Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for in-situ heating fluids with electromagnetic radiation are provided. An example tool includes a housing operable to receive a fluid flowed through a flow line and a heater positioned within the housing. The heater includes a number of tubular members configured to receive portions of the fluid and an electromagnetic heating assembly positioned around the tubular members and configured to generate electromagnetic radiation transmitted to heat the tubular members. The heated tubular members can heat the portions of the fluid to break emulsion in the fluid. Upstream the heater, the tool can include a homogenizer operable to mix the fluid to obtain a homogenous fluid and a stabilizer operable to stabilize the fluid to obtain a linear flow. Downstream the heater, the tool can include a separator operable to separate lighter components from heavier components in the fluid after the emulsion breakage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional prediction method based on geology-seismology for a favorable metallogenic site of a sandstone-type uranium deposit is provided, including: determining a to-be-explored area and a target stratum in the to-be-explored area; setting a seismic line in the to-be-explored area, so as to acquire seismic data of a profile where the seismic line is located; delineating a depression region and a target region in the profile; determining a dip angle of a stratum in the target region and a dip angle of a stratum underlying the target region according to the seismic data, where the stratum underlying the target region is within the depression region; determining a distribution of fractures in the target region and the depression region according to the seismic data; and delineating a uranium deposit metallogenic site in the target region.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for improving the efficiency and reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels produced from heavy oil extracted with the steam injection process, by replacing natural gas from fossil fuel sources with a substitute renewable gas produced from solid carbonaceous materials while co-producing a solid carbonaceous byproduct.

Abstract: A method for extracting thermal energy in an underground high temperature area of a coalfield fire area, including: determining a thermal extraction target area by a natural potential method and a ground detecting borehole; using an injection borehole to send a gaseous thermal medium to an underground high temperature area of the thermal extraction target area; after the thermal exchange between the gaseous thermal medium and a high temperature coal rock mass, the gaseous thermal medium is extracted through an extraction borehole; continuously monitoring a natural potential of the thermal extraction target area; arranging a casing-type borehole thermal exchanger in a potential anomaly region to complete the thermal exchange between the high temperature coal rocks and a liquid thermal medium; stopping the thermal extraction operations when the temperatures of the extracted gaseous thermal medium and the liquid thermal medium reach 70° C. or below.

Abstract: A light source module adapted to provide a superposition structured pattern includes a light emitting device adapted to provide a light beam, a light guiding element including a polarizing beam splitter to separate the light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam, a first diffractive element configured to convert the first light beam into a first structured light, and a second diffractive element configured to convert the second light beam into a second structured light. Polarization states of the first light beam and the second light beam are different. The first and second structured lights are projected into a projection region, and overlapped and imaged as a superposition structured pattern. The projection region has sub-projection regions arranged in a matrix and adjacent to each other, and the pattern distribution of the superposition structured pattern in each sub-projection region is different from each other.

Abstract: An oxidant injection device for an underground coal gasification process includes an oxidant pathway which includes a swivel joint, coiled tubing, and a mechanical shear-off device which are in gas tight connection with each other in that sequence. Attached to the mechanical shear-off device is an oxidant nozzle, wherein the shear-off device is adapted to shear the oxidant nozzle to allow retraction of the coiled tubing when necessary, and wherein the swivel joint causes the surface oxidant source to be in gas tight connection with the coiled tubing reel center shaft, thereby allowing continuous oxidant injection during the process of moving the oxidant nozzle via the movement of the coiled tubing when rotating the coiled tubing reel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing near wellbore damage in a hydrocarbon reservoir are described. In one example implementation, an antenna is positioned inside a wellbore in a location corresponding to a formation where near wellbore damage occurs. The wellbore extends from a surface of a hydrocarbon reservoir downward into the subterranean structure of the hydrocarbon reservoir. An electromagnetic (EM) wave is transmitted to the antenna. A portion of the EM wave is irradiated at the formation. The portion of the EM wave removes the near wellbore damage at the formation.

