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

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6605527

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 screening criteria neglect this important and decisive criterion. This paper describes how the reservoir rock affects the minimum oil content necessary for the self-sustained combustion, which is introduced as a new criterion for the selection of suitable reservoirs for the process. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was employed 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 saturation of the reservoir. Reservoirs with oil saturations above 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:
Univ. of Kansas
OSTI ID:
6605527
Report Number(s):
CONF-8304162-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE/DOE 12678; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English