| abstract |
The subject process pertains to the secondary recovery of oil by the steam stimulation of an underground oil reservoir. As an added benefit, mechanical power and/or electrical energy may be simultaneously produced. In the subject process, raw fuel gas is first produced by the partial oxidation in a free-flow gas generator of a hydrocarbonaceous feed, such as preferably a portion of the oil recovered. The raw fuel gas is cleaned, purified, and burned in a gas turbine which drives a compressor or electric generator. The sensible heat in the raw fuel gas leaving the gas generator and in the flue gas discharged from the gas turbine is recovered by the production of high quality steam. This steam is injected into subterranean formations and reservoirs to accelerate production and to provide additional oil recovery. |