Abstract: A gas extraction method in which high energy gas fracturing technology is used to form a fracture network in a thermal injection borehole. Then high-pressure, cyclically temperature-changing steam is injected into the borehole using a spinning oscillating-pulse jet nozzle to form oscillating superheated steam, alternatingly impacting and heating the coal body. The high energy gas forms a fracture network that provides channels for passage of the superheated steam, while oscillating changes in steam temperature and pressure also promote crack propagation and perforation of the coal body; the combined effect of alternation of the two enhances gas desorption and extraction efficiency.

Abstract: A treatment method for a hydrocarbon well includes placing a well treatment fluid containing a viscosifying agent in the well and, using the viscosifying agent, attaining a first viscosity of the fluid in the well. The method includes combining a porphyrin compound with the fluid and, using the porphyrin compound, decreasing viscosity of the fluid in the well to a second viscosity less than the first viscosity. A hydrocarbon well treatment fluid includes an aqueous carrier fluid, a polymer viscosifying agent, and a chlorophyll compound.

Abstract: A method for automatically shortening an injection well liner for underground coal gasification is provided in which portions of the injection well liner melt during the underground coal gasification process to shorten the injection well liner.

Abstract: A system and method for producing first and second steams includes: (a) a glow discharge cell, (b) a fluid source, a pump or a valve, and (c) a DC electrical power supply. The glow discharge cell includes an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having first and second ends, and at least one inlet and one outlet. A hollow electrode is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the vessel and extends at least from the first end to the second end of the vessel. First and second insulators seal the first and second ends, respectively, of the vessel around the hollow electrode and maintain a substantially equidistant gap between the vessel and the hollow electrode. A non-conductive granular material is disposed within the gap. The hollow electrode heats up during an electric glow discharge and produces the first steam and the second steam.

Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a system and methods for operating a gas turbine system. An exemplary gas turbine system includes an oxidant system, a fuel system, and a control system. A combustor is adapted to receive and combust an oxidant from the oxidant system and a fuel from the fuel system to produce an exhaust gas. A catalyst unit including an oxidation catalyst that includes an oxygen storage component is configured to reduce the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas to form a low oxygen content product gas.

Abstract: A process to utilize at least one water lean zone (WLZ) interspersed within a net pay zone in a reservoir and produce bitumen from the reservoir, includes using Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage with Oxygen (SAGDOX) to enhance oil recovery, locating a SAGDOX oxygen injector proximate the WLZ, and removing non-condensable gases.

Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool string configured to couple to a downhole conveyance. The downhole conveyance extends into a wellbore, from a terranean surface, through at least a portion of a subterranean zone. The subterranean zone includes a geologic formation. The downhole tool system also includes a heating device coupled with the downhole tool string. The heating device is configured to transfer heat to the geologic formation in the wellbore at a specified temperature sufficient to adjust a quality of the geologic formation associated with a fluid absorption capacity of the geologic formation.

Abstract: A method for automatically shortening an injection well liner for underground coal gasification is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the returns of power feedstock producers includes automated selection between selling raw feedstock or generating power and storing it in a storage device for subsequent sale under more favorable market conditions. The system may comprise grid-scale electric power storage devices which enable a feedstock supplier—e.g., a natural gas producer—to utilize real-time market data to allocate a feedstock between its sale “as is”—i.e., as fuel or chemical feedstock—and use of the feedstock to produce electric power which may be stored for later sale when the market price for peaking electric power is favorable. In certain embodiments, the system may be entirely automated and the collection of market data, the allocation of feedstock and the generation and subsequent supplying of electric power to a grid may be entirely performed by the system without operator intervention.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of producing heated water from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes injecting water into at least a portion of the hot bitumen-depleted zone to heat the water; and producing the heated water from a heated water production well. The method can includes generating the hot bitumen-depleted zone using steam-assisted gravity drainage, in situ combustion, steam flooding, cyclic steam stimulation, a solvent aided thermal recovery process, electric heating, electromagnetic heating, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods to extract oil from underground reservoirs are disclosed comprising pumping a gas comprising oxygen into the reservoir, causing combustion, and using the heat and pressure generated by the combustion to drive the oil through a well pipe to the surface. Systems for extracting oil from underground reservoirs are also disclosed comprising a gas compression system operable to pump oxygen from an oxygen source into the underground reservoir. The system has a supply pipe connected to the source of oxygen, a delivery pipe connected to the underground reservoir, a pump capable of pumping a liquid, a first tank with a first pipe and a second pipe, a second tank with a third and a fourth pipe and two pipe switchers operable to switch connections such that the tanks are swapped from a position between the supply pipe and the pump inlet and a position between the pump outlet and the delivery pipe.

