Placing Preheated Fluid Into Formation Patents (Class 166/303)
  • Publication number: 20110017455
    Abstract: A process for increasing the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery from an underground formation containing viscous hydrocarbons through the use of both gravity drainage and mobile water drive. The process comprises a pair of vertically-spaced horizontal wells and a laterally offset horizontal well. A heated fluid is injected into the formation via a first well pair, and an adjacent horizontal well creates a pressure sink to draw the heated fluid laterally to assist growth of the formation drainage area for hydrocarbon recovery improvement. Injected fluids recovered from both producers are collected for recycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Anh Ngoc Duong
  • Patent number: 7874350
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO2. The cooled combustion product stream may be injected into oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pfefferle
  • Patent number: 7866389
    Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes separating air into a nitrogen-rich gas and an oxygen-rich gas, oxidizing a hydrocarbon fuel with at least part of the oxygen-rich gas to produce steam and a CO2-rich gas, injecting at least part of the steam through an injection well into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons, purging the injection well with at least part of the nitrogen-rich gas, and injecting at least part of the CO2-rich gas into the reservoir containing the heated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Errico De Francesco, Pietro Di Zanno, Denis Cieutat, Guillaume De-Smedt
  • Patent number: 7861770
    Abstract: A system is provided for injecting an injection fluid into an earth formation via a wellbore formed in the earth formation and for producing hydrocarbon fluid from the earth formation via the wellbore. The system comprises an injection conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with a plurality of outlet ports for injection fluid, and a production conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with at least one inlet section for hydrocarbon fluid. The injection conduit is arranged to prevent fluid communication between the injection conduit and each said inlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Felix Antonio Ascanio Milano, Alexander Michiel Mollinger, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac
  • Patent number: 7857056
    Abstract: An economic method for in situ maturing and production of oil shale or other deep-lying, impermeable resources containing immobile hydrocarbons. Vertical fractures are created using horizontal or vertical wells. The same or other wells are used to inject pressurized fluids heated to less than approximately 370° C., and to return the cooled fluid for reheating and recycling. The heat transferred to the oil shale gradually matures the kerogen to oil and gas as the temperature in the shale is brought up, and also promotes permeability within the shale in the form of small fractures sufficient to allow the shale to flow into the well fractures where the product is collected commingled with the heating fluid and separated out before the heating fluid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, William A. Symington
  • Patent number: 7849921
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Patent number: 7845406
    Abstract: A system and series of methods, which utilize Geopressured-Geothermal (GPGT) energy for the enhanced recovery of formation crude oil. The system is designed to interface with a conversion system which concentrates the GPGT brine while recovering H2O distillate and gas, e.g., as taught by Nitschke in U.S. Pat. Re. 36,282. The system promotes enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from an oil formation via steamflood and optional gas injection, powered by the GPGT gas and using the recovered H2O distillate for source water. The system optionally reuses the bulk of the injected EOR fluids via thermal regeneration and volume replenishing, alleviating disposal costs and environmental stresses. The system manages the concentrated GPGT brine byproduct by optionally producing solid salt for sale, flowing to an appropriate end-user, or disposing in a suitable subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: George Nitschke
  • Patent number: 7841407
    Abstract: Methods of generating subsurface heat for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. The methods include providing a stream that includes water to a plurality of wellbores. Fuel and oxidant is provided to one or more flameless distributed combustors positioned in at least one of the wellbores. The fuel and oxidant is mixed to form a fuel/oxidant mixture. At least a portion of the mixture is flamelessly combusted in at least one of the flameless distributed combustors to generate heat. The fuel includes at least 0.1% hydrogen sulfide by volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Jingyu Cui, Stanley Nemec Milam, Michael Anthony Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20100288497
    Abstract: A system and process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden. The system comprises an energy delivery subsystem to heat the body of oil shale and a hydrocarbon gathering subsystem for gathering hydrocarbons retorted from the body of oil shale. The energy delivery subsystem comprises at least one energy delivery well drilled from the surface of the earth through the overburden to a depth proximate a bottom of the body of oil shale, the energy delivery well extending generally downward from a surface location above a proximal end of the body of oil shale to be retorted and continuing proximate the bottom of the body of oil shale. The energy delivery well may extend into the body of oil shale at an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICAN SHALE OIL, LLC
