Theoretical Analysis of the Effect of Electrical Heat In-Situ Injection on the Kerogen Decomposition for the Development of Shale Oil Deposits

Montilla, Maryelin Josefina Briceño; Li, Shouding; Zhang, Zhaobin; Li, Xiao; Sun, Yi; Ma, Shaoping

doi:10.2139/ssrn.4385291

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Certain researchers advocate utilizing electric heating rods as the energy source and optimizing heat transfer structure to achieve an ideal thermal state in the flow. This approach has emerged as the primary focus in the current design of heaters [22][23][24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Heat Transfer Simulation of Oil Shale Large-Size Downhole Heater

Bu,

Li,

2024

Applied Sciences

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Downhole heaters are critical for effectively achieving in situ oil shale cracking. In this study, we simulate the heat transfer performance of a large-scale helical baffle downhole heater under various operational conditions. The findings indicate that at 160 m3/h and 6 kW the outlet temperature can reach 280 °C. Controlling heating power or increasing the injected gas flow effectively mitigates heat accumulation on the heating rod’s surface. The outlet temperature curve exhibits two phases. Simultaneously, a balance in energy exchange between the injected gas and heating power occurs, mitigating high-temperature hotspots. Consequently, the outlet temperature cannot attain the theoretical maximum temperature, referred to as the actual maximum temperature. Employing h/∆p13 as the indicator to evaluate heat transfer performance, optimal performance occurs at 100 m3/h. Heat transfer performance at 200 m3/h is significantly impacted by heating power, with the former being approximately 6% superior to the latter. Additionally, heat transfer performance is most stable below 160 m3/h. The gas heating process is categorized into three stages based on temperature distribution characteristics within the heater: rapid warming, stable warming, and excessive heating. The simulation findings suggest that the large-size heater can inject a higher flow rate of heat-carrying gas into the subsurface, enabling efficient oil shale in situ cracking.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Heat Transfer Simulation of Oil Shale Large-Size Downhole Heater

Bu,

Li,

2024

Applied Sciences

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Low-Frequency Electrical Heating for In Situ Conversion of Shale Oil: Modeling Thermal Dynamics and Decomposition

Zhang,

Xie,

Montilla

et al. 2024

Energies

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In situ conversion presents a viable strategy for exploiting low to moderate maturity shale oil. Traditional methods, however, require dense well patterns and substantial energy, which are major hurdles. This study introduces a novel approach employing low-frequency electrical heating via production wells to enhance heat transfer without necessitating additional heating wells. Utilizing a self-developed simulator, we developed a numerical model to evaluate the efficacy of this method in augmenting reservoir temperature and facilitating substance decomposition. Findings indicate that low-frequency electrical heating significantly elevates reservoir temperatures, accelerates hydrocarbon cracking, and boosts fluid production. A sensitivity analysis on various heating strategies and reservoir characteristics showed that elevated heating power can further pyrolyze the heavy oil in the product to light oil, while higher porosity formations favor increased oil and gas output. The study also explores the effect of thermal conductivity on heating efficiency, suggesting that while better conductivity improves heat distribution, it may increase the proportion of heavy oils in the output. Overall, this investigation offers a theoretical foundation for refining in situ conversion technologies in shale oil extraction, enhancing both energy efficiency and production quality.

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Analysis of Mechanisms and Environmental Sustainability in In Situ Shale Oil Conversion Using Steam Heating: A Multiphase Flow Simulation Perspective

Zhang,

Xie,

Montilla

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Shale oil as an unconventional energy source holds significant extraction value. However, traditional extraction techniques often entail significant environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. In situ conversion of shale oil using superheated steam fits this bill. Based on this, we used a new TFC coupling simulator to build a geological model, providing a comprehensive depiction of the evolution process of various elements during in situ conversion by steam, thereby investigating the feasibility of this method. The results show that based on the temperature distribution within the shale oil reservoir during the heating stage, the area between the heating well and the production well can be divided into five regions. In addition, the steam injected contributes to driving the oil. However, due to the relatively low energy density of the steam, a large amount of steam needs to be injected into the reservoir in order to attain the intended heating outcome, resulting in a high ratio of liquid water in the produced products. Meanwhile, the evolution of components during in situ conversion is influenced by factors such as the injection rate of steam and soaking time. A slow injection rate and prolonged soaking time are both adverse to extraction of shale oil. On this basis, the in situ conversion heating strategy can be refined.

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Theoretical Analysis of the Effect of Electrical Heat In-Situ Injection on the Kerogen Decomposition for the Development of Shale Oil Deposits

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Numerical Heat Transfer Simulation of Oil Shale Large-Size Downhole Heater

Numerical Heat Transfer Simulation of Oil Shale Large-Size Downhole Heater

Low-Frequency Electrical Heating for In Situ Conversion of Shale Oil: Modeling Thermal Dynamics and Decomposition

Analysis of Mechanisms and Environmental Sustainability in In Situ Shale Oil Conversion Using Steam Heating: A Multiphase Flow Simulation Perspective

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