Abstract: A method of the simultaneous production of oil and combustion gases using gravity phase segregation and gravity drainage to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean oil-bearing formation. Such method comprises initially injecting a fluid such as a solvent, steam, or an oxidizing gas through a pair of horizontal wells placed high in the formation and producing oil through a plurality of parallel lower horizontal wells situated low in the reservoir, each lower horizontal well perpendicularly disposed to said upper horizontal wells. In a preferred embodiment well liner segments are provided in lower horizontal wells, having apertures therein, to allow oil to flow into said lower horizontal wells. At locations where an upper horizontal well traverses a lower horizontal well such well liners possess no apertures thereby preventing oxidizing gas injected in said upper horizontal wells from flowing directly into said lower horizontal wells at such point at which said lower wells are traversed by said upper wells.

Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing with a fuel cell stack assembly disposed therein. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell manifold for receiving the fuel within a fuel inlet and the oxidizing agent within an oxidizing agent inlet and distributing the fuel and oxidizing agent to the fuel cells. A fuel supply conduit supplies the fuel to the fuel inlet and an oxidizing agent supply conduit supplies the oxidizing agent to the oxidizing agent inlet. A sonic orifice is disposed between the fuel supply conduit and the fuel inlet or between the oxidizing agent supply conduit and the oxidizing agent inlet, thereby limiting the velocity of the fuel or the oxidizing agent through the sonic orifice.

Abstract: An oil shale exploitation method comprises: forming a gas inlet pipeline (1) and a gas outlet pipeline (3) in an oil shale; forming a gasification channel (5) that connects the gas inlet pipeline and the gas outlet pipeline in the oil shale; feeding combustible gas and oxygen into the well through different gas inlet pipelines, and then igniting, in an aerobic environment, the combustible gas fed into the well at the lower opening of the pipeline for conveying the combustible gas, so as to heat the oil shale; and recycling through the gas outlet pipeline an oil-gas mixed product formed after thermal decomposition of kerogen in the oil shale. The method has simple process and low energy consumption, and is capable of heating kerogen in the shale bed, thereby exploiting an oil shale mineral layer to obtain oil and gas products more economically and reasonably.

Abstract: A process for hydrocarbon recovery from an oil sands deposit includes injecting an oxidizing gas into an oil sands reservoir through an injection well. The oxidizing gas supports in situ combustion (ISC) in the reservoir. A generally horizontal well pair is used that is in fluid communication with the injection well to recover hydrocarbons mobilized by the ISC. The well pair includes: a generally horizontal segment of a hydrocarbon production well, and a generally horizontal segment of a combustion gas production well. The generally horizontal segment of the combustion gas production well is generally parallel to and spaced vertically above the horizontal segment of the hydrocarbon production well. The segment of the oxidizing gas injection well is spaced generally above the segment of the hydrocarbon production well and generally above the segment of the combustion gas production well.

