A method of enhanced oil recovery in which heat is generated within the reservoir by injecting air, oxygen, or mixtures of air and oxygen and burning a portion of the oil in place. The heat of in-situ combustion cracks the crude hydrocarbons, vaporizes the lighter hydrocarbons, and deposits the heavier hydrocarbons as coke. As the fire moves from the injection well in the direction of producing wells, it burns the deposited coke, releases hot combustion gases. and converts interstitial water into steam. The vaporized hydrocarbons and the steam move ahead of the combustion zone, condensing into liquids as they cool, and moving oil by miscible displacement and hot water flooding. Combustion gases provide additional gas drive. Carbon dioxide generated is dissolved in oil, causing oil to swell, and heat lowers the viscosity of the oil. These allow oil to flow more freely. This method is used to recover heavy, viscous oil. Also called fire flooding.
terms:in_situ_combustion
terms/in_situ_combustion.txt · Last modified: 2023/11/22 08:41 by 127.0.0.1