An experimental and mathematical study of in situ combustion in a segregated system

Abstract

Some of the field pilot studies made to date have indicated that forward combustion proceeds in a segregated manner in oil reservoirs and that surfaces at which combustion is occurring develop both parallel and perpendicular to the general direction of air injection. Although mathematical studies of combustion in a segregated system have been made, no experiments involving such a system have ever been attempted. The objectives of this investigation are to study experimentally the factors affecting oxygen consumption and oil recovery in a segregated system and to provide a better mathematical means that those now available for estimating the distribution of temperature, oxygen, and fuel throughout the reservoir. The mathematical model is also useful in studying the effects of some factors not examined experimentally. Nine combustion tube runs were made wherein all of the factors involved in the process were studied. The objectives of this study were then fulfilled by correlating the data obtained from material balance by means of a multiple regression analysis program. ...