Downhole heat generator for high-viscosity oil and natural bitumen filds

The article is devoted to some problems and possible ways of their solutions, necessary for designing a downhole heat generator (that uses associated or natural gas) for gas turbine treatment of reservoirs oil viscosity and solid bitumen.
Materials and methods
Studies of experience in heavy oil development. The identification of characteristics of vapor-gas reshaping in the downhole heat generator. A laboratory model test.
Results
The model of the downhole heat generator, working on gas (associated or natural gas) and meeting the requirements of energy efficiency and passive safety, is proposed. The methodology of operational process calculation and geometrical parameters determination of pilot-plant equipment, confirmed with the results of laboratory model test, is developed. Currently the pilot-plant equipment model of the downhole heat generator, based upon experimental data, received after laboratory model tests, is being developed.
Сonclusions
Laboratory model tests showed the importance of effective preliminary heating of spray water, to improve unit capacity, when sizes fit to well standing. Thus, rising the temperature of spray water to 50°C, increased the performance of pilot-plant equipment in 1.6 times. Consequently, meeting the requirements of high-powered industrial unit portability, the channel of pre-heated water must have sufficient length. At the same time, position changes of the injection device in gas flow channel has no significant influence on the formation of gas-vapor mixture.