Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority

Enersul Inc.

James B Hyne

Peter D Clark

J David Tyrer

Zhimin Yu

Mark Ernest Grist

Controlled release rate fertilizers and methods of making same

The viscosity of heavy oil may be incrementally reduced over what can be achieved by steam alone, by introducing an aqueous metal salt solution into a reservoir undergoing steam injection. The metal ion is selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo and Al. In a preferred feature CO is also introduced as a second additive, with a further oil viscosity reduction being observed with certain of the metal ions.

Additive for inclusion in a heavy oil reservoir undergoing steam

A process for recovering oil from a subterranean heavy oil-containing reservoir is provided, wherein steam and carbon monoxide are injected into the reservoir at a temperature less than about 260.degree. C. At these low temperatures, the steam and hydrogen-free carbon monoxide are found to react in the reservoir, by the water gas reaction, to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen. These products both have upgrading effects on the heavy oil, enhancing its quality and producibility. At the low temperatures of the process, gasification and polymerization of the heavy oil are minimized.

Use of hydrogen-free carbon monoxide with steam in recovery of heavy oil

Growing community of inventors

Calgary, Canada

James B Hyne