Patent ID: 8936080
Filing Date: 2015-01-20
Classification: E21B,F22B

Abstract:
1. A method for recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean space, including the steps of: identifying a subterranean space with hydrocarbons therein; identifying an entrance extending into the subterranean space; operating a gas generator having a combustion chamber, an oxygen enriched oxidizer inlet, a fuel inlet, at least one water inlet and a steam and CO generating oxygen enriched oxidizer by separating air constituents to produce the oxygen enriched oxidizer having a greater proportion of oxygen than is present in air; coupling the steam and CO directing at least a portion of the steam and CO allowing the steam and CO removing at least a portion of the hydrocarbons from the subterranean space after the hydrocarbons' removability is enhanced by contact with the steam and CO wherein said removing step includes removing fluids from the subterranean space, the fluids including a combination of water and hydrocarbons, at least a portion of the water being water condensed from the steam introduced into the subterranean space by said directing step; separating at least a portion of hydrocarbons from at least a portion of the water after said removing step; wherein said separating step is followed by a step of recirculating the water after reduction of hydrocarbons within the water during said separating step, said recirculating step including recirculating at least a portion of the water to the at least one water inlet of the gas generator with hydrocarbons remaining in the water; and wherein said operating step includes combusting both fuel entering the combustion chamber through the fuel inlet and combusting hydrocarbons entering the combustion chamber along with water at the at least one water inlet.