In 1994 Amoco Canada and the Alberta Department of Energy tested "Horizontal Well Cyclic Combustion" in a thin heavy oil sand in the Wabasca area, Alberta.

Although primary production with horizontal wells was economic in the 14 ^oAPI reservoir, the recovery factor was estimated to be only 5 – 10 % of the original oil in place.

The pilot design consisted of a central horizontal air injection well and two adjacent horizontal producers (see Figure 5).

The injector was first preheated with steam and then ignited (spontaneously) with air. Air was injected for 4 ½ months with the producers shut-in to pressurize the reservoir.

Once air injection was terminated, production was initiated in the producers. The production response was favourable and oil analyses did not show any upgrade or emulsion problems. There was also no oxygen breakthrough at the producers.