Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the formation to a point that is at or below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., a subsurface formation including oil shale, includes completing a well having fluid communication with the subsurface formation at a first depth and a second lower depth. A fracturing fluid is injected into the well so as to form a fracture at a depth of the subsurface formation, and thereby provides fluid communication between the first and second depths in the well. A cooling fluid is circulated under pressure through the well and into the fracture so as to cause the cooling fluid to flow from the well, into subsurface formation at the first depth, to the subsurface formation at the second depth, and back into the well, thereby lowering the temperature of the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A method of cooling a multiphase well effluent stream comprises: separating the multiphase well effluent stream (G+L) into gas enriched and liquid enriched fractions in a gas liquid separator (2, 22); cooling the liquid enriched fraction in a heat exchanger (6,26); reinjecting the cooled liquid enriched fraction into the well effluent stream (G+L) at a location upstream of the gas liquid separator (2, 22), thereby cooling the well effluent stream without requiring a gas-liquid heat exchanger to directly cool the multiphase well effluent stream, which may be ten times larger than the liquid-liquid heat exchanger (6, 26) for cooling the recycled liquid enriched fraction (Lcold).

Abstract: Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods may include heating at least a section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. A pressure in the majority of the section may be maintained below a fracture pressure of the formation. The pressure in the majority of the section may be reduced to a selected pressure after the average temperature reaches a temperature that is above 240° C. and is at or below pyrolysis temperatures of hydrocarbons in the section. At least some hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in which the oil shale formation contains water-soluble minerals, for example nahcolite, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. Optionally, this heating step may be performed prior to any substantial removal of water-soluble minerals from the organic-rich rock formation. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation both pyrolyzes at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids, and converts at least a portion of the water-soluble minerals, for example, converts nahcolite to soda ash. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of a subsurface formation. Heat may transfer from one or more heaters to a part of a formation. In some embodiments, heat from the one or more heat sources may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in a part of a subsurface formation. Hydrocarbons and/or other products may be produced from a subsurface formation. Certain embodiments describe apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation.

Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of substantially horizontally oriented or inclined heater sections located in a hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. At least a portion of two of the heater sections are substantially parallel to each other. The ends of at least two of the heater sections in the layer are electrically coupled to a substantially horizontal, or inclined, electrical conductor oriented substantially perpendicular to the ends of the at least two heater sections.

Abstract: A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the tar sands formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. Heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. A pressure in the portion of the formation is controlled such that the pressure remains below a fracture pressure of the formation overburden while allowing the portion of the formation to heat to a selected average temperature of at least about 280° C. and at most about 300° C. The pressure in the portion of the formation is reduced to a selected pressure after the portion of the formation reaches the selected average temperature.

Abstract: Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods may include heating at least a section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The heat may be controlled so that at least a majority of the section reaches an average temperature of between 200° C. and 240° C., which results in visbreaking of at least some hydrocarbons in the section. At least some visbroken hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat to a first hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a first heater located in an opening in the formation. The opening and the first heater may have a horizontal or inclined portion located in the first hydrocarbon layer and at least one connecting portion extending between the horizontal or inclined portion and the surface. Isolation material is placed in the opening such that the isolation material partially isolates the layer in which the horizontal or inclined portion of the first heater is located. An additional horizontal or inclined opening portion that extends from at least one of the connecting portions of the opening is formed in a second hydrocarbon layer. A second heater to provide heat the second hydrocarbon formation is placed in the additional substantially horizontal opening portion.

Abstract: Methods for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. Methods may include treating a first zone of the formation. Treatment of a plurality of zones of the formation may be begun at selected times after the treatment of the first zone begins. The treatment of at least two successively treated zones may begin at a selected time after treatment of the previous zone begins. At least two of the successively treated zones may be adjacent to the zone treated previously. The successive treatment of the zones proceeds in an outward, substantially spiral sequence from the first zone so that the treatment of the zones may move substantially spirally outwards towards a boundary of the treatment area.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.

Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. Sulfur may be introduced into one or more wellbores located inside a perimeter of a treatment area in the formation having a permeability of at least 0.1 darcy. At least some of the sulfur is allowed to move towards portions of the formation cooler than the melting point of sulfur to solidify the sulfur in the formation to form the barrier.

