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Feasibility study of the in-situ combustion process using TGA/DSC techniques

Journal Article · · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/12678-PA· OSTI ID:6505367

The influence of reservoir rock on the in-situ combustion process has been recognized by many investigators as an important part of the process. Several experimental studies have shown the effects of reservoir rock on the in-situ combustion process. However, all the available feasibility studies neglect this important and decisive criterion. This paper describes how the reservoir rock affects the minimum oil content necessary for the selfsustained combustion, which is introduced as a new criterion for the selection of suitable reservoirs for the process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine the heat value of the oil in the presence of the reservoir rock. The minimum temperature required for the total consumption of the fuel was obtained by the use of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DSC. The minimum amount of oil necessary to sustain the combustion was calculated from these two parameters and compared with the oil content of the reservoir. Reservoirs with oil contents greater than or equal to this minimum value were considered feasible. In-situ combustion-tube experiments performed on actual reservoir rocks obtained from Kansas fields confirmed the validity of the prediction.

Research Organization:
University of Kansas
OSTI ID:
6505367
Journal Information:
J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 37:9; ISSN JPTJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English