Patent ID: 7740062

Claim:
A system for recovering a hydrocarbon liquid from a subterranean reservoir containing hydrocarbons, the system comprising: (a) a primary liquid production wellbore having a substantially horizontal primary production length which extends through the reservoir, wherein the primary production length is positioned substantially within a vertical primary production plane; (b) at least one vent well in fluid communication with the reservoir at a venting position in the reservoir which is relatively higher in the reservoir than the primary production length; (c) an injector apparatus in fluid communication with the reservoir along an injection line in the reservoir which is substantially parallel with the primary production plane, wherein the injection line extends along at least a portion of the primary production length, wherein the injection line is relatively higher in the reservoir than the primary production length, and wherein the injection line is relatively lower in the reservoir than the venting position; and (d) an injection gas source comprising a source of an injection gas containing oxygen connected with the injector apparatus, for supplying the injection gas containing oxygen to the injector apparatus for injecting along the injection line in order to cause combustion of the hydrocarbons contained in the reservoir.