Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Hydrocarbon Production and Reservoir Deformation of Oil Shale In Situ Conversion Processing Using a Downhole Burner

A three-dimensional numerical simulation of oil shale in situ conversion processing by applying the downhole burner heating technology was conducted. The evolution of the fluid vector and temperature field and the characteristic of kerogen decomposition and oil and gas production were analyzed. The effects of different burning temperatures and gas injection velocities on the thermal evolution processing of oil shale in situ conversion were investigated. The stress–strain and deformation of the oil shale stratum during in situ processing were studied. The results show that kerogen decomposition is a thermo-kinetically controlled mechanism. Both the gas injection velocity and burning temperature can enhance the kerogen decomposition and oil production, especially for the latter one. In addition, the stratum–deformation of oil shale should be considered for oil shale in situ conversion processing, especially for the long-term operational lifetime.

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