Experimental and Numerical Study of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition in the Presence of Catalysts for Enhanced Oil Recovery

This study presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical investigation of a promising enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology based on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) injection and the initiation of in-situ combustion (ISC). The key advantage of the proposed technology is the ability to initiate high-temperature oil oxidation without surface air injection, as the required oxygen is generated directly within the reservoir through the decomposition of the injected H₂O₂.

The study included a comparative evaluation of the catalytic activity of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and manganese oxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles, as well as an aqueous potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) solution for initiating the peroxide decomposition reaction in the reservoir. It was found that under reservoir conditions, the aqueous KMnO₄ solution undergoes reduction upon interaction with high-molecular-weight oil components, forming a solid MnO₂ phase, thereby becoming immobilized in the pore space and preventing catalyst washout. As a result, the catalytically active layer forms predominantly in oil-saturated zones, localizing heat release during H₂O₂ decomposition and preventing non-target consumption of the reagent. In laboratory experiments, a maximum temperature of 336°C was achieved, and gas chromatography analysis confirmed the formation of components characteristic of complete oxidation processes, indicating successful ISC initiation. Numerical simulations performed using the CMG STARS software package confirmed the experimental findings, demonstrating that H₂O₂ decomposition initiates ISC through a sequence of processes: an exothermic peroxide decomposition reaction with significant oxygen release, followed by oil oxidation transitioning into a high-temperature regime with the formation of a stable combustion front. The model accurately reproduces the temperature profiles and gas composition dynamics, allowing the use of obtained kinetic parameters for predictive simulations and optimization of operational parameters.

The implementation of a stable oxidation front driven by oxygen generated from H₂O₂ decomposition without air injection has been demonstrated. The investigated method represents a promising solution for initiating and maintaining ISC, eliminating the need for complex and costly surface equipment for air or oxygen injection into the reservoir.

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