Abstract: A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal insulating fluid contains microspheres of hollow spherical particulates. The presence of the hollow spherical particles improves the thermal insulating properties of the fluid by imparting to the thermal insulating fluid a low heat transfer coefficient. The hollow particulates may be inorganic or organic in nature and include hollow spheres of glass, ceramics and plastics. The thermal insulating fluid is capable of controlling the heat transfer from a production tubing or transfer pipe to one or more surrounding annuli and the environment. In addition to reducing heat transfer in the producing well, heat transfer in the fluid produced from the well is also minimized.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon containing formations can be processed using an in-situ liquefaction technique. This new technique embodies systematic temperature elevation applied to subsurface formation allowing recoverable hydrocarbons to reach a Newtonian fluid viscosity suitable for extraction.

Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more tunnels having an average diameter of at least 1 m. At least one tunnel is connected to the surface. Two or more wellbores extend from at least one of the tunnels into at least a portion of the subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation. At least two of the wellbores contain elongated heat sources configured to heat at least a portion of the subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation such that at least some hydrocarbons are mobilized.

Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more shafts. At least two substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels extend from one or more of the shafts. A plurality of heat sources are located in at least one heat source wellbore extending between at least two of the substantially horizontal tunnels. Electrical connections for the heat sources are located in at least one of the substantially horizontal tunnels.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing acidic gas to a subsurface formation is described herein. The method may include providing heat from one or more heaters to a portion of a subsurface formation; producing fluids that include one or more acidic gases from the formation using a heat treatment process. At least a portion of one of the acidic gases may be introduced into the formation, or into another formation, through one or more wellbores at a pressure below a lithostatic pressure of the formation in which the acidic gas is introduced.

Abstract: The method enables the attainment of an open and continuous flow of an aqueous slurry containing carbonaceous solids into a high-pressure and high temperature environment which will result in the occurrence of at least two chemical processes: (1) aqueous pyrolysis (hydrous pyrolysis) and (2) hydrolytic disproportionation. This combination of processes will effect conversion of suspended organic materials into hydrocarbon liquids or gases depending on the mix of the temperature, pressure, and residence time in the reactor. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon-bearing slurry can be refined (separated into various constituents) using standard existing technologies.

Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels extending from one or more shafts. A production system is located in at least one of the tunnels. The production system is configured to produce fluids from the formation that collect in the tunnel.

Abstract: Methods of generating subsurface heat for treatment of a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. Methods include providing steam to at least a portion of a hydrocarbon containing formation from a plurality of locations in a wellbore. The steam is hotter than a temperature of the portion. The steam is heated in the wellbore by combusting a stream comprising hydrogen sulfide in the wellbore. Heat from the combustion transfers to the steam. The steam provided the portion at a first location in the wellbore is hotter than steam provided at a second location in the wellbore along the length of the wellbore, where the first location is further from a surface of the formation than the second location along the length of the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels extending from at least one shaft. One or more heater sources are located in one or more heater wellbores coupled to at least one of the substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels.

Abstract: Methods of generating subsurface heat for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. The methods include providing a stream that includes water to a plurality of wellbores. Fuel and oxidant is provided to one or more flameless distributed combustors positioned in at least one of the wellbores. The fuel and oxidant is mixed to form a fuel/oxidant mixture. At least a portion of the mixture is flamelessly combusted in at least one of the flameless distributed combustors to generate heat. The fuel includes at least 0.1% hydrogen sulfide by volume.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by convective heating of the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ by a downhole electric heater. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a diluent. The heater and downhole pump force thermal convective flow of the heated diluent to flow upward and outward into the propped fractures and circulating back down and back towards the well bore heating the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The diluent now mixed with produced products from the oil sand re-enters the bottom of the well bore and passes over the heater element and is reheated to continue to flow in the convective cell. Thus the heating and diluting of the in place bitumen occurs predominantly circumferentially, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of receiving oil and gas from a recovery or other input source, compressing and/or pumping said oil and gas using multi-phase compressors with heat exchange means, and delivering said compressed gas to various destinations, including for use in oil and gas recovery.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation 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: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Systems and methods for making heaters are described herein. At least one heater includes a ferromagnetic conductor and an electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the ferromagnetic conductor. The heater provides a first amount of heat at a lower temperature. The heater may provide a second reduced amount of heat when the heater reaches a selected temperature, or enters a selected temperature range, at which the ferromagnetic conductor undergoes a phase transformation.

