Abstract: A method for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a laterally extending wellbore therein may include supplying radio frequency (RF) power at a settable frequency from an RF radiator positioned within the laterally extending wellbore to heat the hydrocarbon resource and start formation of a steam bubble adjacent the laterally extending wellbore while sensing an impedance matching value of the RF radiator. The method may also include lowering the settable frequency at least one time based upon the sensed impedance matching value as the steam bubble grows. The frequency may rise after the steam bubble is formed and induction heating operation occurs.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a thermothickening composition comprising: a surfactant; and a thermothickening polymer that is the product of at least the following monomers: a non-ionic hydrosoluble unsaturated amide monomer; an ionic monomer; and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid half ester having a heat sensitive functional group.

Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna positioned within the wellbore. The RF antenna may include a superconductive material. The device may include an RF source configured to supply RF power to the RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources.

Abstract: A cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprises: a calcium aluminate cement; water; an organic acid; and a polymeric mixture comprising: (A) water; (B) citric acid; (C) a first polymer, wherein the first polymer: (i) comprises a cellulose backbone and carboxymethyl functional groups; and (ii) has a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and (D) a second polymer, wherein the second polymer: (i) comprises a lignosulfonate; and (ii) has a molecular weight of less than 100,000, wherein a test composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; the organic acid; and the polymeric mixture, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition has a thickening time of at least 5 hours at a temperature of 300° F. (148.9° C.) and a pressure of 10,000 psi (68.9 MPa).

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat solvent within a subterranean region wherein the heated solvent, vapor, contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O and sulfur hexafluoride within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O and sulfur hexafluoride contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A method is described for installing a geothermal heat loop in the ground so that the heat loop extends downwardly and outwardly into the ground from a pit dug in the ground. The method also includes the utilization of means for extending the heat loop through a drilled bore hole.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat to or from a downhole element comprising contacting a downhole fluid comprising a fluid medium, and a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being uniformly dispersed in the downhole fluid, to a downhole element inserted in a downhole environment. A method of cooling a downhole element, and a method of drilling a borehole are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through said aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recovering and using geothermal energy. Such methods include at least partially vaporizing a working fluid by passing it through a flow loop that at least partially extends into a heated subterranean zone and employing the vaporized working fluid to power a turbine. At least a portion of the flow loop can comprise a depleted or partially depleted hydrocarbon well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some method include providing heat to a section of the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation, allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to heat a portion of the section to a selected temperature to generate an in situ deasphalting fluid in the section, contacting at least a portion of the in situ deasphalting fluid with hydrocarbons in the section to remove at least some asphaltenes from the hydrocarbons in the section, and producing at least a portion of the deasphalted hydrocarbons from the formation. The in situ deasphalting fluid may include hydrocarbons having a boiling range distribution between 35° C. and 260° C. at 0.101 MPa. A majority of the hydrocarbons in the section may have a boiling point greater than 260° C. at 0.101 MPa.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for making an electromagnetic induction survey of a formation surrounding a cased section of a borehole. An electromagnetic transmitter and/or receiver are deployed into the cased section of the borehole. One or more additional devices are used to measure the properties of a conductive casing relating to conductivity, thickness and magnetic permeability. A casing coefficient is then calculated that can then be used for the processing of the deep-sensing induction measurements.

