Evaluation of a Direct Contact Downhole Steam Generator in a Field Environment. Final Results

摘要

A test program to demonstrate the operation of downhole steam generators (DSG) in an oil field environment was conducted in the Wilmington Field at Long Beach, CA. Two DSG design variations were used. One burned diesel fuel in air and was placed downhole; the other burned diesel in oxygen and was located on the surface. Gas communication was established with all wells in the production patterns. Relative rates of movement of nitrogen, CO sub 2 and CO were inferred and the wells were monitored for any production changes. Operating lifetimes of both prototype units were limited by the corrosion of various system components. Metallurgical analyses of degraded components of the generator and support systems have been completed. (ERA citation 08:013949)