Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. An oil production system to produce oil from a viscous reservoir is provided including at least one production well, a fluid injection well, and a heating system functionally associated with the at least one production well, the heating system having at least one electrical heating well adapted to direct power from a power supply at surface to the reservoir to heat the reservoir. Hydraulically-operated crude oil pumps are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.