Abstract: A surface well testing facility for dispersing separated hydrocarbon gas into separated oil from a multiphase well fluid for improved oil mobility and combustion efficiency. A multiphase fluid is produced from a well. The gas constituent and the oil constituent are separated from the multiphase fluid, the oil constituent having an undesirable viscosity. Both the gas constituent and the oil constituent are measured. Thereafter, at least a first portion of the gas constituent is injected into the oil constituent. The first portion of the gas constituent is mixed with the oil constituent such that the first portion of the gas constituent is dispersed into the oil constituent to form an oil/gas mixture having a viscosity that is lower than the undesirable viscosity of the oil constituent and a BTU content higher than the oil constituent.

Abstract: Method for producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation include providing a plurality of in situ heat sources configured to generate heat within the formation so as to pyrolyze solid hydrocarbons into hydrocarbon fluids. Preferably, the organic-rich rock formation is heated to a temperature of at least 270° C. Heating of the organic-rich rock formation continues so that heat moves away from the respective heat sources and through the formation at a first value of effective thermal diffusivity, ?1. Heating of the formation further continues in situ so that thermal fractures are caused to be formed in the formation or so that the permeability of the formation is otherwise increased. The method also includes injecting a fluid into the organic-rich rock formation. The purpose for injecting the fluid is to increase the value of thermal diffusivity within the subsurface formation to a second value, ?2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering a hydrocarbon mixture from a subterranean formation comprising: (i) injecting an oxygen-rich gas into said formation; (ii) combusting said oxygen-rich gas in said formation thereby heating and reducing the viscosity of said hydrocarbon mixture and generating CO2-rich gas; (iii) recovering said heated hydrocarbon; and (iv) capturing at least a portion of CO2 from said CO2-rich gas.

Abstract: A process to recover hydrocarbons from a reservoir, where the hydrocarbons have an initial viscosity greater than 100,000 cp, preferably greater than 1,000 cp, the process including: (a) Initially injecting oxygen into the reservoir; (b) Allowing for combustion of the oxygen to vaporize connate water in the hydrocarbon reservoir; (c) Collecting hydrocarbons in a substantially horizontal production well in the reservoir and where the substantially horizontal production well has a length greater than about 800 metres.

Abstract: A process to recover hydrocarbons from a reservoir having at least one lean zone, wherein said lean zone has an initial bitumen saturation level less than about 0.6, said process including: i) Initially injecting of oxygen into said reservoir; ii) Allowing for combustion of said oxygen to vaporize connate water in said at least one lean zone; and iii) Recovering said hydrocarbons from said reservoir.

Abstract: A method of producing heavy oil from a heavy oil formation by combining electromagnetic heating to achieve fluid communication between wells, following by in situ combustion to mobilize and upgrade the heavy oil.

Abstract: Methods and systems produce petroleum products from a formation by a steam assisted process followed by an in situ combustion process. The steam assisted process utilizes an injector and first producer to form a steam chamber within the formation as the products are recovered. The in situ combustion then starts by injecting an oxidant into the formation and ignition of residual products. A combustion front advances toward a second producer that may be offset in a lateral direction from the first producer. Heat and pressure from the in situ combustion sweeps the products ahead of the combustion front to the second producer for recovery.

Abstract: A borehole metal member bonding system includes, a first metal member, a second metal member proximate the first metal member, and a pyrotechnic composition positioned proximate the first metal member and the second metal member configured to bond the first metal member to the second metal member subsequent undergoing an exothermic reaction while within a borehole.

Abstract: A method for automatically shortening an injection well liner for underground coal gasification is provided.

Abstract: A downhole combustor system for a production well is provided. The downhole combustor includes a housing, a combustor and an exhaust port. The housing is configured and arranged to be positioned down a production well. The housing further forms a combustion chamber. The combustor is received within the housing. The combustor is further configured and arranged to combust fuel in the combustion chamber. The exhaust port is positioned to deliver exhaust fumes from the combustion chamber into a flow of oil out of the production well.

Abstract: A method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells. An alkali or alkali earth carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali or alkali earth carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition.

