Experimental and Numerical Analysis of In Situ Combustion in Fractured Carbonates

Approximately one third of global heavy oil resources can be found in fractured reservoirs. In spite of its strategic importance, recovery of heavy crudes from fractured reservoirs has found few applications due to the complexity of such reservoirs. In situ combustion is a candidate process for such reservoirs, and especially for those where steam injection is not feasible. Experimental studies reported in the literature on this topic mentioned a cone-shape combustion front, indicating that the process was governed by diffusion of oxygen into the matrix. The main oil production mechanisms were found to be thermal expansion of oil and evaporation of light components.