steam flooding

Steam flooding is a thermal method used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to extract viscous crude oil from reservoirs, typically those that are shallow and do not respond well to waterflooding. This process involves injecting steam into the oil-bearing formation. As the steam condenses, it releases heat, significantly reducing the oil's viscosity and making it flow more easily.1

In a common technique called steam cycling, steam is injected into a well, allowed to condense, and then the same well is used for production. Heated oil then flows into the wellbore and is brought to the surface. This cycle can often be repeated in the same well. Another method involves injecting steam from one set of wells while simultaneously producing oil from others.1

While steam flooding is effective for heavy crude oils, it's important to note that other EOR methods exist, such as waterflooding, gas injection, surfactant flooding, and carbon dioxide (CO2) enhanced oil recovery, each with its own mechanisms and applications.23