    Inventors: Alan K. Burnham, Roger L. Day, P. Henrick Wallman, James R. McConaghy, Harry Gordon Harris, Paul Lerwick, R. Glenn Vawter
  • Patent number: 7832482
    Abstract: A system for producing fluids from a subterranean zone comprises a tubing string disposed in a well bore, the tubing string adapted to communicate fluids from the subterranean zone to a ground surface. A downhole fluid lift system is operable to lift fluids towards the ground surface. A downhole fluid heater is disposed in the well bore and is operable to vaporize a liquid in the well bore. A seal between the downhole fluid lift system and the downhole fluid heater is operable to isolate a portion of the well bore containing the downhole fluid lift system from a portion of the well bore containing the downhole fluid heater. A method comprises: disposing a tubing string in a well bore; generating vapor in the well bore; and lifting fluids from the subterranean zone to a ground surface through the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Jody R. McGlothen, David Steele
  • Patent number: 7832484
    Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes a conduit located in an opening in the subsurface formation. An insulated conductor is located in the conduit. A material is in the conduit between a portion of the insulated conductor and a portion of the conduit. The material may be a salt. The material is a fluid at operating temperature of the heating system. Heat transfers from the insulated conductor to the fluid, from the fluid to the conduit, and from the conduit to the subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Vinh Nguyen, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Publication number: 20100276147
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20100276148
    Abstract: Combustion gases with relatively high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), steam, and/or hot water, may be used to improve recovery of heavy hydrocarbons from geologic formations and/or from surface mined materials. These gases reduce the viscosity and/or increase hydrocarbon extraction rates through improvements in thermal efficiency and/or higher rates of heat delivery for a given combustor an capital investment. Such high water/CO2 content combustion gases can be formed by adding water to combustion gases formed by burning fuel. The pressure to inject the combustion gases and extract heavy hydrocarbons may be provided by diverting high pressure expanded gases from wet combustion in a gas turbine, or by reducing the pressure drop across a turbine and using the expanded hot gases for extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: VAST POWER PORTFOLIO, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Wylie, L. Allan McGuire, David L. Hagen, Gary D. Ginter
  • Publication number: 20100258315
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil/tar sands. The method includes the steps of forming a hole in a body of oil or tar sand, positioning an apertured sleeve within the hole to minimize fill-in of the sand, positioning a gas inlet conduit into the apertured sleeve, and introducing a heated, pressurized processing gas into the sleeve through the gas inlet conduit, such that the heated, pressurized processing gas penetrates into the sand through the apertures, thereby converting bitumen within the sand into hydrocarbonaceous products. The processing gas and hydrocarbonaceous products are withdrawn as effluent gas through the hole under relative negative pressure. The apertured sleeve may be installed in sections into the hole as the hole is formed. The apertures in the sleeve may be holes with a circular or other geometry or elongate cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: General Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Lockhart, Ron McQueen
  • Publication number: 20100258317
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from a combustor may be routed through a heat exchanger to produce the processing gas, the composition of which may be adjusted so that it contains approximately 1% oxygen or less. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products. Various physical parameters may be adjusted to vary the recovery of crude oil or other products or contaminants from the effluent gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: General Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Lockhart, Ron McQueen
  • Publication number: 20100258316
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. The effluent gas is maintained under a negative pressure from the hole and through the initial and subsequent condensation steps. This provides numerous advantages, including the adjustment of various physical parameters during the extraction process. Such adjustment allows the ratio of oils types to be varied, the ratio of hydrocarbonaceous products to non-crude products to be varied, contamination control, and other disclosed advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: General Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Lockhart, Ron McQueen
  • Publication number: 20100258308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for integrating water between an in-situ bitumen recovery operation and a bitumen mining operation for improving efficiencies and synergies there between. A method of integrating water between a bitumen mining and extraction operation and an in-situ bitumen recovery operation comprises a) providing water associated with the bitumen mining and extraction operation; and b) directing the water, or boiler feed water or steam generated therefrom, to the in-situ bitumen recovery operation for use therein. Steam generated is used to assist in bitumen recovery at the in-situ facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Brian C. Speirs, James Andrew Dunn
