Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Heat is thereafter applied to liquify the kerogen so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale, gas via gas (methane) hydrates and gas shale, and steam via geothermal formations wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Thereafter, heat can be applied to liquify the kerogen or to dissociate the gas (methane) hydrates so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ gasification of coal wherein a network of fractures is formed by providing a substantially vertically disposed borehole and a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed boreholes in fluid communication with the substantially vertically disposed borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being a fracturing borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole and at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole. An initial quantity of liquified gas is introduced into the at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole whereby the liquified gas vaporizes forms fractures in the formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Heat is thereafter applied to liquify the kerogen so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Heat is thereafter applied to liquify the kerogen so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore using a cryogenic fluid to prevent sloughing of the wellbore during drilling operations is provided. The method includes providing non-rotatable tubing constructed of a material capable of withstanding temperatures of at least about ?320° F. and back pressure exerted on the tubing during the drilling operations, the tubing having an internally disposed electric power cable extending the length thereof. A drill bit constructed of materials capable of withstanding cryogenic temperatures of at least about ?320° F., is operably connected to a distal end potion of the tubing. A power source capable of rotating the drill bit, the power source operable connected to the drill bit via the electric power cable such that upon activation of the power source the bit is caused to rotate. A liquid cryogenic material is injected into the tubing for cooling the drill bit of about ?320° F.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ gasification of coal wherein a network of fractures is formed by providing a substantially vertically disposed borehole and a plurality of substantially horizontally disposed boreholes in fluid communication with the substantially vertically disposed borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being a fracturing borehole, at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole and at least one substantially horizontally disposed boreholes being an injection borehole. An initial quantity of liquified gas is introduced into the at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole whereby the liquified gas vaporizes forms fractures in the formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ production of oil shale and gas (methane) hydrates wherein a network of fractures is formed by injecting liquified gases into at least one substantially horizontally disposed fracturing borehole. Heat is thereafter applied to liquify the kerogen or to dissociate the gas (methane) hydrates so that oil shale oil and/or gases can be recovered from the fractured formations.