METHOD FOR THE RECOVERY OF POWER FROM LHV GAS

METHOD FOR THE RECOVERY OF POWER FROM LHV GAS A method is disclosed for the utilization of energy in gas of low heating value discharged from a production well of an in-situ combustion process for the production of oil. The low heating value gas is mixed with an amount of air that will provide oxygen in an amount that will limit the maximum temperature rise in a catalytic combustion chamber to avoid excessive temperatures regardless of changes in composition of the low heating value gas. The mixture is preheated and delivered into the catalytic combustion chamber at a temperature exceeding about 400.degree. F. that will cause ignition of the combustibles on contact with the catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, combustion is accomplished in two combustion chambers connected in series with a heat exchanger between the combustion chambers for cooling the combustion products discharged from the first combustion chamber before they are delivered to the next combustion chamber. Approximately fifty percent of the total combustion air is mixed with the combustible gas before delivery into each of the combustion chambers. Effluent from the second combustion chamber is used to drive a gas turbine for generation of power or direct driving of air compressors.