Abstract: A thermal hydrocarbon recovery apparatus comprises: a plurality of steam injector tubes each provided with a plurality of injector autonomous inflow control devices, AICDs, spaced apart from each other along the length of each steam injector tube; a plurality of production tubes each provided with a plurality of production autonomous inflow control devices, AICDs, spaced apart from each other along the length of each production tube; wherein said injector AICDs are arranged to inject steam into a geological formation so as to reduce the viscosity of hydrocarbons in the formation; and wherein said production AICDs are arranged to permit the flow of heated hydrocarbons into said production tubes for movement to the surface.

Abstract: A method of treating an oil well to inhibit scale formation. An oil soluble scale inhibitor is injected into the well during the completion phase. The inhibitor hydrolyses on contact with connate water in the well and the active part enters the water phase. It remains in the water phase while oil is extracted and until the water breaks through. At that stage, the inhibitor becomes active in inhibiting scale formation.