Abstract: A method for using RF energy to facilitate the production of oil from formations separated from the RF energy source by a rock stratum comprises operating an antenna to transmit RF energy into a hydrocarbon formation, the hydrocarbon formation comprised of a first hydrocarbon portion above and adjacent to the antenna, a second hydrocarbon portion above the first hydrocarbon portion, and a rock stratum between the first hydrocarbon portion and the second hydrocarbon portion. The operation of the antenna heats water in the hydrocarbon formation to produce steam in the hydrocarbon formation, and the steam heats hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon formation and fractures the rock stratum to produce fissures in the rock stratum. The heated hydrocarbons in the second hydrocarbon portion flows into the first hydrocarbon portion through the fissures in the rock stratum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some method include providing heat to a section of the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation, allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to heat a portion of the section to a selected temperature to generate an in situ deasphalting fluid in the section, contacting at least a portion of the in situ deasphalting fluid with hydrocarbons in the section to remove at least some asphaltenes from the hydrocarbons in the section, and producing at least a portion of the deasphalted hydrocarbons from the formation. The in situ deasphalting fluid may include hydrocarbons having a boiling range distribution between 35° C. and 260° C. at 0.101 MPa. A majority of the hydrocarbons in the section may have a boiling point greater than 260° C. at 0.101 MPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transfer of heat energy in a well logging tool, where a variable heat flow from a chamber for electronics via a thermovalve is transmitted into a heat sink consisting of cooled metal, thereby establishing an approximately constant temperature in the chamber for electronics. The device comprises an electronics modular unit and a heat sink modular unit, which modular units are connected via an intermediate section, where a heat-regulating thermovalve provides heat conduction between a conical piston and a conical piston seat, for transferring heat energy.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: A gas generator has an elongate combustion housing shaped to fit within a borehole for generating gasses in the borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The gas generator includes a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments that surround the elongate combustion housing, each of the annular cooling jacket segments having an inlet port and an outlet port for allowing water to flow therethrough. A plurality of apertures through the elongate combustion housing allow water to flow from the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments into the elongate combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method of deploying a downhole article comprising a shape memory material, the shape memory material comprising a nanoparticle having greater thermal conductivity than an identical shape memory material but without the nanoparticle; the method comprising heating the article while in a compacted state to change the article to a non-compacted state. A method of deploying the downhole article where the article is a packer element is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the control system having plural control devices that are connected to a network, and control objects different from each other, an engine control device, a meter control device, and an AT control device, which are second control devices store a control volume computation procedure for computing the control volume of a pre-determined control among controls made by the engine control device which is a first control device, therein. The engine control device compares the control volume related to the pre-determined control computed by the engine control device with the control volume related to the pre-determined control computed by the meter control device. If a comparison result is different, the engine control device again compares the control volume with the control volume related to the pre-determined control computed by the AT control device, and controls an object to be controlled by the engine control device according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. A viscosity of one or more zones of the hydrocarbon layer is assessed. The heating rates in the zones are varied based on the assessed viscosities. The heating rate in a first zone of the formation is greater than the heating rate in a second zone of the formation if the viscosity in the first zone is greater than the viscosity in the second zone. Fluids are produced from the formation through the production wells.

Abstract: A method for cooling a downhole gas generator that includes a combustion housing and a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments. A flow of water is provided into inlet ports, and out of outlet ports, of each of the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments, for cooling the downhole gas generator. The flow of water into the inlet ports, and out of the outlet ports is regulated to provide optimal cooling of the downhole gas generator, and to also optimize the flow of water through the plurality of apertures of the combustion housing and into the combustion chamber, to minimize heat damage to the combustion housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to systems and methods of recovering oil from a formation. In operation, a steam chamber develops as a result of steam injection into the formation and the recovery of fluids including the oil through a production well. An auxiliary well spaced in a lateral direction from the production well helps ensure development of the steam chamber as desired. The auxiliary well may enable heating of the formation through establishing an electric potential between the auxiliary well and the production well or by resistive heating of material forming the auxiliary well. Further, the auxiliary well may provide a flow path for solvent or gas injection to facilitate the recovery through the production well.

Abstract: The present method produces treated water from a direct steam generator. The method begins by injecting water into a direct steam generator. The injected water is then vaporized with the direct steam generator to produce steam and an effluent stream. The combustible water impurities in the water are then combusted inside a chamber in the direct steam generator and the solid particles are removed from the effluent stream to produce a treated stream.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a clathrate reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a natural gas hydrate reservoir.

Abstract: A process to enhance secondary recovery of underground formations having heavy hydrocarbons through the use of a horizontal source well and a producing well. The horizontal source well is equipped with a plurality of microwave source emitters and the producing well is equipped with an artificial lift system. The horizontal source well is positioned within close proximity to the underground hydrocarbon formation and microwave energy is emitted from the microwave source emitters into the underground hydrocarbon formation. The microwave radiation heats up the heavy hydrocarbons, thereby lowering their viscosity, which allows the hydrocarbons to more easily flow into the producing well.

