Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture may be produced from the formation through a plurality of production wells. A selected number of heat sources may be positioned in the formation for each production well.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a subterranean drainage pattern for accessing a subterranean zone includes a main well bore extending from a surface well bore, located at a first end of the area, to a second end of the area. A first plurality of lateral well bores extend in spaced apart relation to each other from the main well bore to the periphery of the area on a first side portion of the main well bore. A second plurality of lateral well bores extend in spaced apart relation to each other from the main well bore to a periphery of the area on a second, opposite side portion of the main well bore. A first plurality of ramping well bores extend in spaced apart relation to each other from the main well bore toward a boundary of the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heating may be controlled such that at least a selected amount of a total organic carbon content of the hydrocarbon material in the formation may be converted into formation fluids.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A pressure within a majority of a selected section of the formation may be controlled and/or maintained to alter a composition of the produced mixture.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. An unpyrolyzed section may be left between two substantially pyrolyzed sections to inhibit subsidence of the formation.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture may be produced from the formation through production wells. A spacing between production wells, and operating conditions of production wells and heat injection wells, may allow the produced mixture to have a desired ratio of condensable hydrocarbons to non-condensable hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A high hydrogen partial pressure within the formation may allow for hydrogenation of formation fluid within the formation. In addition, hydrogen, from produced formation fluid or from another source, may be used to hydrogenate produced fluid in a surface hydrogenation unit.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may contain condensable hydrocarbons fluids with some nitrogen containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The formation to be treated may be selected based on initial elemental oxygen to carbon ratio of the formation.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A high hydrogen partial pressure within the formation may allow for hydrogenation of formation fluid within the formation. In addition, hydrogen, from produced formation fluid or from another source, may be used to hydrogenate produced fluid in a surface hydrogenation unit. The mixture produced from the formation may have a relatively high hydrogen partial pressure, and a large portion of the pressure within the formation may be attributable to hydrogen partial pressure.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture may be produced from the formation through production wells. A spacing between production wells, and operating conditions of production wells and heat injection wells, may allow the produced mixture to have a desired ratio of condensable hydrocarbons to non-condensable hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may be allowed to transfer from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes a relatively large portion of hydrocarbon material within the selected section of the formation.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. An unpyrolyzed section may be left between two substantially pyrolyzed sections to inhibit subsidence of the formation.

Abstract: A drainage system for accessing multiple subterranean zones from the surface includes an entry well extending from the surface. The system also includes two or more exterior drainage wells extending from the entry well through the subterranean zones. The exterior drainage wells each extend outwardly and downwardly from the entry well for a first selected distance and then extend downwardly in a substantially vertical orientation for a second selected distance.

Abstract: A method and system for surface production of gas from a subterranean zone includes lowering reservoir pressure in an area of a subterranean zone having a medium to low effective permeability through a multi-branching well bore pattern. At least twenty-five percent of the total gas in the area of the subterranean zone is produced within three years of the start of production.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat sources within a relatively thin layer of hydrocarbon material may be positioned in a staggered pattern near to edges of the layer so that superposition of heat from the heat sources allows a large percentage of the layer to reach a desired temperature.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise a temperature of the formation at a selected rate.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise a temperature of the formation at a selected rate.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system may be used to heat a hydrocarbon containing formation. The system may include a conduit placed within an opening in the formation. A conductor may be placed within the conduit. The conductor may provide heat to a portion of the formation. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive material may be coupled to a portion of the conductor in the overburden. The electrically conductive material may lower the electrical resistance of the portion of the conductor in the overburden. Lowering the electrical resistance of the portion of the conductor in the overburden may reduce the heat output of the portion in the overburden. The system may allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation.

Abstract: An improved method for management of by-products from subterranean zones, comprising drilling a first well system into a subterranean zone, wherein the first well system comprises a first drainage pattern. By-product and gas from a first volume of the subterranean zone is removed via the first well system. A second well system is drilled into the subterranean zone, wherein the second well system comprises a second drainage pattern, and by-product is moved from a second volume of the subterranean zone to the first volume of the subterranean zone. Gas is then produced from the second volume of the subterranean zone. Subsequent drainage patterns repeat the process.

