The invention relates to a method for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam, said steam being produced from a first fluid medium separated from the exhaust gas from combustion of a fuel in a steam generating step, said fuel being provided for burning for providing energy for heating said first fluid medium, comprising the steps of mixing the steam thus produced with exhaust gas from combustion of said fuel; and supplying at least one chemical substance different from air and water to said steam and exhaust gas mixture. The invention also relates to a device for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam.

A sodium-chlorine generator generates electricity. Chlorine gas is combined with sodium metal in a boiler. The reaction is exothermic and generates sodium chloride as a biproduct. The heat can be used to boil water to generate steam. The steam generated can be used to turn a turbine, which produces electricity. The reactor can use a heat exchanger to connect a boiler that is separated from reactor. The rate and output of the reaction can be changed by pressurizing the chlorine gas with the reactor and by preheating the sodium before the reaction. The sodium chloride can be recycled to generate sodium metal and chlorine gas for a subsequent use.

A process for in situ thermal recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir is provided. The process includes: providing an oxygen-enriched mixture, fuel, feedwater and an additive including at least one of ammonia, urea and a volatile amine to a Direct-Contact Steam Generator (DCSG); operating the DCSG, including contacting the feedwater and the additive with hot combustion gas to obtain a steam-based mixture including steam, CO.sub.2 and the additive; injecting the steam-based mixture or a stream derived from the steam-based mixture into the reservoir to mobilize the hydrocarbons therein; and producing a produced fluid including the hydrocarbons.

A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor and steam generator and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor is delivered to the direct contact steam generator at pressure, and upon direct contact with water produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial application. The combustor can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO.sub.2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.

An apparatus, system, and method for controlling combustion gas output in direct steam generation for oil recovery. A direct combustion steam generator burns a fuel and an oxygen-containing gas mixture to produce combustion products including steam, CO.sub.2 and N.sub.2. Supplemental oxygen is separately supplied to the combustion steam generator to adjust the oxygen content of the oxygen-containing gas mixture during the combustion process in order to adjust the ratio of CO.sub.2 to N.sub.2 produced in the combustion products.

A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor and steam generator and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor is delivered to the direct contact steam generator at pressure, and upon direct contact with water produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial application. The combustor can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO.sub.2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.