In Association With Fracturing Or Crevice Forming Processes Patents (Class 166/272.2)
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Publication number: 20090194280Abstract: The present invention is directed to generating a range of petroleum products from bitumen or heavy oil reservoir by installing wells from a combination of surface and underground well-head platforms while controlling carbon dioxide emissions during thermal recovery operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: OSUM OIL SANDS CORP.Inventors: Henry Gil, Andrew Squires
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Publication number: 20090038795Abstract: An economic method for in situ maturing and production of oil shale or other deep-lying, impermeable resources containing immobile hydrocarbons. Vertical fractures are created using horizontal or vertical wells. The same or other wells are used to inject pressurized fluids heated to less than approximately 370° C., and to return the cooled fluid for reheating and recycling. The heat transferred to the oil shale gradually matures the kerogen to oil and gas as the temperature in the shale is brought up, and also promotes permeability within the shale in the form of small fractures sufficient to allow the shale to flow into the well fractures where the product is collected commingled with the heating fluid and separated out before the heating fluid is recycled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, William A. Symington
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Patent number: 7445041Abstract: A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil shale using nuclear energy sources for energy to fracture the oil shale formations and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Embodiments of the present invention also disclose steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products from the oil shale formations.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Shale and Sands Oil Recovery LLCInventor: Thomas B. O'Brien
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Patent number: 7441603Abstract: An economic method for in situ maturing and production of oil shale or other deep-lying, impermeable resources containing immobile hydrocarbons. Vertical fractures are created using horizontal or vertical wells. The same or other wells are used to inject pressurized fluids heated to less than approximately 370° C., and to return the cooled fluid for reheating and recycling. The heat transferred to the oil shale gradually matures the kerogen to oil and gas as the temperature in the shale is brought up, and also promotes permeability within the shale in the form of small fractures sufficient to allow the shale to flow into the well fractures where the product is collected commingled with the heating fluid and separated out before the heating fluid is recycled.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, William A. Symington
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Publication number: 20080230223Abstract: Disclosed herein are free flowing coated particles and low temperature methods of making same. Each particle has a curable coating disposed upon a substrate. The substrate is a particulate substrate including an inorganic material, a particulate substrate including an organic material, a composite substantially homogeneous formed particle including a first portion of an at least partly cured binder and filler particles, or a hybrid particle having an inorganic particle as a core and a composite coating including at least partially cured resin and filler. The curable coating includes a continuous phase including resole resin and reactive powder particles embedded or adhered to the continuous phase. The reactive powder particles typically include resole resin, novolak resin, polyester, acrylic and/or urethane. A method including applying a coating including the continuous phase including resole resin and reactive or non-reactive powder particles embedded or adhered to the continuous phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Avis Lloyd McCrary, Michael Anthony Barajas, Robert Ray McDaniel
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Patent number: 7416022Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventor: James Q. Maguire
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Publication number: 20080087428Abstract: A method for enhanced production of hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation such as an oil shale formation is provided. The method generally includes completing at least one heater well in the organic-rich rock formation, and also completing a production well in the organic-rich rock formation. The method also includes the steps of hydraulically fracturing the organic-rich rock formation from the production well such that one or more artificial fractures are formed, and heating the organic-rich rock formation from the at least one heater well, thereby pyrolyzing at least a portion of the organic-rich rock into hydrocarbon fluids Pyrolyzing the organic-rich rock formation creates thermal fractures in the formation due to thermal stresses created by heating. The thermal fractures intersect the artificial fractures. As an additional step, hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the production well. Preferably, the organic-rich rock formation is an oil shale formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: William A. Symington, Robert D. Kaminsky, James M. Hutfilz
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Patent number: 7357180Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes providing one or more explosives into portions of one or more wellbores selected for the explosion in the formation. The wellbores are formed in one or more zones in the formation. The explosives are controllably exploded in one or more of the wellbores such that at least some of the formation surrounding the selected wellbores has an increased permeability. One or more heaters are provided in the one or more wellbores.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Taixu Bai, Frederick Henry Kreisler Rambow, Dong Sub Kim
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Patent number: 7228908Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of increasing hydrocarbon production in an existing well in a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes the steps of forming a substantially horizontal transverse fractured wellbore that intersects the existing well and injecting a fluid remote from the existing well so as to form a fluid front that sweeps the hydrocarbons into the horizontal transverse fractured wellbore. Successive fractures can be sealed to control propagation of the fluid front and delay infiltration of the fluid into the production.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Loyd E. East, Jr., Leldon M. Farabee, John M. Warren, Jr.
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Patent number: 7198107Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: James Q. Maguire
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Patent number: 7104319Abstract: An in situ process for treating a diatomite formation is provided. The process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a part of the formation such that heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the part. Hydrocarbons may be produced from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Kevin Albert Maher, George Leo Stegemeier, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Scott Lee Wellington
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Patent number: 7069990Abstract: A process for enhanced oil recovery from an extraction operation comprises the steps of selection of an appropriate hydrocarbon bearing stratum; providing at least one production well and one injection well; and injecting into the target stratum a slurry formed from sand, viscous liquids or oily sludge, which is delivered at or near formation fracture pressures. Monitoring of bottom hole pressure is carried out, to permit delivery of the slurried wastes in a series of injection episodes, in which the length of the episodes and interinjection periods is determined by maintaining the bottom hole pressure within a preselected range. The position and spread of the slurried wastes within the target stratum may be monitored through the use of additional monitoring steps.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Terralog Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Roman Bilak
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Patent number: 7066257Abstract: A method for treating lean and rich zones of a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a first part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the first part of the formation. The method may include producing a mixture through a second part of the formation. In same embodiments, the produced mixture may include at least some pyrolyzed hydrocarbons from the first part of the formation. In an embodiment, the second part of the formation may have a higher permeability than the first part of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar
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Patent number: 7011154Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of treating a kerogen and liquid hydrocarbon containing formation in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a part of the formation. In some embodiments, at least a portion of liquid hydrocarbons in the part may be mobilized. At least a portion of kerogen in the part may be pyrolyzed. In certain embodiments, a pressure within at least a part of the formation may be controlled. The pressure may be controlled to be at least about 2.0 bars absolute. A mixture may be produced from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Kevin Albert Maher, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
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Patent number: 6915850Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a formation from one or more heat sources in the formation. Hydrocarbons within the formation may be pyrolyzed. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. In some embodiments, the formation may include a relatively impermeable portion and/or a relatively permeable portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Scott Lee Wellington
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Patent number: 6913078Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to a relatively impermeable formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Vaporized hydrocarbons and pyrolysis fluids may be produced from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher
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Patent number: 6896053Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat sources may be used to heat the formation. The heat sources may be positioned within the formation in a pattern. The pattern may be a repeating pattern of triangles.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Ilya Emil Berchenko, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, George Leo Stegemeier, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
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Patent number: 6742589Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat sources may be used to heat the formation. The heat sources may be positioned within the formation in a pattern. The pattern may be a repeating pattern of triangles.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Ilya Emil Berchenko, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, George Leo Stegemeier, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
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Patent number: 6742587Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko
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Patent number: 6715547Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After production of the mixture is ended, the portion may be cooled to produce a spent portion of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko
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Publication number: 20030173082Abstract: An in situ process for treating a diatomite formation is provided. The process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a part of the formation such that heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the part. Hydrocarbons may be produced from the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Kevin Albert Maher, George Leo Stegemeier, Gordon Thomas Shahin,, Scott Lee Wellington
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Publication number: 20030131989Abstract: The present invention relates to recovery and treatment of underground mineral deposits by multitude of directional and multi-functional wells drilled from the super daisy shaft through which the dynamics and dragging forces of fluid means is developed synergistically with complex rubblization and other techniques, and more particularly where the same wells assist in creation of the pressurized barriers to contain the exploitation field for treatment and recovery of minerals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Bohdan Zakiewicz
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Publication number: 20020040779Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. A portion of the mixture may be a condensable component that includes a relatively small amount of olefins and a relatively small amount of tri- and higher order aromatics.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Etuan Zhang
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Publication number: 20020029882Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. An unpyrolyzed section may be left between two substantially pyrolyzed sections to inhibit subsidence of the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
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Patent number: 6302204Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at surface receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, Paulo S. Tubel