Cyclic Steam Injection and In-situ Combustion as Methods of Extra-viscous Oil Extraction in Uzbekistan

The paper describes the preparation of a thermal impact project (steam injection and in-situ combustion) for the Yangi Uzbekistan ultra-high-viscosity oil and bitumen field (viscosity over 100,000 cP under surface conditions). The results of experiments with oil from the Yangi Uzbekistan field, filtration experiments on steam, solvent and air injection (combustion pipe) into a disintegrated core model of the field are shown. Based on the results of the experiments, pilot tests were first implemented of steam injection for a year, which turned out to be ineffective, then air injection. Air injection after spontaneous ignition in several injection wells was extended to the entire experimental section of the field. The project is currently in the active phase, although the effectiveness of in-situ combustion on bitumen is controversial, and the implementation of the project showed several unexpected effects not previously discovered for bitumen combustion. For example, with an initial zero gas factor, gas production (mainly methane and nitrogen) is currently growing.