Effect of in-situ combustion process on the magnetic properties and composition of rock

Abstract

In-situ combustion (ISC) is a proved, effective method for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In our previous work, we studied the feasibility of ISC process for heavy oil recovery in Nurlat Oil Field (Tatneft oil company, Russia) regarding to oil recovery, in-situ oil upgrading, stability of combustion front, etc. In this work, we investigated the effect of ISC process on the rock properties and composition. We found that magnetic minerals can be in-situ formed in rock during combustion process of oils. The formation of magnetic minerals in rock depends on temperature, heating time, and oil environment. Based on the magnetic properties, the samples can be divided into the most heated, less heated, and nonheated ones with hydrocarbons. The changes in the magnetic properties of rock can be used for developing technologies for combustion front monitoring, which is very valuable for controlling ISC process and its adjustment. Keywords: magnetic properties; thermomagnetic analysis; enhanced oil recovery; in-situ combustion; rock.