H. Gordon Harris

Perturbation analysis of second-order effects in kinetics of oil-shale pyrolysis

Abstract Perturbation techniques are used to develop a procedure for obtaining rate constants in a non-linear model of the kinetics of oil-shale pyrolysis. Assuming that certain substances — kerogen, bitumen, oil and gas — can be measured by an experiment, and that a certain structure governing the chemical reactions is known, the rate constants are determined by a least-squares procedure.

an improved evaluation model for steam-drive projects

Abstract Preliminary screening is critical for proper application of enhanced oil recovery processes. Initial project performance and economics estimates are based on preliminary evaluation calculations; these in turn establish the advisability of additional project investment. For steam-drive projects, this design work requires models which accurately predict primary performance parameters such as oil production schedules and oil/steam ratios. Previous studies reveal that the predictive capability of commonly used steam-drive models is inadequate and that a better model is needed. This paper presents an improved evaluation model. The new model was based in part on other models, reservoir characteristics, and operating conditions of several field-scale projects. Correlations describing process efficiency, maximum production rate and post-breakthrough production rate decline are also included in the model. The proposed model shows considerable improvement over older models through evaluating with fifteen field scale steam drive projects.

Applications of Nanomaterial-Based Membranes in Pollution Control

Human activities have affected the global environmental system, resulting in drastic problems such as pollutants control either in solid, liquid or gas forms. The authors provide a thorough review on this pollution control topic covering from traditional decontamination processes, traditional materials used in these processes, to current status of nanomaterials, especially nanomaterial-based membranes that are used. An effort on the state-or-art works on metal-organic frameworks based membranes for gas separation is emphasized also in this review.

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF PRELIMINARY DESIGN TECHNIQUES FOR STEAM DRIVE PROJECTS

Abstract Preliminary design is critical for proper application of enhanced oil recovery processes. Initial estimates of overall project performance and economics are based on preliminary design calculations; these in turn establish the advisability of additional investment in the project. For steam drive projects, this design work requires models which accurately predict primary performance parameters, such as oil production schedules and oil/steam ratios (OSR). This paper presents an evaluation study of four simple and widely used preliminary design models for steam drives: Marx and Langenheim, Myhill and Stegemeier, Gomaa, and Jones; results from these models are history matched with sixteen field projects. Each model is evaluated with respect to instantaneous oil production rate and OSR over the life of the projects. Reservoir characteristics and operating conditions for which each model accurately predicts these parameters are established. The Marx-Langenheim and Myhill-Stegemeier methods generally overpredict instantaneous oil production rates and OSR (sometimes by orders of magnitude), and should not be used in predicting project performance or making design decisions. The models of Gomaa and Jones predict oil production rates and OSR fairly well for some classes of reservoirs, but not so well for other types, and should be used with caution.

Analysis of hydrodynamic petroleum entrapment in Sage Creek field, Big Horn Basin, Wyoming

Abstract The mathematical procedure for locating hydrodynamic traps can be combined into a single computer program that will draw new oil potential contours for a variety of postulated water flow conditions. A mapping program call SURFER is used in this case to calculate oil potentials using Hubberts equation directly from known structural and water potential data, and to draw the contours automatically. The method is applied to Sage Creek field, a known hydrodynamic trap in the Big Horn Basin in northwest Wyoming and it is shown that hydrodynamics alone can not trap the oil accumulation in this structure. It is suggested that the trapping mechanism in this field is a function of reservoir heterogeneities associated with a strong hydrodynamic gradient.

Optimal Oil Yield from in Situ Oil Shale Retorting 1

Abstract Recent oil price increases have made oil shale hydrocarbon reserves much more attractive for development. Utilization of oil shale involves retorting to produce oil, which requires either mining and above ground processing, or treatment by an in situ method. Because of the high costs and environmental problems associated with mining, above ground processing, and then disposing of spent shale, the in situ approach is being investigated in detail, and appears to be a viable alternative. A control scheme is proposed which optimizes the oil yield in such in situ processes. This scheme was based on a model which was developed to describe operation of the Laramie Energy Research Center (U.S. Department of Energy) 150 ton oil shale retort at Laramie, Wyoming; this retort was designed and operated to simulate in situ processing of oil shale. It is possible to obtain increases in oil yield by the optimization program.