ABSTRACT
A thermal recovery method involves the application of heat to the reservoir formation to raise the temperature of the rock significantly, thereby improving the displacement of the crude oil. The main mechanisms of thermal oil recovery—i.e., reduction of oil viscosity, improvement of relative permeabilities, crude oil swelling, and expansion of reservoir rock and formation fluids—are thoroughly discussed in this chapter. The major classes of thermal EOR methods, including hot water injection, steam stimulation, steam flooding, and in situ combustion are described extensively with their screening criteria and design aspects. In addition, some special types of steam flood processes applied for special kinds of reservoirs like steam-assisted gravity drainage, steam and gas push, gas-assisted steam injection, and hybrid steam injection are featured in this chapter. The different classifications of in situ combustions, like forward and reverse in situ combustion and dry and wet combustions are also discussed for an in-depth understanding of the process.