  • Patent number: 7810565
    Abstract: An embodiment is an apparatus for generating a driver gas, for recovering fluid from the Earth's subsurface. The apparatus includes a fuel reformer, adapted to react a fuel with water to produce carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas; a compressor, adapted to compress a portion of the carbon dioxide gas and a portion of the hydrogen gas; a gas injection unit, adapted to inject the portion of the carbon dioxide gas and the portion of the hydrogen gas compressed by the compressor, into a subsurface reservoir; a gas capture unit, adapted to capture a portion of the carbon dioxide gas and the hydrogen gas, that emerges from the subsurface reservoir; and a control module capable of using subsurface data to regulate operation of the gas injection unit. The apparatus may also include a power generator adapted to utilize a portion of the hydrogen gas to generate power, hence producing electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zubrin, Mark H. Berggren, Douwe Bruinsma
  • Publication number: 20100224369
    Abstract: A method for recovering energy in-situ from underground resources such as coal and upgrading such energy above ground, comprising a first step consisting of injecting a hot recycling gas through said resource to devolatilize it to produce a raw hydrogen rich gas and an in-situ residual hot char wherein said hydrogen rich gas is brought above ground and is treated to become a cleaned, upgraded hydrogen rich gas serving as a feedstock to make a chemical and/or transportation fuel, and a second step consisting of injecting a waste greenhouse gas like carbon dioxide (CO2) plus an oxidant such as air into said hot char to convert said CO2 into CO+N2 which is brought above ground and treated to form a clean lean gas which can be beneficially used to: (i) generate efficient electric power, (ii) heat the hydrogen rich recycle gas, and (iii) make a needed by-product such as fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Terry James Laubis
  • Publication number: 20100224370
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and means of injecting hot fluids into a hydrocarbon formation using a combustion and steam generating device installed at or near the well-head of an injector well. The various embodiments are directed generally to substantially increasing energy efficiency of thermal recovery operations by efficiently utilizing the energy of the combustion products and waste heat from the generator. The generator apparatuses can be installed at the well-head which, in turn, can be located close to the producing formation. The combustion products may be injected into a well along with steam or sequestered at another location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: OSUM OIL SANDS CORP
    Inventors: Frank Wegner Donnelly, Michael H. Kobler, John D. Watson, Dana Brock, Andrew Squires
  • Publication number: 20100212904
    Abstract: Methods and processes for in-situ stimulation of hydrocarbon containing formations using energy to expand in-situ liquid hydrocarbons, thus rejuvenating naturally occurring fractures. In some embodiments, the energy is supplied as heat from injection of an oxygen containing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Billman
  • Patent number: 7779914
    Abstract: A process for emulsifying and burning a portion of heavy oil extracted from an underground reservoir, wherein the emulsified heavy oil is burned to generate steam and a caustic is used to aid in emulsifying the heavy oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Edward G. Latimer
  • Publication number: 20100206570
    Abstract: A method for heating a subsurface formation includes applying heat from a plurality of heaters to at least a portion of the subsurface formation. A portion of one or more of the heaters are allowed to move relative to the heaters respective wellhead using sliding seals to accommodate thermal expansion of the heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Ernesto Rafael Fonseca Ocampos, James Joseph Venditto, Renfang Richard Cao, Ronald Marshall Bass, Scott Vinh Nguyen, Antonio Maria Guimaraes Leite Cruz, Damodaran Raghu, Jaime Santos Son
  • Patent number: 7770646
    Abstract: A downhole burner for a steam generator includes an injector and a cooling liner. Steam enters the burner through holes in the cooling liner. Combustion occurring within the cooling liner heats the steam and increases its quality and may superheat it. The heated, high-quality steam and combustion products exit the burner and enter an oil-bearing formation to upgrade and improve the mobility of heavy crude oils held in the formation. The injector includes a face plate, a cover plate, an oxidizer distribution manifold plate, and a fuel distribution manifold plate. The cooling liner has an effusion cooling section and effusion cooling and jet mixing section. The effusion cooling section includes effusion holes for injecting steam along the cooling liner surface to protect the liner. The effusion cooling and jet mixing section has both effusion holes and mixing holes for injecting steam further toward central portions of the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: World Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Klassen, Ponnuthurai Gokulakrishnan, Casey Fuller, Andrew Hamer, Charles H. Ware, John E. Langdon
  • Patent number: 7770643
    Abstract: The recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon bearing rock, sands or other geological materials (collectively “rock”) uses a recovery fluid. In certain embodiments, the recovery fluid includes miscible compounds or an azeotrope-forming mixture (including an azeotrope), used alone or with other compositions. Two or more compounds in the recovery fluid yield a mixture with different and/or improved characteristics over those of one or more of the component compounds in both liquid and vapor states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rory Dennis Daussin
