Method for initiating in situ combustion within a subterranean formation

Patent · Tue Apr 23 04:00:00 EST 1968

OSTI ID:5943574

Holmes, B G

In a method for initiating in-situ combustion within a formation, the formation about the well is heated to a predetermined minimum temperature with steam. Linseed oil is then introduced into the well to be displaced by a regulated flow of steam along the surface of the formation surrounding the well. While the steam is still flowing a gaseous stream containing oxygen is injected through the well into the formation to produce immediate, spontaneous ignition of the linseed oil in the formation facing the well. Such ignition is said to be safe and instantaneous, resulting in a combustion front supported by carbonaceous materials in the formation moving radially outward through the formation in a direction away from the well. (3 claims)

• Assignee: Mobil Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3379254
• OSTI ID: 5943574
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
ESTERS
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GAS INJECTION
HEATING
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
LINSEED OIL
LIPIDS
NONMETALS
OIL WELLS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
OXYGEN
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
STEAM INJECTION
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TRIGLYCERIDES
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS