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Ignition equipment for thermal drive projects

Journal Article · · World Oil; (United States)
OSTI ID:6736216
A bottomhole igniter developed by Pan American Petroleum Corp. has been used successfully to ignite oil- producing formations for thermal oil-recovery projects and heat-stimulation treatments. The igniter operates on mixtures of air and natural gas. Temperature of the final mixture of combustion products and excess air is low enough to prevent heat damage to well casing. Resulting gas-air mixtures are below the explosive range. The igniter has been used at depths up to 6,500 feet, and at bottomhole pressures up to 3,000 psig. Normal heat generation rates range from 5-10 million btu per day. In operation, a heat shield assembly consisting of a high temperature and oxidation-resistant metal tube lined with a castable refractory is run on the bottom end of a tubing string which is suspended above casing perforations. Air is injected down the well casing, and natural gas is injected down tubing at controlled rates. A pyrophoric chemical is lowered in a wire-line igniter to ignite the gas-air mixture. The igniter then is withdrawn while the gas-air mixture continues to burn inside the heat shield.
OSTI ID:
6736216
Journal Information:
World Oil; (United States), Journal Name: World Oil; (United States) Vol. 161:1; ISSN WOOIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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