In-Situ combustion in bellevue field in Louisiana - History, current state and future strategies

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Abstract

In-situ Combustion (ISC) is theoretically an efficient EOR technology for oil recovery, however, it is often considered as a last resort process owing to the technical and operational complexities. This paper reviews the ISC project in the Bellevue field in Louisiana, which is currently among the few remaining active fireflood projects around the world. The challenges and design considerations in maintaining a commercially successful operation are discussed, while highlighting future expansion strategies. A number of operational variables and reservoir parameters affect the efficiency of ISC. A major factor which has led to the success of the ISC projects in Louisiana is the understanding of the process kinetics through laboratory combustion tube tests and small-scale pilots. We review the key parameters that were obtained through these studies, and their application in designing the air and fuel requirements. A simple economic assessment of the active ISC project at Bellevue indicates profitable operation. Some of the major challenges in an ISC operation are high-thermal stressed and corrosion of the injection or production wells, severe emulsion formation, production of large quantities of vent gases and sanding of production wells. Thus, considerable care in design, installation and maintenance of the wells and surface facilities is necessary. One characteristic of the Bellevue firefloods was the separate and simultaneous combustion operation in the upper and lower reservoir zones. The fire front movement was monitored through temperature and pressure surveys, and chromatographic analysis of the produced gas. At first glance, the challenges involved in ISC might lead to the conclusion that there is a limited future for the process. However, the success of the Bellevue project highlights the commercial viability of this technology. This paper presents the key technical and operational considerations that contributed to the success of ISC in Bellevue, with a focus on the currently active fireflood operated by Bayou State Oil Corporation (BSOC).

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings - SPE Symposium on Improved Oil Recovery

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