Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for recovering non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) from regions below ground where NAPL spills are sources of aquifer contamination. The apparatus includes a system to supply gas-supersaturated liquid, a system of ground wells in fluid communication with the contaminated ground water region (source of contamination) and with an above-ground NAPL recovery system, said system of wells including an injection well in fluid communication with the system to supply gas-supersaturated liquid and with the contaminated region below ground, an extraction well in fluid communication with the contaminated region below ground and with the NAPL recovery system, wherein the NAPL is in the gaseous phase or gas-mobilized non-volatile liquid phase or both, and a pump for delivering the gas-supersaturated liquid to the vicinity of the contaminated region below ground.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery process is described wherein oil is recovered from a depleted water-wet formation by the application of a gas to the formation. The flow of gas through the formation causes oil droplets to spontaneously form an oil film on connate water, which is extruded and discharged from the pores. The films pass through the formation under the influence of gravity, gradually accumulating more oil to form an oil mass which enters the producing well bore. A sem-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the inert gas from entering the well bore from the formation.