Thermal recovery--the steam story and fire floods

A review of thermal recovery operations in California including steam injection and fire flooding is presented. Two types of steam flooding are being used in California; steam stimulation and continuous steaming. There are a total of 47 steam injection operators, including in their ranks each of the 7 major oil companies, 19 larger independents, and 21 smaller independents. A review of the steam-injection programs in California include: where steam is being used; how much production is being recovered by using steam; who is using steam-injection systems; and predicted future trends. The bulk of the article is concentrated on steam injection; however, a list of fire- flooding projects is included.