  • Patent number: 7740708
    Abstract: A reservoir cleaning, treating and/or stimulation system allows the operator to control the speed and pressure of delivery of the treating fluid into the reservoir and remove or dissolve sediment particles settled in the reservoir or the reservoir formation. The system uses a thermal heater capable of heating the treating fluid from ambient temperature to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. A charge pump mounted on an intake side of the heater forces the treating fluid through the heater, while the treating fluid passes through the tubing of the heater. The heated treating fluid is channeled to a discharge pump on an outlet side of the heater, where the treating fluid is pressurized to a value sufficient to overcome the pressure existing within the reservoir and cause displacement or dissolution of the sediment in the reservoir. A flow meter mounted between the heater and the charge pump regulates the volume of the treating fluid being admitted into the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: Dana Wayne Lofton, Thurman Eddie Lofton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100139922
    Abstract: A process for emulsifying and burning a portion of heavy oil extracted from an underground reservoir is disclosed, wherein the emulsified heavy oil is burned to generate steam and a caustic is used to aid in emulsifying the heavy oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Edward G. Latimer
  • Patent number: 7730945
    Abstract: Methods of using geothermal energy to treat subsurface formations are described herein. Methods for using geothermal energy to treat a subsurface treatment area containing or proximate to hydrocarbons may include producing geothermally heated fluid from at least one subsurface region. Heat from at least a portion of the geothermally heated fluid may be transferred to the subsurface treatment area to heat the subsurface treatment area. At least some hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Roelof Pieterson, Joseph Michael Boyles, Peter Ulrich Diebold
  • Patent number: 7730958
    Abstract: This invention teaches methods and compositions to enhance oil and gas recovery from reservoirs. The methods and compositions disclosed enhance hydrocarbon recovery and fluid disposal in subterranean reservoirs by injecting microemulsion fluids with supercritical fluids, water, or an alternating injection phase of each fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Publication number: 20100101794
    Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon formation includes providing heat to the hydrocarbon formation from a plurality of heaters. The heat transfers from the heaters so that at least a section the formation reaches a selected temperature. The section includes hydrocarbons having an API gravity below 10°. A solution including water is provided to the section. A temperature of the solution is at least 250° C. A pressure of the formation is maintained such that the water remains a liquid at 250° C. At least a some of the hydrocarbons in the section having an API gravity below 10° are contacted to produce hydrocarbon fluids. The hydrocarbon fluids in the section are mobilized. The hydrocarbon fluids include hydrocarbons having an API gravity of at least 10°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Charles Ryan
  • Patent number: 7703519
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen and extracting heavy oil from underground reserves is provided. This method includes providing a carbon monoxide source stream and a water vapor stream to a first reactor, wherein the first reactor comprises a water shift reactor and a membrane-type separation device. This method also includes separating the products of the water shift reactor, thereby producing at least a hydrogen-rich stream, and a high pressure off-gas stream. This method also includes providing the high pressure off-gas stream and an oxidant stream to a combustion chamber. This method also includes combusting the oxidant stream and the high pressure off-gas stream as at least part of a combustion cycle thereby producing a hot injection gas stream. This method also includes combining the hot injection gas stream with a liquid water stream, wherein the combined stream may be used to heat the underground reserve sufficiently to release petroleum hydrocarbons therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Errico De Francesco
  • Patent number: 7703513
    Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. A material including wax may be introduced into one or more wellbores. The material introduced into two or more wells may mix in the formation and congeal to form a barrier to fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ernest E. Carter, Jaime Santos Son, Taixu Bai, Mohamad Fereydoon Khoda Verdian
  • Publication number: 20100089586
    Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation includes providing heat to a first portion of the formation using a heater. The heating section of the heater is at least partially located in a substantially horizontal or inclined portion of a wellbore and is located in or proximate to a hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. The heating section has a length that is at most 1/2 the length of the horizontal or inclined portion of the wellbore. At least a portion of the heating section in the wellbore is moved such that heat is provided to a second portion of the formation. The second portion is horizontally displaced from the first portion of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: John Andrew Stanecki
  • Patent number: 7681643
