Application of microwave heating with iron oxide nanoparticles in the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale

Abstract

On the basis of the microwave heating method combining with hydraulic fracturing for the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale, this article investigates the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on the performance improvement of foamed pad fluid, heating efficiency enhancement under microwave irradiation and potential reservoir damage after microwave treatment. Different products were also analyzed under multiple heating parameters by using gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Heating experiments showed that foamed pad fluid was better than water based pad fluid in terms of energy conservation. Results have demonstrated that iron oxide nanoparticles can not only increase nearly 75 seconds of half‐life of the foamed pad fluid, but also slightly enhance the viscosity of foamed pad fluid. Fast heating rate and energy saving were also accomplished by iron oxide nanoparticles. In the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles, it took less than 10 minutes for oil shale to reach 750°C at 1000 W, showing extremely low energy consumption. SEM experiment showed that microwave induced the creation of pores and micro fractures, and the retention of iron oxide nanoparticles inside the oil shale would not cause reservoir damage. By analyzing the products, it is recognized that reaction temperature and heating method had a great influence on the distribution of the noncondensable gases. The production of spent shale was controlled by heating method, reaction temperature, heating time, and output power. The results from this study are important to the in‐situ exploitation of oil shale and environmental protection.

The experimental study of microwave heating on the microstructure of oil shale samples

“…38 Microwave heating experiments were performed in a homemade microwave apparatus shown in Figure 1. Deionized water (0.02 mL) with 0.1 wt% iron oxide nanoparticles prepared in the laboratory was added to the heating system to enhance the microwave heating efficiency.…”

“…Based on our previous study, nanoparticles could be injected with the fracturing fluid, which can enhance the permeability of the shale reservoir. 38 Microwave heating experiments were performed in a homemade microwave apparatus shown in Figure 1. This unique experimental setup comprises multiple generators at a frequency of 2450 MHz with a maximum output power of 1600 W.…”

A comprehensive approach for fracability evaluation in naturally fractured sandstone reservoirs based on analytical hierarchy process method

“…[1][2][3] It is essential for developing tight sandstone gas reservoirs, where the porosity is generally lower than 10% and the permeability is lower than 0.1 mD. [1][2][3] It is essential for developing tight sandstone gas reservoirs, where the porosity is generally lower than 10% and the permeability is lower than 0.1 mD.…”

“…Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most important measures for developing low-porosity and low-permeability reservoirs. [1][2][3] It is essential for developing tight sandstone gas reservoirs, where the porosity is generally lower than 10% and the permeability is lower than 0.1 mD. Tight sandstone bearing abundant natural gas is widely distributed in China and has attracted more attention in recent years.…”

Research and Economic Analysis of the Source‐Load Coordination of Oil Shale Exploitation

“…ere are three types of the in-situ oil shale production method according to the heating modes: electric heating, convection heating, and radiation heating. In electric heating, the heating rod heats the oil shale layer by heat conduction [3] to achieve kerogen pyrolysis, and the produced oil and gas are obtained by condensation [4][5][6]. In convection heating, high-temperature steam or hydrocarbon gas is injected into the oil shale layer.…”