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Spinoff story
Oil Recovery System
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
A Downhole Steam Generation System brings oil up from deep reservoirs. The system, developed by Foster-Miller Associates consists of a steam generator, a packer" that keeps the steam from leaking up the wellbore and tube string that supplies air fuel water and hydraulics to the generator and packer; all are encased in a standard seven-inch well casing. Downhole means that the steam generator is located far down the well casing rather than on the surface. This design is more efficient than surface generated steam. A COSMIC program aided in the design."