    Abstract: A process for conditioning of wastewater treatment brines for deep well injection during recovery of heavy hydrocarbon oils in situ. High pressure steam is used to mobilize oil, which is recovered in a mixture of oil and produced water. The produced water is pre-treated by removing residual oil. The remaining water is acidified and steam stripped to remove non-hydroxide alkalinity and non-condensable gases, and is then fed to a crystallizing evaporator, where it is evaporated from a circulating brine slurry to produce (1) a distillate stream having a trace amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown stream containing, as dissolved or suspended solids, substantially all of the solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate stream is used as boiler feedwater, either directly or after polishing. The evaporator blowdown is conditioned to remove substantially all suspended solids and to produce a clear brine solution for deep well injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Publication number: 20100051280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing intelligent completion design for a reservoir within a field having at least one wellsite with a steam injection well penetrating a subterranean formation of the field for extracting fluid from the reservoir therein. The method involves obtaining measurement data of the subterranean formation associated with the steam injection well, generating, using a processor of a computer, a reservoir model based on the measurement data, determining, using the processor, a geological profile adjacent to the steam injection well using the reservoir model, identifying, using the processor, a location along the steam injection well based on the geological profile according to a pre-determined criteria, and defining and storing, using the processor, a steam injection configuration based on the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Farrukh AKRAM
  • Patent number: 7665525
    Abstract: A method for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO2. The cooled combustion product stream may be into an oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pfefferle
  • Patent number: 7654322
    Abstract: A system including a mechanism for recovering oil and/or gas from an underground formation, the oil and/or gas comprising one or more sulfur compounds; a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur compounds from the recovered oil and/or gas into a carbon disulfide formulation; and a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the carbon disulfide formulation into a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Dean Chien Wang, Alexander Michiel Mollinger, Douglas Charlton McCammon, Raul Valdez, Johan Jacobus Van Dorp, Eric Johannes Puik, Michael Zvi Golombok, Willem Van Vark, Michiel Jan Groeneveld, Brendan Dermot Murray, Thomas Mikus
  • Patent number: 7647976
    Abstract: A system for steam-assisted gravity drainage for heavy oil production has a first well, a second well, a first platform connected to the well head of the first well so as to inject steam into the first well, and a second platform connected to the well head of the second well for producing heavy oil from the second well. The platforms are arranged in parallel flow relationship. Each of the platform has a first level with flow lines extending longitudinally therealong and a second level located above the first level and having piping connected to the flow lines of the first level. The second level includes valves and controllers cooperative with the piping. The platforms are modular in nature and can be connected to other platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Maoz Betzer Tsilevich
  • Publication number: 20100000733
    Abstract: The present invention aims at recovering unconventional oil in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way that has the potential of eliminating the need of natural gas currently employed for steam production and power generation. Our invention aims at providing low temperature steam for the stimulation of the formation by means of solar radiation. In addition we propose a novel solution for hydrogen production that does not employ reforming of natural gas. We also illustrate how the use of thermoelectric devices in combination with low temperature steam can be employed to power an electrolysis plant to generate the hydrogen necessary to produce synthetic oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Matteo Chiesa, Vincent Berube, Andy Muto, Anurag Bajpayee, Daniel Kraemer
  • Patent number: 7640987
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a supply tube system for use in a wellbore may have multiple tubes, a number of which can be readily coupled to a downhole steam generator or other heated-fluid generator device. In certain embodiments, the system may include a connector that simplifies the process of coupling the supply tube system to the steam generator and provides for fluid communication between each supply conduit and the associated input port of the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kalman, Wayne Ian Redecopp
  • Patent number: 7631694
    Abstract: A modular steam injection line, for use in steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations for delivery of an equal steam mass flow along a length of the apparatus, incorporates steam splitter modules fluidly connected for forming the steam injection line. Each of the modular steam splitters is fit with interchangeable nozzles for delivering steam to the formation. The interchangeable nozzles have orifices of different sizes and the nozzle orifice size required for each individual module to deliver an equal mass flow of steam from each module, at sub-sonic rates, along the entire length of the steam injection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Arnoud Struyk, Denis Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20090301714