Abstract: A method of transporting carbon dioxide and crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The method includes providing supercritical carbon dioxide and heavy or extra heavy crude oil produced from a subterranean reservoir. The crude oil is mixed with the supercritical carbon dioxide to form a mixture having a viscosity less than the viscosity of the crude oil prior to mixing. The mixture is transported in a pipeline from a first location to a second location. The pipeline is maintained at sufficient pressures and temperatures such that any unsaturated carbon dioxide remains in a supercritical state while the mixture is transported through the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil by injecting oxygen into an underground oil formation where in-situ combustion occurs. The oxygen may be co-injected with additional components to assist in the recovery of the oil, or it may be injected after the injection of the additional components sequentially. The recovered oil may be used in an integrated process above ground for the combustion and generation of power.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for heating a hydrocarbon reservoir, wherein the reservoir includes a reduced oil saturation zone in proximity to a heavy oil zone. The method includes injecting an oxidizing gas into the reduced oil saturation zone and combusting hydrocarbons included within the reduced oil saturation zone. The method also includes determining a level of heating within the heavy oil zone that is conductively heated by combustion of the hydrocarbons within the reduced oil saturation zone, and producing hydrocarbons from the heavy oil zone once a desired level of heating has occurred.

Abstract: A sub-surface hydrocarbon production system comprising an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons to be produced. A production well extends from the surface to a location proximate the hydrocarbon and a convection passage extends between the energy delivery well and the production well thereby forming a convection loop. The energy delivery well and the production well intersect at a location proximate the hydrocarbon such that the convection loop is in the form of a triangle. Preferably, the convection passage extends upwardly from a point at which the convection passage intersects the production well. The system also includes a heater, such as an electric heater or down-hole burner, disposed in the energy delivery well.

Abstract: Method of entailing the simultaneous production of oil and combustion gases using gravity phase segregation and gravity drainage to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean oil-bearing formation, comprising initially injecting a fluid such as a solvent, steam, or an oxidizing gas through a pair of horizontal wells placed high in the formation and producing oil through a plurality of parallel lower horizontal wells situated low in the reservoir, each lower horizontal well perpendicularly disposed to said upper horizontal wells. In a preferred embodiment well liner segments in lower horizontal wells have apertures therein to allow oil to flow into said lower horizontal wells, at locations where an upper horizontal well traverses a lower horizontal well, possess no apertures to thereby prevent oxidizing gas injected in said upper horizontal wells from flowing directly into said lower horizontal wells at such point at which said lower wells are traversed by said upper wells.

Abstract: An in situ combustion process entailing the simultaneous production of oil and combustion gases that combines fluid drive, gravity phase segregation and gravity drainage to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean oil-bearing formation, comprising initially injecting a gas through a pair of horizontal wells placed high in the formation and producing combustion gas and oil through parallel and laterally offset horizontal wells that are placed low in the formation intermediate the pair of horizontal wells placed high in the formation.

Abstract: An in situ combustion process entailing the simultaneous production of liquids and combustion gases that combines fluid drive, gravity phase segregation and gravity drainage to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean oil-bearing formation, comprising initially injecting a gas through a horizontal well placed high in the formation and producing combustion gas and oil through parallel and laterally offset horizontal wells that are placed low in the formation. wherein the reservoir exploitation proceeds with sequential conversion of production wells to injection wells in a line-drive mode of operation. The process may also be employed without in situ combustion, using instead a gaseous solvent or steam injection.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subsurface formation and compositions produced therefrom are described herein. At least one method for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes providing heat to the subsurface formation using an in situ heat treatment process. One or more formation particles may be formed during heating of the subsurface formation. Fluid that includes hydrocarbons and the formation particles may be produced from the subsurface formation. The formation particles in the produced fluid may include cenospheres and have an average particle size of at least 0.5 micrometers.