Abstract: The present invention features ground water heat transfer systems utilizing polypipes. A typical system of the invention comprises (1) a water pump which is suspended or affixed in a deep well and connected to at least one inlet polypipe, where the inlet polypipe(s) is extended to the bottom of the well and comprises a bottom portion including one or more openings; (2) a heat exchange system connected to the water pump; and (3) a return pipe connected to the heat transfer system and having an outlet extending below the water level in the well. The opening(s) at or near the bottom of the inlet polypipe(s) allow water to enter the polypipe(s) and be pumped to the heat exchange system. After heat exchange, the water can be returned to the same well or different well(s) through the return pipe(s). In many cases, the systems of the invention are open-loop systems.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling water condensation in the pores of a near wellbore region of a permeable formation through which wet natural gas flows into an inflow section of an oil and/or gas production well, the method comprising controlling fluid transfer through said region such that development of a water bank resulting from condensation of water in said region is inhibited or promoted. If the well is a gas production well then development of a water bank may be inhibited by controlling pressure drawdown, cyclic well shut in, fracturing and/or injection of heat generating and/or water transporting chemicals.

Abstract: A method includes producing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a gas stream. At least a portion of the liquid stream is provided to a hydrotreating unit. At least a portion of selected in situ heat treatment clogging compositions in the liquid stream are removed to produce a hydrotreated liquid stream by hydrotreating at least a portion of the liquid stream at conditions sufficient to remove the selected in situ heat treatment clogging compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for use in a wellbore which includes a base pipe; a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the external surface of the base pipe; and an internally profiled sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the filter media. Also included is a method for attaching a hardware accessory to a sand screen assembly which includes providing a base pipe having an inner surface and an outer surface; surrounding the outer surface of the base pipe with a filter medium; engaging the sleeve with the filter medium; and connecting the hardware accessory to the sleeve. Also included is a downhole apparatus which includes a basepipe, where at least a portion of the external surface of the basepipe is profiled; and a sleeve mounted external to the basepipe, where the internal profile of the sleeve corresponds to the external profile of the basepipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing and regulating temperature, pressure and fluid viscosities of fluid streams found in oil and gas production. Applicant's apparatus regulates and increases fluid temperatures, by and through improved heating apparatus, which may be placed at one or more locations along a wellbore surface flow line, or subsea flow line. The apparatus preferably either heats fluids flowing from the reservoir to the surface, or alternatively, can heat fluids injected from the surface into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system is provided relating to the production of ethanol or other renewable bio-fuels on a mass, large scale basis while maintaining a positive energy balance. In one example, the present invention relates to a system and method for the mass manufacture of fuel, fuel stock, or fuel additives by using dry or drying up hydrocarbon wells as a heat source in the manufacturing process. In one example, the distillation column is constructed from dried up oil wells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with producing hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one heating element that is disposed in a chamber with actuator material. A member is also partially coupled to the chamber. The member is configured to extend to a first configuration when the at least one heating element converts at least a portion of the actuator material from a first phase to a second phase and contract to a second configuration when the actuator material converts from the second phase to the first phase.

Abstract: A system for monitoring temperature of a subsurface low temperature zone is described. The system includes a plurality of freeze wells configured to form the low temperature zone, one or more lasers, and a fiber optic cable coupled to at least one laser. A portion of the fiber optic cable is positioned in at least one freeze well. At least one laser is configured to transmit light pulses into a first end of the fiber optic cable. An analyzer is coupled to the fiber optic cable. The analyzer is configured to receive return signals from the light pulses.

Abstract: An in situ conversion system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is described. The system includes a plurality of u-shaped wellbores in the formation. Piping is positioned in at least two of the u-shaped wellbores. A fluid circulation system is coupled to the piping. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate hot heat transfer fluid through at least a portion of the piping to form at least one heated portion of the formation. An electrical power supply is configured to provide electrical current to at least a portion of the piping located below an overburden in the formation to resistively heat at least a portion of the piping. Heat transfers from the piping to the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation includes providing heat input to a first section of the formation from one or more heat sources located in the first section. Fluids are produced from the first section through a production well located at or near the center of the first section. The heat sources are configured such that the average heat input per volume of formation in the first section increases with distance from the production well.

Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for creating an electric glow discharge that includes a first and second electrically conductive screens having substantially equidistant a gap between them, one or more insulators attached to the electrically conductive screens, and a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap. The electric glow discharge is created whenever: (a) the first electrically conductive screen is connected to an electrical power source such that it is a cathode, the second electrically conductive screen is connected to the electrical power supply such that it is an anode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced into the gap, or (b) both electrically conductive screens are connected to the electrical power supply such they are the cathode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced between both electrically conductive screens and an external anode connected to the electrical power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of cooling electronic components in downhole equipment using the principles of quantum tunneling.

Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes an elongated electrical conductor located in the subsurface formation. The electrical conductor extends between at least a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A ferromagnetic conductor at least partially surrounds and at least partially extends lengthwise around the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor, when energized with time-varying electrical current, induces sufficient electrical current flow in the ferromagnetic conductor such that the ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats to a temperature of at least about 300° C.

Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation is described. The heating system includes three substantially u-shaped heaters with first end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to a single, three-phase wye transformer and second end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to each other and/or to ground. The three heaters may enter the formation through a first common wellbore and exit the formation through a second common wellbore so that the magnetic fields of the three heaters at least partially cancel out in the common wellbores.

Abstract: A method for installing a horizontal or inclined subsurface heater includes placing a heating section of a heater in a horizontal or inclined section of a wellbore with an installation tool. The tool is uncoupled from the heating section. A lead in section is mechanically and electrically coupled to the heating section of the heater. The lead-in section is located in an angled or vertical section of the wellbore.

Abstract: A subterranean electro-thermal heating system including one or more heater cable sections extending through one or more heat target regions of a subterranean environment and one or more cold lead sections coupled to the heater cable section(s) and extending through one or more non-target regions of the subterranean environment. A cold lead section delivers electrical power to a heater cable section but generates less heat than the heater cable section. The heater cable section(s) are arranged to deliver thermal input to one or more localized areas in the subterranean environment to vaporize a liquid, e.g. water.

Abstract: Cesium solutions are treated in a cavitation device to increase their temperature and facilitate the removal of water from them. The context is normally an oil well fluid or a mining solution. The concentrated solutions can be reused, in the case of oil well fluids, or more easily handled for recovery of the elemental cesium or cesium in the form of a salt. Thermal energy is saved by using the concentrate or the water vapor to heat various streams within the system.

Abstract: This invention includes methods of recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale, and sub-surface oil shale recovery arrangements for recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale. In one implementation, a sub-surface oil shale recovery arrangement for recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale includes a bore hole extending upwardly from a subterranean room into oil shale, with at least an upper part of the room being received within the oil shale and includes a wall through which the bore hole extends. The bore hole includes a lowest portion within the oil shale and an upper portion within the oil shale. A heating energy source extends from the subterranean room into the bore hole along the lowest portion and along the upper portion, insulation and/or cooling is received radially about the heating energy source extending along the lowest portion. Other aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: A downhole annealing system includes a component to be annealed; a steam generating catalyst in proximity to the component; and a reactant fuel selectively communicative with the catalyst to produce an exothermic reaction and method.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system for use downhole that includes a housing containing an expandable fluid, that when expanded pushes a piston that in turn pumps wellbore fluid to the surface. The expandable fluid can be a silicon based heat transfer fluid with a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least about 0.0005 in3/in3/° F. The expandable fluid is expanded upon exposure to heat. A heat source is selectively activated for expanding the fluid.

Abstract: A closed loop system for increasing yield, reducing post process pollution, reducing energy consumed during and after extraction of fuels or contaminants in formations and for sequestering of carbon dioxide C02 from various sources is converted to a critical fluid for use as a flushing and cooling medium. Electrical energy heats a hydrocarbon rich formation resulting in the extraction of hot fluids which are fed to heat exchangers, gas/liquid separator, and steam turbine whereby oil, electric power, carbon dioxide and methane are produced for reuse in the system or for external use. Further, a method for sequestering of carbon dioxide in a formation comprises the steps of injecting CO2 into the reservoir, flushing with cool pressurized CO2 for heat removal, infiltrating with ultra-fine low density suspended catalyst particles of dry sodium hydroxide in CO2, pumping water moistened CO2 into the reservoir to activate the catalysts, binding the CO2 with reacting materials and capping the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.