Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method id disclosed for enhancing the uniformity of steam distribution in a multiple steam injection system having a steam generator, a primary steam header, at least one secondary steam header, a primary steam line connecting the generator to the primary header, at least one secondary steam line connecting the primary header to the secondary steam header, and a plurality of tertiary steam lines connecting the secondary steam header to a plurality of steam injection wells. The enhanced uniformity of steam distribution results in better heat distribution between the wells. In that method, a surfactant is injected into the primary steam line and the secondary steam line, and the surfactant and steam are mixed sufficiently so that the surfactant and the steam enter each header as a foam. The concentration of the surfactant in the foam is from 10 ppm. to 5 wt %. Preferably, the surfactant is injected within seventy-five feet of the steam header. More preferably, the surfactant is injected into the primary steam line within fifty feet of the steam header. Still more preferably, the surfactant is injected into the primary steam line within twenty-five feet of the steam header.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim