Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for experimentally determining a critical sand-carrying gas velocity of a shale gas well. The method includes: collecting well structure and production data, calculating parameter ranges of a gas flow velocity and a liquid flow velocity; carrying out a physical simulation experiment of sand carrying in the shale gas well to obtain the sand holding capacity of the wellbore under different experimental conditions, and calculating a sand holding rate; by observing a change curve of the sand holding rate of the wellbore vs. the gas flow velocity, defining a turning point, and sensitively analyzing the influence of other experimental variables on the turning point, to calculate the critical sand-carrying production of the shale gas well under different conditions. Therefore, this calculation method is simple and applicable, and provides a theoretical basis for the optimization design of water drainage and gas production process.

Abstract: A method of continuously recovering hydrocarbons from carbon ores can include providing first and second vessels containing rubblized carbon ore. A cooling fuel gas can be introduced into the first vessel. The cooling fuel gas can include oxygen and a recycle gas from the second vessel, which includes hydrocarbons and oxidation products. The oxygen can be consumed through oxidation in an oxidation zone in the first vessel. The temperature of the oxidation zone can be controlled by limiting the oxygen concentration in the cooling fuel gas. This can produce a hot oxidation product gas that heats rubblized carbon ore in a pyrolysis zone downstream of the oxidation zone. Gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons can be produced in the pyrolysis zone. The vapor hydrocarbons can be condensed in a condensing zone downstream of the pyrolysis zone and then collected. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbons and oxidation products can be recycled as the recycle gas.

Abstract: A method of drilling an uncompleted lateral wellbore in a subsurface formation includes drilling the uncompleted lateral wellbore with coiled tubing in the subsurface formation. The subsurface formation includes unconsolidated sand and the subsurface formation overlays a water-saturated reservoir. The method may further include introducing particles having an average particle size of from 8 mesh to 140 mesh into the uncompleted lateral wellbore, thereby supporting the uncompleted lateral wellbore and avoiding wellbore collapse and installing a screen in a vertical wellbore fluidly connected to the uncompleted lateral wellbore, wherein the screen has a mesh size of from 325 mesh to 1000 mesh. The subsurface formation may include hydrocarbons and the method may further include producing hydrocarbons from the subsurface formation.

Abstract: In a method, a gyroscope and an endoscopic camera are first used to investigate coal-seam strike trend, coal-seam dip trend, and coal-seam thickness data of a to-be-extracted area. According to gas extraction standard requirements of a to-be-extracted area, boreholes are then designed and constructed, and trajectories of boreholes are tracked to obtain a correspondence relationship between designed borehole parameters and actual borehole trajectory parameters. Next, drilling parameters are adjusted according to the correspondence relationship between the designed borehole parameters and the actual borehole parameters to construct boreholes at predetermined borehole locations. Subsequently, the boreholes are connected to an extraction pipeline, and gas extraction flow rates and gas extraction amounts per meter of the boreholes are observed. Eventually, other boreholes are designed and constructed according to the adjusted borehole construction parameters and extraction data.

Abstract: An example system includes a generator to generate electromagnetic (EM) signals, and a rotational device having multiple sides. The rotational device includes an antenna to direct the EM signals to a formation to increase a temperature of the formation from a first temperature to a second temperature. The antenna is on a first side of the multiple sides. A purging system is configured to apply a cooling agent to the formation to cause the temperature of the formation to decrease from the second temperature to a third temperature thereby creating fractures in the formation. The purging system is on a second side of the multiple sides.

Abstract: A device and a method for evaluating a gas-water two-phase flow fracture conductivity of a fractured shale. The device includes a seepage system, an injection system, a data collecting and processing system and a three-axis shale core holder, wherein the seepage system is subjected to two stages including a water injection stage and a gas flooding stage. When using the device, firstly the initial permeability and initial mass of the shale sample are determined; the water influx test is performed by injecting water to the shale sample until flow rate of the water discharged from the shale core is stable, then the water injection is ended. After the drying device is installed, the shale sample is subjected to gas flooding, and the aqueous fracturing fluid discharged by the gas flooding is collected until the flow meter determines that the gas volume is stable, and then the gas flooding is ended.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole flow control apparatus comprising: a housing; a port extending through the housing; a passage disposed within the housing for conducting material to and from the port; a flow control member displaceable relative to the port; and a flow control member actuator configured for producing a pressurized fluid for urging the displacement of the flow control member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling wellbore pressure within a wellbore during a perforation event by changing a state of a valve system multiple times. Information generated about the wellbore pressure within the wellbore may be received. A state of the valve system, which is positioned relative to a chamber within the wellbore, may be changed multiple times based on the information received to create a plurality of pressure conditions that substantially match a reference pressure profile. Each of the plurality of pressure conditions is selected from one of an underbalance condition and an overbalance condition.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and processes are provided for retorting and extracting hydrocarbons from oil shale. A heat transfer fluid includes at least one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) component such as, for example, propane or butane. The heat transfer fluid moves through a heat delivery loop to retort oil shale, thereby facilitating the production of recoverable hydrocarbons. While the heat transfer fluid moves through the heat delivery loop, cracking of a portion of the heat transfer fluid may produce various hydrocarbon materials that may be provided to a product stream.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and composition for stimulating a hydrocarbon-bearing, heavy oil containing formation, a deep oil reservoir, or a tight oil reservoir, whereby exothermic reactants are utilized to generate in-situ steam and nitrogen gas downhole in the formation or the reservoir as an enhanced oil recovery process. An oil well stimulation method is provided, which includes injecting, into the one of the formation and the reservoir, an aqueous composition including an ammonium containing compound and a nitrite containing compound. The method further includes injecting, into the one of the formation and the reservoir, an activator. The activator initiates a reaction between the ammonium containing compound and the nitrite containing compound, such that the reaction generates steam and nitrogen gas, increasing localized pressure and improving oil mobility, in the one of the formation and the reservoir, thereby enhancing oil recovery from the one of the formation and the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assigning drill holes. The apparatus is arranged to determine a forthcoming position of a bottom of a new drill hole before it is drilled. The forthcoming position of the drill hole bottom is determined on the basis of the current location and direction of a tool and a planned length of the drill hole.

Abstract: A permeable cement stone fracturing exploitation method for non-conventional oil and gas layer comprising the following processes: transporting and storing a supercritical carbon dioxide to a well site; selecting, transporting, and storing an oil well cement and admixtures to the well site; mixing the oil well cement and the admixtures into a first mixture, forming a cement slurry; pumping the supercritical carbon dioxide and the cement slurry respectively into a high pressure mixer; automatically mixing the supercritical carbon dioxide and the cement slurry into a second mixture by the high pressure mixer; continuously on-line monitoring and temporarily storing the second mixture; and injecting the second mixture into the non-conventional oil and gas layer for fracturing to form a reticulate artificial fracture; the second mixture is automatically heated, pressure reduced, gasified, solidified, carbonic acid dissolved and eroded, leached to form the a permeable cement stone.

Abstract: A system and method for underground gasification. A system for underground gasification system may comprise a recovery system, a supply line, and a downhole ignition device operable to ignite an underground energy source. The downhole device may be connected to the supply line and the supply line may be connected to the recovery system. The system for underground gasification may further comprise an information handling system that may be operable to control the downhole device. A method for igniting an underground energy source may comprise disposing a downhole ignition device into an injection well, positioning the downhole ignition device within the underground energy source, activating the downhole ignition device, igniting the underground energy source, and recovering a gas from the underground energy source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and composition for stimulating a hydrocarbon-bearing, heavy oil containing formation, a deep oil reservoir, or a tight oil reservoir, whereby exothermic reactants are utilized to generate in-situ steam and nitrogen gas downhole in the formation or the reservoir as an enhanced oil recovery process. An oil well stimulation method is provided, which includes injecting, into the one of the formation and the reservoir, an aqueous composition including an ammonium containing compound and a nitrite containing compound. The method further includes injecting, into the one of the formation and the reservoir, an activator. The activator initiates a reaction between the ammonium containing compound and the nitrite containing compound, such that the reaction generates steam and nitrogen gas, increasing localized pressure and improving oil mobility, in the one of the formation and the reservoir, thereby enhancing oil recovery from the one of the formation and the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods in which a fracturing fluid source is in fluid communication with a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. A compressor has an input in fluid communication with a natural gas source, and has an output in fluid communication with the wellbore. The compressor is operable to compress natural gas received at the input for delivery at the output. A liquefied gas source is also in fluid communication with the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of intelligently extracting heat from geothermal reservoirs. One geothermal well system includes at least one injection well extending to a subterranean formation and configured to inject a working fluid into the subterranean formation to generate a heated working fluid. At least one production well extends to the subterranean formation and produces the heated working fluid from the subterranean formation. A production zone defines a plurality of production sub-zones within the subterranean formation and provides fluid communication between the at least one injection well and the at least one production well. Each production sub-zone is selectively accessed in order to extract heated working fluid therefrom and thereby provide a steady supply of heated working fluid to the surface.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. Hydrocarbon-containing materials are also used as feedstocks.

Abstract: One or more specific embodiments herein includes a method for recovering hydrocarbon gas from a shale formation comprising injecting oxidizer through a horizontal wellbore into a fracture in the shale formation comprising pores containing hydrocarbon gas, and recovering some of the hydrocarbon gas from the shale formation. Some of the injected oxidizer combusts and increases the temperature of a portion of the shale formation and of the hydrocarbon gas contained in some of the pores in the shale formation, the pressure of some of the hydrocarbon gas increases to a point sufficient to cause formation of new fractures, and some of the hydrocarbon gas passes from the pores through some of the new fractures and is recovered. Preferably, one or more specific embodiments further comprises injecting hydraulic fracturing fluid into the first fracture after the one or more second fractures is formed, sometimes referred to as re-fracing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore containing a plurality of production devices, wherein the method includes the steps of defining a first setting of each production device in the plurality of production devices, defining a change in a parameter relating to fluid flow in the wellbore and using a model to determine a second setting for at least one of the plurality of production devices based on the change in the parameter. The method also includes the step of generating a script corresponding to the second setting, wherein the script is configured to be implemented without modification, and storing the script in a suitable storage medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string that is provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening from an internal passageway with an outer annular passageway communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices, flow diverters and/or isolation conduits can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.

Abstract: A fracturing system can include an integral fracturing manifold. More particularly, a fracturing system can include a plurality of fracturing trees and an integral fracturing manifold may be directly coupled to each of the plurality of fracturing trees. The integral fracturing manifold may also include adjustment and pivot joints that accommodate spacing and elevation differences between the fracturing trees.

Abstract: A technique enables improvements in hydraulic fracturing treatments on heterogeneous reservoirs. Based on data obtained for a given reservoir, a fracturing treatment material is used to create complex fractures, which, while interacting with the interfaces and planes of weakness in the reservoir, develop fracture connectors, e.g. step-overs, which often grow for short distances along these planes of weakness. The technique further comprises closing or sealing at least one of the fracture connectors to enable reinitiation of fracturing from the truncated branches, and to subsequently develop additional connectors. As a result, the overall fracturing becomes more complex (more branches and more surface area per unit reservoir volume is created), which leads to an increase in the effective fracture area and improved fluid flow through the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods including providing at least one target interval in a wellbore, wherein the at least one target interval has a temperature of at least about 70° F. to at least about 290° F.; providing a pad fluid; providing a treatment fluid comprising proppant particulates coated with a one-step furan resin composition, wherein the one-step furan resin composition comprises a furan polymer, a hydrolyzable ester, a silane coupling agent, a surfactant, and a solvent; introducing the pad fluid into the wellbore at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture within the target interval; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore so as to deposit the proppant particulates coated with the one-step furan resin composition into the at least one fracture; and setting the one-step furan resin composition so as to form at least a partially consolidated permeable proppant pack in the at least one fracture.

Abstract: This invention provides a multi-frac composite perforation device having (i) a gun body having an outer wall, (ii) an inner gunpowder box between adjacent perforating charges in the charge frame 1 of said perforation device, and (iii) a structure for gunpowder charge with an outer gunpowder box 4 attached to an outer wall of the charge frame 1, the gun body has a pressure releasing structure corresponding to a closed end of the perforating charge. This invention further provides a method of using the multi-frac composite perforating device to fracture a formation and the choice of gunpowders and gun body thickness with regards to the pressure required for fracturing a formation.

Abstract: The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. In one method, treated proppant having a reactive coating is positioned in the formation during fracturing and reactive particles are introduced. In another method, reactive particles having a reactive core and a non-reactive coating are positioned in the fractures and react upon removal of the non-reactive coating, such as by dissolving, and reaction with a reactive particle. The waves generated by the micro-seismic events are used to map fracture space.

Abstract: Method of stimulating subterranean formations for are given in which a thermite is placed downhole and then ignited. The thermite may be ignited with a downhole tool, the fracture may be mapped, and the thermite-affected region of the formation may be reconnected to the surface after the thermite reaction through the original or a second wellbore.

Abstract: A fracturing operation is done in open hole without annular space isolation. The annular space is spanned by telescoping members that are located behind isolation valves. A given bank of telescoping members can be uncovered and the telescoping members extended to span the annular space and engage the formation in a sealing manner. Pressurized fracturing fluid can be pumped through the telescoped passages and the portion of the desired formation fractured. In a proper formation, cementing is not needed to maintain wellbore integrity. The telescoping members can optionally have screens. Normally, the nature of the formation is such that gravel packing is also not required. A production string can be inserted into the string with the telescoping devices and the formation portions of interest can be produced through the selectively exposed telescoping members.

Abstract: A perforation gun. The perforation gun comprises a tool body, the tool body defining at least one shouldered hole wherein the shouldered hole comprises a hole through a wall of the tool body and a shoulder that is thinner than the wall of the tool body and at least one perforating explosive charge disposed within the tool body.

Abstract: A method of degassing a coal seam by directionally drilling a borehole in a rock formation that is adjacent the coal seam, or between two different coal seams. The borehole is then pressurised to fracture the adjacent coal seam(s) to enhance the permeability thereof and allow fluids to flow from the coal seam to the borehole and be extracted from the coal seam.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a hydrocarbon-containing formation that includes the steps of: introducing a heat source in the formation; heating a portion of liquid hydrocarbons in the formation to expand hydrocarbon volume, thereby rejuvenating fractures in the formation; passing at least some of the heated liquid hydrocarbons through the rejuvenated fractures; and producing at least a portion of the liquid hydrocarbons that passed through the rejuvenated fractures. The methods and processes provide 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.

Abstract: A method for extracting hydrocarbon compounds, especially crude oil, from underground oil sands deposits, including the following steps: at least two parallel boring sections are created in the oil sands deposits; at least some areas of the boring sections are filled with an explosive material; the explosive material is ignited in order to enlarge the boring sections; the combustible material is ignited in at least one of the boring sections in order to convert the hydrocarbon compounds in the oil sands deposit into a liquid and/or gaseous state; the hydrocarbon compounds in a liquid and/or gaseous state are collected; and auxiliary substances such as water and atmospheric oxygen are optionally introduced and removed for desired material conversions for the refining of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system for forming a subterranean oriented fissure in a target zone by utilizing a connection between two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form the fissure beginning at the connection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores.

Abstract: A method of producing heavy oil from a heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage. The method begins by drilling a borehole into a heavy oil formation comprising a steam barrier between a first pay zone and a second pay zone, wherein the steam barrier prevents a steam chamber to be formed between the first pay zone and the second pay zone. The steam barrier is then heated with a radio frequency. The steam barrier is then fractured to permit a steam chamber to be formed within the first pay zone and the second pay zone. Heavy oil is then produced from the heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage.

Abstract: A method of creating a network of fractures in a reservoir is provided. The method includes designing a desired fracture network system, and determining required in situ stresses to create the desired fracture network within the reservoir. The method further includes designing a layout of wells to alter the in situ stresses within the stress field, and then injecting a fracturing fluid under pressure into the reservoir to create an initial set of fractures within the reservoir. The method also includes monitoring the in situ stresses within the stress field, and modifying the in situ stresses within the stress field. The method then includes injecting a fracturing fluid under pressure into the reservoir in order to expand upon the initial set of fractures and to create the network of fractures. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is also provided herein, wherein a fracture network is created from a single, deviated wellbore production.

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.

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: 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: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the subterranean injection of reactive substances like propellants into wellbores and subterranean reservoirs. These methods and apparatuses controls the temperature of a reactive substance for safe handling at surface and controls the decomposition rate of the substances in the subterranean environment. In addition, these methods and apparatuses provide a means for safe dilution of reactive fluids in the event of a leak or spillage of the reactive substance.

Abstract: A perforating system and method for use in a wellbore. In operation, the perforating system is disposed in the wellbore and used to form perforations in the wellbore. Thereafter, the perforating system is used to perform a sequence of underbalance pulsations in the wellbore, wherein a first underbalance pulsation has a first underbalance signature and a second underbalance pulsation has a second underbalance signature that is different from the first underbalance signature such that perforating tunnel clean up can be optimized based upon wellbore conditions and without causing damage to the perforating tunnels.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir by utilizing an intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the intersection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. The ends of the cutting device can be actuated above ground. The shape of the fissure can be a substantially ruled surface defined between the two bores between which the fissure is formed. Configurations for the well bores include both bores extending from the surface and, alternatively, a first bore extending from the surface and a second bore extending from a whipstock in the first bore. The fissure may be located and oriented to maximize the extent of the fissure formed within the hydrocarbon bearing horizon and to intersect with a maximum number of natural and/or previously formed fractures.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir and/or sequestering waste material such as carbon dioxide by utilizing a connection between two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the connection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. Methods and systems relate to hydrocarbon production and/or waste sequestration, including for extracting or recovering oil or gas from coal beds or tar sands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring in-situ stress in rock using a thermal crack. The method involves forming a borehole, cooling a wall of the borehole, applying tensile thermal stress, forming a crack in the borehole wall, and measuring temperature and cracking point. Afterwards, the borehole wall is heated to close the formed crack, the borehole wall is cooled again to re-open the crack, and temperature is measured when the crack is re-opened. The in-situ stress of the rock is calculated using a first cracking temperature at which the crack is formed and a second cracking temperature at which the crack is re-opened. Further, the apparatus cools, heats and re-cools the borehole wall, thereby measuring the first cracking temperature, the second cracking temperature, and the cracking point.

Abstract: A method for completing an oil and gas well completion is provided. The perforators (10, 11) may be selected from any known or commonly used perforators and are typically deployed in a perforation gun. The perforators are aligned such that the cutting jets (12, 13) and their associated shockwaves converge towards each other such that their interaction causes increased fracturing of the rock strata. The cutting jets may be also be aligned such that the cutting jets are deliberately caused to collide causing further fracturing of the rock strata. In Ian alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a shaped charge liner with at least two concave regions, whose geometry is selected such that upon the forced collapse of the liner a plurality of cutting jets is formed which jets are convergent or are capable of colliding in the rock strata.

Abstract: A process relates to 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: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir by utilizing an intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the intersection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. The ends of the cutting device can be actuated above ground. The shape of the fissure can be a substantially ruled surface defined between the two bores between which the fissure is formed. Configurations for the well bores include both bores extending from the surface and, alternatively, a first bore extending from the surface and a second bore extending from a whipstock in the first bore. The fissure may be located and oriented to maximize the extent of the fissure formed within the hydrocarbon bearing horizon and to intersect with a maximum number of natural and/or previously formed fractures.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by in situ combustion of the hydrocarbon deposit, from injection of an oxygen rich gas and drawing off a flue gas to control the rate and propagation of the combustion front to be predominantly horizontal and propagating vertically downwards guided by the vertical highly permeable hydraulic fractures. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant containing hydrodesulfurization and thermal cracking catalysts. The oxygen rich gas is injected via the well bore into the top of the propped fractures, the in situ hydrocarbons are ignited by a downhole burner, and the generated flue gas extracted from the bottom of the propped fractures through the well bore and mobile oil gravity drains through the propped fractures to the bottom of the well bore and pumped to the surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing oil recovery are disclosed. A method for enhancing oil recovery in a formation includes placing a catalyst in a wellbore; and introducing an oxidizing agent into the wellbore to contact the catalyst such that a hydrocarbon in the formation is oxidized to produce heat and at least one gas. A system for enhancing oil recovery in a reservoir formation includes a catalyst arranged within a well adjacent the reservoir formation; and an oxidizing agent for engaging the catalyst, the oxidizing agent adapted to generate heat and at least one gas when engaging the catalyst and oxidizing a hydrocarbon. The oxidizing agent may be air or oxygen. The catalyst may be one selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, lead, manganese, nickel and metal oxides thereof. Further, the catalyst may be in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by in situ combustion of the hydrocarbon deposit, from injection of an oxygen rich gas and drawing off a flue gas to control the rate and propagation of the combustion front to be predominantly horizontal and propagating vertically downwards guided by the vertical highly permeable hydraulic fractures. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant containing hydrodesulfurization and thermal cracking catalysts. The oxygen rich gas is injected via the well bore into the top of the propped fractures, the in situ hydrocarbons are ignited by a downhole burner, and the generated flue gas extracted from the bottom of the propped fractures through the well bore and mobile oil gravity drains through the propped fractures to the bottom of the well bore and pumped to the surface.

Abstract: A method of stimulating production of coalbed methane involves providing a perforation charge comprising a standard charge portion and a charge additive able to produce localized temporary oxidizing environments in perforations. A coal-bearing formation is perforated with the perforation charge to form initial perforations defined by carbonaceous material. The initial perforations have localized temporary oxidizing environments in them. Combustion of the carbonaceous material is initiated using the oxidizing environments, thus enlarging the initial perforations. Other methods involve perforating the coal-bearing formation with a standard perforation charge, thereby creating perforations. The perforations are treated with a composition creating temporary local oxidizing environments involving an oxidant in the perforations. Combustion of carbonaceous material is initiated using the excess oxidant, thus enlarging the perforations.