Experimental study on the reliability of thermal analysis techniques in the in-situ combustion of heavy oil

In situ combustion (ISC) is an effective method to enhance heavy oil (HO) recovery. Thermal analysis (TA) techniques are considered ideal tools for study the HO oxidation. However, the reliability of TA data has been affected by the strong adhesion of high viscosity HO to the substrate and crucible. Consequently, there has been a deviation in the DTA peak temperature for both low and high-temperature oxidation of HO and HO/clay mixtures at 7 degrees C, 19 degrees C, and 8 degrees C, 11 degrees C respectively. Additionally, negative values of reaction activation energy (E ( alpha )) were observed, reaching up to -1395.94 +/- 836.2 kJ mol(-1). This study aimed to identify factors that impact TA data reliability and oxidation kinetics. By implementing solutions such as ultrasonic stirring and needle tip loading, this study was able to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of TA data and E ( alpha ) value. The results of this investigation provide valuable insight for future ISC.