Abstract: A method of enhancing oil production from an oil bearing formation includes the steps of providing a first borehole in a first region of the formation and a second borehole in a second region of the formation. A first electrode is positioned in the first borehole in the first region, and a second electrode is positioned in proximity to the second borehole in the second region. A voltage difference is established between the first and second electrodes to create an electric field across the plugging materials. The electric field is applied to destabilize the plugging materials and improve oil flow through the formation.

Abstract: A system for producing gas from a gas hydrate formation includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is disposed in proximity of a first region of the formation, and the second electrode is disposed within a second region of the formation. The second electrode is separated from the first electrode by an electro-conductive path through the formation. An extraction well extends within the formation and intersects the electro-conductive path. The well comprises one or more perforations in fluid communication with the formation. A voltage source is connected to the electrodes and operates to produce a voltage difference across the electrodes. A method for extracting gases from a gas hydrate formation includes the step of establishing a voltage difference across two or more electrodes in a hydrate formation to thermally react with the hydrate formation and release gas from the formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation. One or more pairs of electrodes are inserted into the ground in proximity to a body of oil in said formation. A voltage difference is then established between the electrodes to create an electric field in the oil-bearing formation. As voltage is applied, the current is manipulated to induce oxidation and reduction reactions in components of the oil. The oxidation and reduction reactions lower the viscosity in the oil and thereby reduce capillary resistance to oil flow so that the oil can be removed at an extraction well.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation. One or more pairs of electrodes are inserted into the ground in proximity to a body of oil in said formation. A voltage difference is then established between the electrodes to create an electric field in the oil-bearing formation. As voltage is applied, the current is manipulated to induce oxidation and reduction reactions in components of the oil. The oxidation and reduction reactions lower the viscosity in the oil and thereby reduce capillary resistance to oil flow so that the oil can be removed at an extraction well.

Abstract: An electrokinetic method is disclosed for treating an electrically conductive material including hazardous contaminants, e.g. spent pot liner (SPL), to render such material non-hazardous.

Abstract: An electrokinetic method is disclosed for treating an electrically conductive material including hazardous contaminants, e.g. spent pot liner (SPL), to render such material non-hazardous.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing electrical current from a D.C. power source through an underground formation in the extraction of carbonaceous fluids from beneath the earth's surface comprises an anode and a cathode remote from the anode. The anode is comprised of a containment positioned proximate to the underground formation within which is placed layers of material suitable for conduction. First conductor means connect the conduction material and the first terminal of the D.C. power source. The cathode is comprised of a wire screen housing of electrically conductive material which is supported within a well bore proximate to the underground formation. Second conductor means connects the wire screen housing to the second terminal of the D.C. power source. Electrical current from the power source is passed along the first conductor means, through the anode, through the underground formation, through the cathode and back to the power source through the second conductor means.

Abstract: Gas is yielded and may be subsequently withdrawn from a subsurface formation of hydrocarbon material by passing a controlled amount of current from a direct source through the formation. The gas produced by this process has a high quality Btu content and is produced, in situ, under relatively moderate operating conditions. Furthermore, the gas yielded by this method has a reduced amount of hydrogen sulfide present therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the destruction of PCBs and other hazardous material utilizes a gas-tight chamber (18) which includes a high current DC arc (72). The chamber (18) is adapted to receive the PCBs or other hazardous material and includes a sump (20) which contains a molten bath (22). Inlet means (24, 26, 28) are provided for introducing the hazardous material into the chamber (18) and into contact with the molten bath (22) for initial decomposition into a molten product and a gaseous product. Electrode means (66, 68) are provided for maintaining the DC arc (72) at a current level sufficient to promote decomposition of the PCBs or other hazardous material. The gaseous product is passed in the proximity of the arc (72) for producing a decomposed gaseous product which is relatively harmless. The system is capable of decomposition of solid, liquid and gaseous PCBs, as well as other hazardous material.

Abstract: Gas is produced in situ from an underground formation of carbonaceous material by passing a controlled direct electrical current through the formation.

Abstract: Direct electric current is passed through drilling mud contained in an earthen mud pit to dry the mud, thereby providing a safe and environmentally acceptable means for disposal of the mud.

Abstract: Direct electrical current is passed through a chemically precipitated industrial wastewater sludge to enhance the settling rate, filterability, and dewatering of the sludge.