Abstract: A fluid seal system for a hydrocarbon recovery capsule includes a plurality of interconnected fluid seals each comprising an elongated sealing member clamped to a bulkhead plate and biasing a geomembrane to the bulkhead plate. A compression plate is positioned between each elongated sealing member and the bulkhead plate, thereby clamping the geomembrane to the bulkhead plate. An enclosed channel of each elongated sealing member receives a slurry. Clay amended soil surrounds and compresses the plurality of interconnected seals to provide a fluid seal that is capable of withstanding high temperatures while sealing off fluid and gas from the environment. A method of sealing a hydrocarbon recovery capsule is disclosed and described.

Abstract: Systems for extracting hydrocarbons from a crushed hydrocarbonaceous material can include a body of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material. A pipe can be oriented within the body of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material. The placement of the pipe can be such that the pipe is surrounded on top, bottom, and sides by the crushed hydrocarbonaceous material. The body of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material can be made up of portions having different void fractions. An arching control volume of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material can extend upward from the pipe to a vertical control distance. A support portion of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material can be oriented immediately adjacent sides of the arching control volume. The arching control volume can have a higher void fraction than the support portion. Internal friction between the arching control volume and the support portion can reduce stresses on the pipe as the hydrocarbonaceous material subsides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for containing a subsiding solid material. A containment system can include a capsule surrounding a porous volume. The porous volume can contain a porous solid material subject to subsidence oriented within the capsule and supporting the roof of the capsule. The roof of the capsule can include a sloped portion configured to decrease in slope as the solid material subsides. A plurality of geosynthetic layers can be oriented along the sloped portion. The plurality of geosynthetic layers can include at least two adjacent geosynthetic layers that laterally slide with respect to one another during subsidence to reduce shear forces in the sloped roof portion.

Abstract: A fluid seal system for a hydrocarbon recovery capsule includes a plurality of interconnected fluid seals each comprising an elongated sealing member clamped to a bulkhead plate and biasing a geomembrane to the bulkhead plate. A compression plate is positioned between each elongated sealing member and the bulkhead plate, thereby clamping the geomembrane to the bulkhead plate. An enclosed channel of each elongated sealing member receives a slurry. Clay amended soil surrounds and compresses the plurality of interconnected seals to provide a fluid seal that is capable of withstanding high temperatures while sealing off fluid and gas from the environment. A method of sealing a hydrocarbon recovery capsule is disclosed and described.