    Abstract: A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: James R. Bragg, Joseph P. Lederhos, Sergio A. Leonardi, Scott E. Hommema, Amy L. Chen, Shan H. Yang
  • Publication number: 20090301724
    Abstract: A method for producing alkylated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce at least a second gas stream including hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are introduced into an alkylation unit to produce alkylated hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the olefins in the first gas stream enhance alkylation. The alkylated hydrocarbons may be blended with one or more components to produce transportation fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Augustinus Wilhelmus Maria Roes, Weijian Mo, Michel Serge Marie Muylle, Remco Hugo Mandema, Vijay Nair
  • Publication number: 20090294121
    Abstract: A method of inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure includes inducing acoustic waves into a fluid medium present in a borehole extending at least partially into the structure. Embodiments may include preheating or pressurizing the fluid medium prior to inducing the acoustic wave therein. A device for fracturing at least a portion of a geologic structure includes electrodes for producing a spark to generate ordinary acoustic waves in the fluid medium. Embodiments may include structures for preheating or pressurizing the fluid medium prior to inducing the acoustic wave therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois LEON, Joseph Henry Fram
  • Patent number: 7621333
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon extraction process enabling an acceleration in the production of the productive zone of the oil deposit of a well and an increase in the cumulated quantity of hydrocarbons, characterized by the fact that a hot fluid constituted of hydrocarbons is made to circulate so as to bring the productive zone locally to a higher temperature by conduction in order to fluidify the hydrocarbons imprisoned in an underground reservoir, by means of a thermally-insulated pipe, the hot fluid being mixed with the hydrocarbons extracted via a liner or drain in the productive zone such mixture thus formed being recovered at the surface by means of an pumping pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Majus
    Inventor: Philippe Marchal
  • Patent number: 7611208
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sesqui Mining, LLC
    Inventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
  • Publication number: 20090266545
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam, said steam being produced from a first fluid medium, energy for heating the first fluid medium being provided by burning a fuel, comprising the steps of mixing the steam with exhaust gas from combustion of said fuel characterised by the steps of prior to mixing the steam with exhaust gas, injecting fluid into the steam. The invention further relates to a device for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam. The invention also relates to a further method for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam The invention still further relates to a further device for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam. The invention finally relates to a turbine configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Steamex Group AB
    Inventor: Michael Abrahamsson
  • Publication number: 20090266541
    Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery method and apparatus for thermal processing of polymer-based waste to produce organic and inorganic processed materials. The organic and inorganic processed materials are injected as an injection stream into the ground to liberate ground oil. The liberated ground oil is withdrawn from the ground. The injection stream interacts with the ground oil to form a new oil and the new oil including the ground oil is withdrawn from the ground. Thermal processing is done with pyrolysis of waste tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas A. Reynolds, Roger A. Sramek
  • Publication number: 20090260812
    Abstract: Methods of generating subsurface heat for treatment of a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. Methods include providing water through one or more wellbores to at least a portion of a hydrocarbon containing formation and combusting at least a portion of a fuel stream comprising hydrogen sulfide in the presence of an oxygen source in one or more heaters positioned in one of the wellbores to produce a combustion by-products stream. Heat from the combustion is transferred to a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation. The combustion by-products stream includes one or more sulfur oxides. Heat of solution is released by contacting at least a portion of the combustion by-products stream with a portion of the water and/or a portion of water in the hydrocarbon containing formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Anthony REYNOLDS, Jingyu Cui, Scott Lee Wellington, Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Stanley Nemec Milam
  • Publication number: 20090260825
    Abstract: Methods for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. A comprising hydrogen sulfide is combusted in one or more surface facilities exterior to the hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a sulfur oxides stream. At least a portion of the sulfur oxides stream is provided to a hydrocarbon containing formation. Steam may be provided to the hydrocarbon containing formation. Mixing of the steam and/or water in the formation with the sulfur oxides generates heat of solution in the hydrocarbon containing formation for mobilizing formation fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Stanley Nemec MILAM, Scott Lee WELLINGTON, Mahendra Ladharam JOSHI, Jingyu CUI, Michael Anthony REYNOLDS