Specialists from the Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies of Kazan Federal University (KFU) have developed new initiators of oxidation to improve the technology of intra-layer combustion used in oil production.
Intraplastic combustion is a method in which part of the oil is burned underground, warming up the formation and facilitating the flow of remaining oil into wells. The technology has already proven its effectiveness compared to the injection of hot water vapor.
“We tested various organic compounds, such as peroxides and natural oils, as initiators. These initiators are affordable, economical and allow to reduce the temperature of the beginning of oxidation of heavy oil,” the press service noted. Laboratory studies have shown that the use of these initiators reduces the viscosity of the oil and increases the proportion of light fractions.
“We are systematically researching the technology of in-situ combustion for the development of deposits of hard-to-recover hydrocarbons, which make up the bulk of hydrocarbon reserves. Also developing chemical reagents to improve the efficiency of the technology,” said Mikhail Varfolomeev, Head of the department.
The research was carried out on unique CFU installations, the results are published in the journal Energy&Fuels.