In-situ combustion in Bellevue field in Louisiana – History, current state and future strategies

Abstract

In-situ Combustion (ISC) is theoretically an efficient 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 the only active commercial fireflood project in the United States. The challenges and design considerations in maintaining a commercially successful operation are discussed while highlighting future expansion strategies. A major factor that 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 a profitable operation.Some of the major challenges in an ISC operation are corrosion of the injection and production wells, severe emulsion formation, and well failure due to thermal stress. Thus, considerable care in design, monitoring, 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.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 showcases the commercial viability of this technology and highlights the key factors that influence it.