Abstract: Included is a method of starting up a direct heating device having a fuel introduction zone, a combustion zone and a process zone that is in heat exchange relationship with said combustion zone. Prior to the introduction of a fuel fluid into said combustion zone, an oxidant fluid, having a high temperature, is passed through the combustion zone for a warm-up time period sufficient to raise the temperature of the direct heating device to a desired temperature. Steam or a process fluid is passed through the process zone followed by the introduction of a fuel fluid into the fuel introduction zone. After the device has been heated up a process fluid is introduced through the process zone. Thereafter, the introduction of steam through the process zone may be stopped.

Abstract: A four-tube heating system for combusting a fuel and transferring the heat released therefrom to a process fluid. The heating system includes, a fuel introduction zone, a combustion zone, an oxidant introduction zone, and a process fluid zone, wherein the fuel introduction zone is defined by fuel introduction means for introducing fuel into the combustion zone that is defined by a reaction tube external to and surrounding the fuel introduction means, and wherein the oxidant introduction zone is defined by an oxidant introduction tube external to and surrounding the reaction tube, and wherein the process fluid zone is defined by a process tube external to and surrounding the oxidant tube.

Abstract: A heat transfer system and use thereof. The heat transfer system provides for the combustion of a fuel and the use of heat energy released by the combustion to heat a process fluid and to preheat the fuel and oxidant prior to their combustion. The heat transfer system includes three tubes with a fuel introduction tube surrounded by an oxidant introduction tube that is surrounded by a process tube. A heat transfer system having the appropriate geometry may provide for the flameless combustion of the fuel. The heat transfer system may also be integrated into other systems such as heat exchangers and catalytic process systems.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat from one or more heaters to an opening in the formation. A first end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a first location and a second end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a second location. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the opening to at least a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In certain embodiments, providing the heat to the opening may include providing heat, heated materials, and/or oxidation products from at least one heater to the opening.

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. In some embodiments, 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. Certain embodiments describe apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat from one or more heaters to an opening in the formation. A first end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a first location and a second end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a second location. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the opening to at least a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In certain embodiments, providing the heat to the opening may include providing heat, heated materials, and/or oxidation products from at least one heater to the opening.