Abstract: A process to recover heavy oil from a hydrocarbon reservoir, said process comprising injecting oxygen-containing gas and steam separately injected via separate wells into the reservoir to cause heated hydrocarbon fluids to flow more readily to a production well, wherein: (i) the hydrocarbon is heavy oil (API from 10 to 20; with some initial gas injectivity (ii) the ratio of oxygen/steam injectant gas is controlled in the range from 0.05 to 1.00 (v/v) (iii) the process uses Cyclic Steam Stimulation or Steam Flooding techniques and well geometry, with extra well(s) or a segregated zone to inject oxygen gas wherein the oxygen contact zone within the reservoir is less than substantially 50 metres long.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for recovering petroleum products from a formation containing heavy crude oil. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a steam generator within the petroleum-bearing formation, flowing a fuel source and an oxidizing agent into the steam generator, generating and releasing steam from the steam generator to heat the heavy crude oil, flowing a catalytic material containing a nanocatalyst into the petroleum-bearing formation, and exposing the catalytic material to the heavy crude oil. The method further provides forming lighter oil products from the heavy crude oil within the petroleum-bearing formation and extracting the lighter oil products from the petroleum-bearing formation. In some examples, the fuel source contains methane, syngas, or hydrogen gas, and the oxidizing agent contains oxygen gas, air, or oxygen enriched air. The nanocatalyst may contain cobalt, iron, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, titanium, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An in-situ combustion process which process does not employ one or more separate gas venting wells. At least one vertical production well having a substantially vertical portion extending downwardly into the reservoir and a horizontal leg portion extending horizontally outwardly therefrom completed relatively low in the reservoir is provided. At least one vertical oxidizing gas injection well, positioned above and in spaced relation to the horizontal well, is positioned laterally along the horizontal well approximately midsection thereof. Oxidizing gas is injected therein and combustion fronts are caused to progress outwardly from such injection well in mutually opposite directions along the horizontal well.

Abstract: An underground reservoir is provided comprising an injection well and a production well. The production well has a horizontal section oriented generally perpendicularly to a generally linear and laterally extending, upright combustion front propagated from the injection well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to in situ combustion. Configurations of the injection and production wells facilitate the in situ combustion. Utilizing wet combustion for some embodiments promotes heat displacement for hydrocarbon recovery with procedures in which one or more of the production and injection wells are configured with lengths deviated from vertical. In some embodiments for either dry or wet combustion, at least the production wells define intake lengths deviated from vertical and that are disposed at staged levels within a formation. Each of the productions wells during the in situ combustion allow for recovery of hydrocarbons through gravity drainage. Vertical separation between the intake lengths of the production wells enables differentiated and efficient removal of combustion gasses and the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration of gases produced.

Abstract: A surface well testing facility for dispersing separated hydrocarbon gas into separated oil from a multiphase well fluid for improved oil mobility and combustion efficiency. A multiphase fluid is produced from a well. The gas constituent and the oil constituent are separated from the multiphase fluid, the oil constituent having an undesirable viscosity. Both the gas constituent and the oil constituent are measured. Thereafter, at least a first portion of the gas constituent is injected into the oil constituent. The first portion of the gas constituent is mixed with the oil constituent such that the first portion of the gas constituent is dispersed into the oil constituent to form an oil/gas mixture having a viscosity that is lower than the undesirable viscosity of the oil constituent and a BTU content higher than the oil constituent.

Abstract: Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods for treating a tar sands may include heating a portion of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from one or more heaters located in the portion. The heat may be controlled to increase the permeability of at least part of the portion to create an injection zone in the portion with an average permeability sufficient to allow injection of a fluid through the injection zone. A drive fluid and/or an oxidizing fluid may be provided into the injection zone. At least some hydrocarbons including mobilized hydrocarbons are produced from the portion.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil sands using nuclear energy sources for power to decrease the viscosity of bitumen in oil sands deposits and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products form the oil sands deposits are disclosed.