A Reaction Model-Free Approach for In Situ Combustion Calculations: 1-Kinetics Prediction

Abstract

In this study, we propose a new high-fidelity method to simulate in situ combustion. A reaction model-free approach is suggested to replace the common multi-step reaction model approach employing Arrhenius-type kinetics. The proposed numerical approach uses the results obtained with a new rapid throughout induction reactor designed by Bazargan et al. (Rev Sci Instrum 84(7):075115, 2013. doi:10.1063/1.4815827). In the new technique, we use a set of ramped temperature oxidation experiments to predict the oxidation for any other temperature profile. The actual oxidation profile of the crude oil sample is inserted into the simulation. Thus, the trouble of finding a proper pseudo-reaction model is avoided. Here, implementation of the technique in a batch-type reactor (analogous to a reservoir simulation grid block) is presented. The predictability of the new technique is shown for three different cases: Sestak and Berggren (Thermochim Acta 3:1–12, 1971. doi:10.1016/0040-6031(71)85051-7) model, Dechelette et al. (J Can Pet Technol 2006. doi:10.2118/97-04-03) reaction model, and the oxidation measurements of a 15\(^\circ \) API oil sample. In all cases, good predictions were achieved.