent the downstream end of the combustor to produce a mixture of flue gas and water; a major portion of the water is vaporized in a vaporizor to produce a mixture of flue gas and steam; and the mixture of flue gas and steam is injected into a hydrocarbon bearing formation.