Abstract: The vapour extraction （VAPEX） process has been developed and improved as a practical technique in heavy oil recovery industry since Roger Butler invented and released it in 1991. Compared with other recovery technologies，VAPEX is highly characterized by low cost and amazing environmental issue. An investigation focusing on the global progresses in past two decades is conducted. In this paper，the recovery mechanisms are illustrated. Meanwhile，the advantages and restrictions of VAPEX are analyzed to provide the fundamental information to both entry-levels and professionals. All of the work done shows a promising potential for the further development of VAPEX in future.

Key words: heavy oil, bitumen, vapour extraction（VAPEX）, mechanisms, solvent, extraction

摘要： 自1991年Roger Butler提出稠油和沥青的蒸汽萃取（VAPEX）技术以来，VAPEX已经成为一个非常有前途的开采工艺。最主要的原因是，相对于其它的采油工艺，VAPEX具有环境友好、成本低的特点。本文详细综述了国内外VAPEX技术最新发展现状，探讨了VAPEX开采稠油技术机理，评述了VAPEX技术优点及技术局限性，展望了VAPEX技术应用前景，提出了今后发展方向。

关键词: 稠油, 沥青, VAPEX, 机理, 溶剂, 萃取, heavy oil, bitumen, VAPEX, mechanisms, solvent, extraction, 稠油, 沥青, 蒸汽萃取, 机理, 溶剂, 萃取