Patent ID: 6183162
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: B09C

Abstract:
A continuous process for removing organic contaminants from a subsurface formation comprising the steps of:(a) injecting steam into the subsurface formation via an injection conduit;(b) removing a liquid stream from the subsurface formation via a liquid recovery conduit;(c) removing a vapor stream from the subsurface formation via a vapor recovery conduit, the vapor stream comprising both condensible vapors and non-condensible vapors;(d) combining the liquid stream and the vapor stream to create a combined stream and cooling the combined stream in a heat exchanger so that substantially all of the condensible vapors are condensed to condensed liquids, the condensed liquids being combined with the liquid stream to form a combined liquid stream; and(e) thereafter separating the non-condensible vapors from the combined liquid stream.