Abstract: The invention comprises a high pressure fluid barrier forming an enclosure boundary with respect to overburden and floor strata separated by one or more production strata containing desirable fluidizable deposits and/or potential reaction materials. A centrally located Super Daisy Shaft delivers a highest pressure fluid to the enclosure boundary by way of envelope conduits extending laterally horizontal and/or downward from the Super Daisy Shaft (or a trench from which such conduits may also extend) into the production strata.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean resources from a limited surface area includes a first well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The first well bore includes an angled portion disposed between the target zone and the surface to provide an offset between a surface location of the first well bore and an intersection of the first well bore with the subterranean resource. The system also includes an articulated well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The articulated well bore is offset from the first well bore at the surface and intersects the first well bore proximate the target zone. The system further includes a well bore pattern extending from the intersection of the first well bore and the articulated well bore in the target zone to provide access to the target zone.

Abstract: A description is given of a system for exploiting oilfields, be these either already developed or to be developed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may have a relatively high hydrogen partial pressure, and a large portion of the pressure within the formation may be attributable to hydrogen partial pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method whereby two well locations are employed to find a distribution of points where additional well locations can be found. The distribution of points form an arc defined as a trap slice. This distribution is determined in accordance with the equation An=Ae&thgr; cot &agr; wherein cot &agr; is a constant value determined on the basis of geometric data complied from existing well locations.

Abstract: A template that can be used for drilling subsea wells in proximity at the seafloor is provided. The template is first placed over an existing protuberance above the seafloor, which is usually the conductor casing of an existing well. The template has a plurality of cans or guide slots, of which one has a J-slot that can be engaged by a running tool. The template is placed near the seafloor and plates are released to rest on the seafloor and support the template. After wells are drilled through the slots, the template can be rotated or moved to additional well casings for the drilling of additional wells.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise a temperature of the formation at a selected rate.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean zones from the surface includes a substantially vertical well bore extending from the surface to a target zone, and an articulated well bore extending from the substantially vertical well bore to the target zone. The articulated well bore diverges from the substantially vertical well bore between the surface and the target zone. The system also includes a well bore pattern extending from the articulated well bore in the target zone operable to collect resources from the target zone. The system also includes a subsurface channel operable to communicate resources from the well bore pattern to the substantially vertical well bore. The system further includes a vertical pump disposed in the substantially vertical well bore and operable to lift resources collected in the substantially vertical well bore to the surface.

Abstract: A system for enhanced access to subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore pattern having a first well bore extending from a surface well bore substantially defining a first end of the area in the subterranean zone to a distant end of the area. The pattern also includes a plurality of lateral well bores extending outwardly from the first well bore. The distance from an end of a lateral well bore to the surface well bore may be configured to be substantially equal for each of the lateral well bores to facilitate forming the lateral well bores. The system and method may also include nesting two or more well bore patterns within the subterranean zone to provide uniform coverage of the zone. Additionally, the system and method may include multiple well bore patterns in communication with a common surface well bore to reduce the surface area required for accessing the subterranean zone.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided from one or more heat sources. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a section of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Conditions in a section of the formation may be controlled to produced a desired product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recovery and treatment of underground mineral deposits by multitude of directional and multi-functional wells drilled from the super daisy shaft through which the dynamics and dragging forces of fluid means is developed synergistically with complex rubblization and other techniques, and more particularly where the same wells assist in creation of the pressurized barriers to contain the exploitation field for treatment and recovery of minerals.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may contain condensable hydrocarbons fluids with some nitrogen containing hydrocarbons and/or with some sulfur containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat and pressure applied to the formation may be controlled so that a majority of the hydrocarbons produced from the formation have carbon numbers less than 25. Conditions may be controlled to produce low quantities of olefins in condensable hydrocarbons produced from the formation and low quantities of olefins in non-condensable hydrocarbons produced from the formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The produced mixture may contain condensable hydrocarbons with sulfur containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a method for the surface recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The reservoir can be a formation found in sandstone, carbonate, coal bed or other mineral deposit formations. The method includes drilling a well bore having a first substantially vertical portion and a first substantially horizontal portion, in which the first horizontal portion intersects the subterranean reservoir. A plurality of lateral well bores intersecting and extending from the first horizontal portion of the well bore are drilled. Thereafter, a drainage well bore is drilled below and substantially parallel to the first horizontal portion of the well bore, in which the drainage well bore intersects the first horizontal portion.

