Towards Field Scale In-Situ Combustion Simulation
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
- This master thesis increases understanding of ISC mechanisms based on experimental results for a Central European crude for which ISC has proven to be economically successful. Ramped temperature oxidation (RTO), or so-called kinetics, studies measure the rate of crude-oil oxidation. Similarly, combustion tubes packed with mixtures of sand, clay, water, and hydrocarbon measure our ability to propagate a combustion front. Through the combination of the isoconversional approach for an initial estimation of reaction kinetics (apparent activation energy Ea, Arrhenius constant pre-exponential factor A) and implementation of combustion tube runs under different conditions, the mechanisms behind the combustion process are elucidated. The results of seven combustion tube runs are presented and discussed in terms of repeatability, effect of grain surface area, gas concentration oscillations, stoichiometry, minimum air flow-rate and recovery efficiency. Based on experimental results, crucial parameters for field application as well as for simulation are derived (hydrogen/carbon-ratio, air requirements). Opposed to previous publications, the ISC process is described in terms of stoichiometry for the entire tube run, giving insight in development of hydrogen/carbon-ratio and other important parameters over time. This helps to compare, verify, and tune simulation results obtained from commercial simulators. Results obtained point out the exceptional efficiency in terms of recovery. Monitoring combustion stoichiometry over time gives an increased insight in flue-gas composition oscillations. In addition, measures to render in-situ combustion field scale simulation possible using commercial software are discussed.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Date created | May 2012 |
Creators/Contributors
| Author | Glatz, Guenther |
|---|---|
| Primary advisor | Kovscek, Anthony R. |
| Advisor | Castanier, Louis |
| Degree granting institution | Stanford University, Department of Energy Resources Engineering |
Subjects
| Subject | School of Earth Energy & Environmental Sciences |
|---|---|
| Genre | Thesis |
Bibliographic information
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Preferred citation
- Preferred Citation
- Glatz, Guenther. (2012). Towards Field Scale In-Situ Combustion Simulation. Stanford Digital Repository. Available at: https://purl.stanford.edu/xr031jq5952
Collection
Master's Theses, Doerr School of Sustainability
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