Comparison of the thermal displacement processes, fire and steam

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1968 · Drill Bit; (United States)

OSTI ID:6285204

Coutret, Jr, H C

There are many similarities and many differences in the combustion drive and the steam drive processes. The following conclusions can be drawn relative to these similarities and differences: (1) Oil displaced in both steam drive and combustion comes from both the zone invaded by the fire or steam front and from the adjacent pay section that is conductively or convectively heated. (2) Natural reservoir energy may contribute to recovery of conductively heated oil not contacted by the displacing fluid. (3) In fire flooding the volume invaded is basically a function of air injected, whereas in steam flooding it is both a function of heat injected and the heat utilization factor. Heat utilization in steam flooding depends both on the size of the steam zone and its invasion efficiency. (4) It is necessary to be certain that it is possible to produce all or nearly all of the oil displaced. (5) In viscous low mobility oils, steam injection has the capacity to improve mobility a greater distance ahead of the front than combustion. In either case it should be said that selection of proper application is the key to success.

• OSTI ID: 6285204
• Journal Information: Drill Bit; (United States), Journal Name: Drill Bit; (United States) Vol. 16:1; ISSN DRBIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
MOBILITY
OIL WELLS
OXIDATION
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
STEAM INJECTION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WELLS