Abstract: A method for heating/removing and/or preventing solids in onshore or subsea pipe or wellbore tubular includes pumping a solution or suspension containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) and/or CNT based derivatives into the pipe or wellbore to a position proximate the solids and applying electromagnetic energy or electric current at one or more selected frequencies to the pipe proximate the solution. The pipe or wellbore tubular itself may be pre-coated with carbon nanotube containing material and exposed to radio frequency energy, microwaves, and electric current upon formation of solids therein.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. 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 the temperature of portion at a selected rate during pyrolysis of hydrocarbons within the formation. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A well screen assembly for use in a wellbore comprises a base pipe comprising one or more fluid passageways, and a shape-memory alloy disposed about the base pipe. The one or more fluid passageways are configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of the base pipe and a central flowbore, and the shape-memory alloy is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state in response to a trigger.

Abstract: A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well.

Abstract: For SAGD operations, an apparatus and method of stripping and cooling tubing is provided by a cooling chamber where tubing and associated equipment can be safely exposed to a coolant fluid before significant handling. A telescoping chamber with a work window permits cables to be detached from tubing during stripping. Coolant may be Nitrogen or similarly inert fluid.

Abstract: A method of producing reservoir fluids from a condensate gas reservoir traversed by a production well includes the formation of a protrusion into natural gas bearing rock along a producing interval of the reservoir. A heater element is placed into the protrusion and configured for operation. Reservoir fluids are produced from the producing interval while the heater element heats the natural gas bearing rock proximate the heater element. The heat supplied by the heater element reduces condensate build up in the natural gas bearing rock adjacent the production well during production. The heater element is configured to heat the natural gas bearing rock that is proximate the heater element to a temperature that is sufficient to vaporize and/or reduce the viscosity of condensate that is proximate the heater element. A related system is also described.

Abstract: A device for transporting and upgrading a hydrocarbon resource may include a pair of pipeline segments configured to transport the hydrocarbon resource therethrough and a radio frequency (RF) upgrading device. The RF upgrading device may include an RF applicator comprising an inner tubular dielectric coupler between the pair of pipeline segments, and an electrically conductive outer housing surrounding the inner tubular dielectric coupler. The RF upgrading device may also include an RF source coupled to the electrically conductive outer housing and having an operating frequency and power to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource.

Abstract: One embodiment of the method includes providing an electrically conductive first member in a wellbore located in a subsurface formation, and also providing an electrically conductive second member in the wellbore. The method also includes providing an electrically conductive granular material in the wellbore. The granular material is positioned so as to provide an electrical connection between the first member and the second member. An electrical current is established across the first member, the granular material and the second member so as to generate resistive heat within the granular material. The surrounding subsurface formation is thereby conductively heated so as to cause formation hydrocarbons in the formation to be heated, and in some cases, pyrolyzed to form hydrocarbon fluids. Preferably, the subsurface formation is an organic-rich rock formation, including, for example, an oil shale formation.

Abstract: A method of transferring heat to or from a downhole element comprising contacting a downhole fluid comprising a fluid medium, and a nanoparticle, the nanoparticle being uniformly dispersed in the downhole fluid, to a downhole element inserted in a downhole environment. A method of cooling a downhole element, and a method of drilling a borehole are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining at least one parameter of a fluid in a well are provided. The system has a downhole system deployable into the well, and sensor elements to measure fluid parameter(s) of the fluid in the well. Each of the sensor elements is provided with a base and sensors. The base is positionable on the coiled tubing system about the injection port. The sensors are positionable in the base. Each of the sensors are thermally isolated from each other, and are capable of operating as both a heater to heat the fluid, and as a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the fluid. The sensors are operatively interchangeable such that the sensors may selectively heat and measure the temperature of the fluid whereby fluid parameters of the fluid are determined.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation. The method principally has application to subsurface formations comprising organic-rich rock that is to be heated in situ. Heating the organic-rich rock pyrolyzes solid hydrocarbons into hydrocarbon fluids. The method includes identifying sections along the wellbore where the organic richness of formation rock within the identified zones varies over short distances. Such variance presents a risk of mechanical failure to downhole equipment. The method further includes strengthening the downhole equipment in at least one of the identified sections.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving recovery from a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir are described. A method includes drilling a horizontal well in a zone proximate to a contiguous section of cap rock over a reservoir interval. A refrigerant is flowed through the horizontal well to freeze water in the zone, forming a freeze wall in contact with the contiguous section of cap rock. A chamber is formed above the reservoir interval, wherein the chamber includes the contiguous section of cap rock and at least one freeze wall.

