| abstract |
This invention is a method for recovering viscous hydrocarbonaceous fluids from a subterranean formation containing one or more vertically extensive, narrow, high permeability conduits. At least one injection well communicates with at least one production well via said conduits. Steam is injected into said injection well until the water-oil ratio becomes excessive at the production well. The production well is then shut in until the formation is pressurized. Stem injection is then stopped and the production well is opened for production by pressure depletion. This cycle is repeated until oil recovery becomes uneconomical. |