In situ combustion methods: Applicability to heavy oil reservoirs in the Niger Delta

ABSTRACT

Oil productions from conventional reservoirs are rapidly declining worldwide. Hence, there is a serious need for the Nigerian government to start looking at viable thermal EOR methods such as in situ combustion (ISC) as a means of enhancing possible heavy oil production in its Niger Delta region. This study looked at the applicability of ISC using the Nelson and McNeil model by subjecting the model's equations, assumptions, and correlations (as outlined in the ISC Handbook; Partha, 1999) to a foreign scenario (Case 1) and a Nigerian scenario (Case 2) to evaluate and compare performances.

KEYWORDS:

• Air flux
• compressor horsepower
• maximum air injection
• maximum air rate
• in situ combustion