Abstract: An improved method for management of by-products from subterranean zones, comprising drilling a first well system into a subterranean zone, wherein the first well system comprises a first drainage pattern. By-product and gas from a first volume of the subterranean zone is removed via the first well system. A second well system is drilled into the subterranean zone, wherein the second well system comprises a second drainage pattern, and by-product is moved from a second volume of the subterranean zone to the first volume of the subterranean zone. Gas is then produced from the second volume of the subterranean zone. Subsequent drainage patterns repeat the process.

Abstract: A process for in situ gasification of mineral oil in a subterranean formation comprises running a tool having a controllable thermal device therein from a surface production facility down to the subterranean formation, bringing said tool into operational proximity with the mineral oil in said subterranean formation, and activating the tool to operate the thermal device within a predetermined temperature range to generate gases or oily vapours from said mineral oil, which permits either an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method with reduced water contamination, or a gas production process (GPP) which is useful in reducing environmental risks normally associated with transport of crude oil.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation mixtures may be produced from the formation. The produced mixture may include a hydrocarbon component. The hydrocarbon component may include a relatively low weight percentage of compounds having carbon numbers greater than 25. The hydrocarbon component may include oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds and a relatively low amount of olefins.

Abstract: The remediation treatment creates environmentally neutral species from hydrocarbon contaminants. For soils having a low porosity, fissures are created in the site by, for example, fluid, i.e., hydraulic or pneumatic, fracturing. A catalyst is injected into the site and is permitted to diffuse through the site. An oxidizing agent is then introduced into the site to release a free radical in a Fenton-type reaction. The compounds react to release a free radical, which acts upon the contaminants to form environmentally neutral species. Diffusion of both compounds is aided by turbulence induced in the groundwater. A pH-adjusting compound is added to optimize reaction conditions. Reaction vapors are collected above ground, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere, reducing the chance for gas pressure buildup and possibly dangerous, potentially explosive conditions.

Abstract: A method of stimulating coalbed methane production by injecting gas into a producer and subsequently placing die producer back on production is described. A decrease in water production may also result The increase in gas production and decrease in water production may result from: (1) die displacement of water from die producer by gas; (2) die establishment of a mobile gas saturation at an extended distance into the coalbed, extending outward from the producer; and (3) the reduction in coalbed methane partial pressure between the coal matrix and die coal's cleat system.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reservoir undergoing secondary recovery is subject to a first and then at least a second gravity gradient survey in which a gravity gradiometer takes gradient measurements on the surface above the reservoir to define successive data sets. The differences between the first and subsequent gravity gradient survey yields information as to sub-surface density changes consequent to displacement of the hydrocarbon and the replacement thereof by the driveout fluid including the position, morphology, and velocity of the interface between the hydrocarbon to be recovered and the driveout fluid.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: A method of stimulating coalbed methane production by injecting gas into a producer and subsequently placing the producer back on production is described. A decrease in water production may also result. The increase in gas production and decrease in water production may result from: (1) the displacement of water from the producer by gas; (2) the establishment of a mobile gas saturation at an extended distance into the coalbed, extending outward from the producer; and (3) the reduction in coalbed methane partial pressure between the coal matrix and the coal's cleat system.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean zones from the surface includes a substantially vertical well bore extending from the surface to a target zone, and an articulated well bore extending from the substantially vertical well bore to the target zone. The articulated well bore diverges from the substantially vertical well bore between the surface and the target zone. The system also includes a well bore pattern extending from the articulated well bore in the target zone operable to collect resources from the target zone. The system also includes a subsurface channel operable to communicate resources from the well bore pattern to the substantially vertical well bore. The system further includes a vertical pump disposed in the substantially vertical well bore and operable to lift resources collected in the substantially vertical well bore to the surface.

Abstract: A well configuration is provided comprising an injection well (102) completed relatively high in an oil reservoir (100) and a production well (103-106) completed relatively low in the reservoir (100). The production well has a horizontal leg (107) oriented generally perpendicularly to a generally linear and laterally extending, upright combustion front propagated from the injection well (102). The leg (107) is positioned in the path of the advancing front. Oil upgrading catalyst has been emplaced along the horizontal leg. The production well (103-106) is maintained open, thereby providing a low pressure sink which induces the front to advance along the leg. The hot combustion gases react with the commingled oil over the catalyst to provide in situ upgrading.