Hydrophobic fuel pack and well ignition therewith

Patent · Tue Jun 06 04:00:00 EDT 1967

OSTI ID:6353590

Harvey, R R

In a fuel pack method for igniting a subterranean carbonaceous stratum to initiate in-situ combustion, the fuel pack consists of porous aggregates containing combustible material, 0.3 to 5 wt % (based on the weight of the aggregates) of an oil-soluble surfactant which renders the pack hydrophobic, and a saturating amount of a heavy oil. The pack is enclosed within an alongated cylindrical permeable sheath which can be lowered upright into a well. The aggregates are principally charcoal and the surfactant consists of an amine of 10 to 20 carbon atoms. The fuel pack is ingnited by means of a starter material such as a fuel, thermite, etc., having its own oxygen supply. It may also be ignited by injecting a combustible gas-air mixture into the well and igniting the gas. (18 claims)

• Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3323591
• OSTI ID: 6353590
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HEATING
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OIL WELLS
OXIDATION
PETROLEUM
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
SURFACTANTS
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WELLS
WETTABILITY