Abstract: The present invention is a process for recovering oil from an underground oil-containing reservoir. The process includes providing one or more injection wells for injecting a gaseous fluid (steam and air) into the reservoir, the one or more injection wells having a plurality of generally horizontal injector legs, the injector legs positioned within a first depth region in the reservoir. The process further includes providing one or more extraction wells for recovering oil from the reservoir, the one or more extraction wells having plurality of generally horizontal extractor legs, the extractor legs positioned within a second depth region in the reservoir below the first depth region and spaced between the injector legs. Gaseous fluid, typically steam, is injected through the injector legs for a first period of time; and then air is injected through at least one of the injector legs. Alternative embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for recovering oil from an underground oil-containing reservoir. The process includes providing one or more injection wells for injecting a gaseous fluid (steam and air) into the reservoir, the one or more injection wells having a plurality of generally horizontal injector legs, the injector legs positioned within a first depth region in the reservoir. The process further includes providing one or more extraction wells for recovering oil from the reservoir, the one or more extraction wells having plurality of generally horizontal extractor legs, the extractor legs positioned within a second depth region in the reservoir below the first depth region and spaced between the injector legs. Gaseous fluid, typically steam, is injected through the injector legs for a first period of time; and then air is injected through at least one of the injector legs. Alternative embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for transforming an unconsolidated formation surrounding a borehole into a consolidated state for the prevention of the migration of small particles during the removal of fluid from the borehole. The formation is heated to a predetermined temperature capable of supporting low temperature oxidation, precipitation of asphaltenes occurs in the formation upon injection of unheated air, without fracturing the formation, into the borehole and results in consolidation of the formation.

Abstract: A process is provided for the recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir of heavy oil containing sands. An injection stream comprising steam, hydrocarbon diluent, and a gas which is gaseous at formation temperature and pressure and soluable in the formation fluids at injection pressure is injected into the reservoir to mobilize the heavy oil, producing a flow of formation fluids which is subsequently produced from the reservoir. Suitable gases include carbon dioxide and oxygen. Naphtha is a preferred diluent. The provision of both diluent and gaseous additives in the steam injection stream is shown to improve conformance within the reservoir to enhance ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir.