In Situ Combustion of Antrim Oil Shale: Field Test of Tejas Petroleum Engineers Burner

摘要

A major problem in having a successful in situ extraction experiment in Antrim oil shale has been the lack of a reliable ignition system. A reliable burner system has now been found. A methane burner was successfully tested for an intermittant 5-day period with a total of 82 hours of burner operation. The burner was ignited at 800 psig (well pressure) and reignited five times. The burner operated during the test at a theoretical gas temperature of 1200 exp 0 F. Increased temperatures are possible with greater fuel to air ratios. The burner was monitored three different ways. Three thermocouples monitored exhaust gas temperature. A sample was taken of exhaust gas and analyzed for CO, CO sub 2 , O sub 2 and unburned hydrocarbons. The burner pressure pulses were monitored by pressure gauges at the surface on the methane supply line. The three different systems gave an indication of whether the burner was operating. The only thing that the burner test idn't investigate was the upper safe operating temperature limit. (ERA citation 05:023626)