Dynamic analysis approach to evaluate in-situ combustion performance for heavy oil production

Abstract

In China, in-situ combustion has been widely used in heavy oil reservoirs due to its advantages, such as less thermal loss along the well bore, wider applicability range, higher displacement efficiency and so on. In order to operate the in-situ combustion successfully, it is necessary to fully require adequate production performance information. According to the principle and characteristics of in-situ combustion, dynamic analysis of in-situ combustion has been used to analyze the changes of some parameters, and corresponding rules on changes of these parameters have been achieved. Combining these drawn rules from previous results, such as reservoir pressure, produced gas compositions and combustion front position, with the developing requirements of the oil field, it is feasible to make necessary adjustments to enhance heavy oil recovery and increase profitability. Dynamic analysis on Gao 3-6-18 oil block, the main part of in-situ combustion pilot test reservoir in Liaohe Oilfield, was utilized to illustrate the feasibility of this dynamic analysis approach on evaluation of in-situ combustion performance for heavy oil production.