Mobil Canada operated the Battrum Field (containing 18oAPI oil) in Southern Saskatchewan, Canada for 30 years using wet combustion. Initially the process used both vertical injectors and producers, and lateral displacement was the intention.

The high reservoir permeability (1-10 darcies) combined with the significant thickness of the reservoir (15m), led to gravity segregation of the injected air and water, and the formation of a secondary gas cap. High producing gas-oil ratios, water-cuts, and sand production resulted, with corresponding pump failures, corrosion and very stable emulsions.

In 1992 a horizontal well was drilled (Figure 3) to promote gravity drainage of the combustion displaced oil. This well produced sand-free. It also had substantially lower water-cuts and operating expenses, and 10 times the oil rate compare to the typical vertical well.