Full text loading...
-
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of In Situ Combustion in Fractured Carbonates
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, IOR 2009 - 15th European Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery, Apr 2009, cp-124-00037
- ISBN: 978-90-73781-60-3
Abstract
Approximately one third of global heavy oil resources can be found in fractured reservoirs. In spite of its<br>strategic importance, recovery of heavy crudes from fractured reservoirs has found few applications due to<br>the complexity of such reservoirs. In situ combustion is a candidate process for such reservoirs, and<br>especially for those where steam injection is not feasible. Experimental studies reported in the literature on<br>this topic mentioned a cone-shape combustion front, indicating that the process was governed by diffusion<br>of oxygen into the matrix. The main oil production mechanisms were found to be thermal expansion of oil<br>and evaporation of light components.