DOWNHOLE STEAM GENERATOR

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's innovative Downhole Steam Generator creates high-quality steam inside the wellbore, effectively lowering the viscosity of oil and improving production.

Our downhole steam generator was first demonstrated in California oil fields in the 1980s. We are currently working with oil industry leaders on improved concepts, based on current requirements.

Design Benefits

• • Replaces surface steaming for wells over 2,500 ft. deep
• • Enables recovery of north-slope and off-shore heavy oil
• • Upgrades oil shale and oil sands
• • Eliminates steam losses through targeted delivery
• • Allows for carbon dioxide sequestration

Markets

• • Oil companies and oil service companies
• • Deep, offshore and permafrost drilling operations

Milestones

• • 1980s—Technology is demonstrated
• • 2000s—Concept is refined based on current requirements
• • 2000s—Reservoir-specific studies undertaken

Next Step

Build and operate full-scale commercial prototype tool in test well.