Stability of THAI~(TM) Process-Theoretical and Experimental Observations

摘要

The performance of the THAI~(TM) process has been investigated in numerous 3D experiments,using heavy crudes and Athabasca Oil Sands bitumen.The stability of the process is demonstrated by high combustion zone temperatures,absence of gas channelling,insensitivity to large changes in air injection rate,tolerance of an overlying gas cap,increased combustion temperature and faster upgrading response with increasing oil layer thickness,'controlled gas override',its own 'front tracking' capability,and steady oil production rate.The most important parameters for upscaling of experimental scale performance to field scale are combustion front temperature and combustion front velocity.Early stage results from the WHITESANDS THAI~(TM) field pilot,at Christina Lake - high combustion zone temperatures (600-700 deg C),high fluids production (40-50% bitumen cut) and signs of partial upgrading of the produced oil,are very encouraging for development of THAI~(TM) on a commercial scale.