WEST UNDERGROUND COMBUSTION STATE OF THE ART

Abstract

Reported are recent studies involving theory, scaled model experiments and field tests of wet underground combustion. These studies incorporate the complications of heat exchange with cap and base rock by conduction and of fluid segregation by gravity; and they arrive at higher water to air injection ratios than have been reported in earlier papers. Field experience relating to formation plugging and well damage is reviewed. Guidelines are presented to select suitable reservoirs and to design a project once the properties of the oil, the formation and the injection water have been determined.