Abstract: A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: a substance, wherein the substance: (A) is a plastic; and (B) undergoes a phase transition at a phase transition temperature, wherein the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device is increased or allowed to increase to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the phase transition temperature. A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprises: causing or allowing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device to increase; and allowing at least a portion of the substance to undergo the phase transformation. A method of inhibiting or preventing fluid flow in a wellbore comprises: decreasing the temperature of at least a portion of the wellbore; positioning the wellbore isolation device in the at least a portion of the wellbore; and causing or allowing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device to increase.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: a first composition, wherein the first composition comprises: (A) a first substance; and (B) a second substance, wherein the first composition has a solid-liquid phase transformation temperature less than the solid-liquid phase transformation temperatures of at least the first substance or the second substance at a specific pressure. A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprises: increasing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device; and allowing at least a portion of the first composition to undergo a phase transformation from a solid to a liquid. A method of inhibiting or preventing fluid flow in a wellbore comprises: decreasing the temperature of at least a portion of the wellbore; positioning the wellbore isolation device in the at least a portion of the wellbore; and increasing the temperature of the at least a portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of treating an oil shale formation in situ includes allowing a temperature of a portion of the formation to decrease. The portion has previously undergone an in situ heat treatment process. A first fluid is injected into a part of the portion and a second fluid is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method is for conveying bitumen or heavy oil in a deposit is provided. The bitumen or very heavy oil is liquefied by way of an inductive conductor loop as a heater and is led away using an extraction pipe, wherein the conductor loop and the extraction pipe are disposed relative to one another such that the heating and thus extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil is maximized. To this end, one of the conductors of the conductor loop is disposed substantially vertically above the extraction pipe.

Abstract: A radial rotary dryer improves drying efficiency for sludge and other substances, prevents clogging phenomenon, and is realized in a simple structure. The radial rotary dryer includes spaces formed by inner and outer drums and partitioned by a plurality of radial plates. The substances, which have been introduced through a drum inlet together with hot blowing air, sequentially move throughout all spaces and are dried during drum rotation. The substances are discharged through an opposite side of the inner drum. A lift plate is attached at one surface of each radial plate to improve the drying efficiency. Hammers are attached to an opposite surface of the radial plate to free-fall according to the rotation of the drum, thereby crushing the substances. The radial rotary dryer is useful to dry sewage sludge, food waste, or other industrial substances with the best drying efficiency, the minimum installation space, and a crushing function.

Abstract: A downhole heated fluid generation system includes: a plurality of subsystems, including an air subsystem having an air compressor or an air flow control valve, a fuel subsystem having a fuel compressor or a fuel flow control valve, a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor coupled to at least one of the plurality of subsystems to provide a heated fluid into at least one of a wellbore or a subterranean zone; and a controller operable to: receiving an input indicative of a desired flow rate of the heated fluid; receiving an input indicative of a desired quality of the heated fluid; determining a virtual flow rate of the heated fluid based, at least in part, on the input indicative of the desired flow rate; and controlling the plurality of subsystems with the virtual flow rate of the heated fluid.

Abstract: A method for spacing heater wells for an in situ conversion process includes the steps of determining a direction along which thermal energy will travel most efficiently through a subsurface formation, and completing a plurality of heater wells in the subsurface formation, with the heater wells being spaced farther apart in the determined direction than in a direction transverse to the determined direction. In one aspect, the step of determining a direction along which thermal energy will travel most efficiently is performed based upon a review of geological data pertaining to the subsurface formation. The geological data may comprise the direction of least horizontal principal stress in the subsurface formation. Alternatively, the geological data may comprise the direction of bedding in the subsurface formation, the tilt of the subsurface formation relative to the surface topography, the organic carbon content of the kerogen, the initial formation permeability, and other factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting methane from methane hydrates, comprising the following steps: feeding carbon dioxide to the methane hydrate deposits; allowing the carbon dioxide to take effect on the methane hydrate to release methane and store the carbon dioxide as carbon dioxide hydrate; and removing the released methane, characterized in that the fed carbon dioxide is supercritical carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of a subsurface formation. Heat may transfer from one or more heaters to a part of a formation. Heat from the one or more heat sources may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in a part of a subsurface formation. Hydrocarbons and/or other products may be produced from a subsurface formation. Apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation are described.