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Field test of the in-situ combustion process in a near depleted water drive reservoir

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5267611

The Mobil Oil Corp. initiated in situ combustion operations in the N. Government Wells field, located near Freer, Tex., in Sept. 1962. The viscosity of the crude in the 2,300-ft Government Wells reservoir in this field is 10 cp. The primary oil production from Mobil's Duval Ranch Section 208-09 lease under a fairly strong water drive was approaching 40% fo the original oil in place. At the time of ignition, the project area was producing with a water cut of 98% and the lease was rapidly nearing its economic limit. Since initiation of the project, approx. 500,000 bbl of incremental oil have been recovered. Generally, all of this oil has been produced well ahead of the burning front. Experience has shown that once the burning front nears a producing well, no further oil production may be anticipated. Thus far, some 600 acre-ft of sand have been burned in the reservoir, while the burning fronts have encompassed some 1,000 acre-ft of the reservoir. Due to strong directional permeability effects which exist in the reservoir, more frequent than normal movement of air injection sites has been necessary. Water injection has been effectively used to improve sweepage.

Research Organization:
Mobil Oil Corp
OSTI ID:
5267611
Report Number(s):
CONF-690997-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE2520; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English