The influence of low calorific value gas components on the performance of in-situ conversion catalytic combustion heaters

High-temperature thermal injection is a key step in extracting unconventional oil and gas. The study proposes an innovative application approach for downhole combustion heaters, which utilizes low calorific value gas as the heat source for in-situ combustion and heat injection mining. This paper employs numerical simulation methods to analyze the catalytic combustion processes of methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, and yields quantitative data on exhaust gas temperature and conversion rates. The research reveals significant differences in the impact of different types of low calorific value gases on catalytic combustion. Hydrogen combustion is most sensitive to temperature changes. As the mole fraction of hydrogen increases from 2 % to 10 %, the exhaust gas temperature rises from 909.18 K to 919.51 K. Moreover, the limitation in the number of catalyst active sites is an important factor affecting catalytic combustion performance. The catalytic combustion of low calorific value gases composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide results in a change of exhaust gas temperature ranging from 908.72 K to 913.11 K. The determination of the theoretical results provides a reference basis for the subsequent experimental development of low calorific value gas catalytic combustion heaters, and offers a new approach for energy conservation and emission reduction.