Hydraulic fracturing in the Permian Basin typically recovers only 8–12% of the original oil in place, leaving large volumes of hydrocarbons untapped. This study investigates in-situ combustion (ISC) as an alternative enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method, with particular emphasis on the role of rock and brine in enabling combustion sustainability in light-oil systems. Unlike refracturing, ISC establishes a self-sustained thermal drive that can mobilize bypassed oil and alter reservoir properties.
Introduction
ISC is a thermal EOR method where air or oxygen-enriched gas is injected into a reservoir to ignite a portion of the oil in place. The combustion generates heat that reduces oil viscosity, mobilizes trapped hydrocarbons, and creates flue gases that help drive oil toward producing wells.
