Role of catalytic agents on combustion front propagation in porous media

Naturally occurring clays, metallic minerals and additives (catalytic agents) are known to change morphology and surface properties of a reservoir matrix. During air injection and in situ combustion, these pore-scale modifications lead to variations in combustion front performance. In this paper, an analytical approach is used to investigate the front behaviour in the presence of catalytic agents. The front involves coherent propagation of low temperature (fuel generating) and high temperature (fuel burning) oxidation reaction regions under the influence of reservoir heat losses. The analysis is performed in a space of parameters that includes kinetic and fuel deposition effects of the agents. Results show the existence of conditions improving frontal coherence and enhancing combustion.

Role of catalytic agents on combustion front propagation in porous media Academic Article