With Heating, Refrigerating Or Heat Insulating Means Patents (Class 166/57)
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Patent number: 8672024Abstract: A subsurface well completion system including a subsurface heat exchanger section that includes an outer shell and an inner shell having an upper threaded portion, an open inside diameter, one or more inlet boxes and one or more outlet boxes. An upper annular ring extends between the inner shell and the outer shell and has one or more openings. A lower annular ring extends between the inner shell and the outer shell. The lower annular ring is spaced apart from the upper annular ring and has one or more openings. One or more tubes are sealably connected at a first end and a second end to the one or more openings in the upper annular ring and the one or more openings in the lower annular ring, respectively, and extend between the upper and lower annular rings in an annular space between the inner shell and the outer shell.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Geotek Energy, LLCInventors: L. Don Tyler, Ken W. Fryrear, Michael C. Pierce, Gary Allen Ring
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Publication number: 20140069642Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced oil recovery system (1). The system (1) comprises an underground oil reservoir (2) comprising oil having an oil temperature (3) and an injection well (4) in fluid communication with the underground oil reservoir (2). The system (1) further comprises an enzyme storage (5) comprising temperature control means (6), wherein the temperature control means (6) are adapted for controlling the temperature of enzymes (7) in the enzyme storage (5) in relation to an operative temperature range (8) of the enzymes and/or the oil temperature (3) and the system (1) comprises injection means (9) for creating an injection stream comprising enzymes from the enzyme storage (5) to the underground oil reservoir (2) through the injection well (4). The invention further relates to a method for operating an underground oil reservoir (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Inventor: Soren Frank
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Patent number: 8662176Abstract: A method for cooling a downhole gas generator that includes a combustion housing and a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments. A flow of water is provided into inlet ports, and out of outlet ports, of each of the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments, for cooling the downhole gas generator. The flow of water into the inlet ports, and out of the outlet ports is regulated to provide optimal cooling of the downhole gas generator, and to also optimize the flow of water through the plurality of apertures of the combustion housing and into the combustion chamber, to minimize heat damage to the combustion housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Kreis Syngas, LLCInventor: Rom McGuffin
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Publication number: 20140054026Abstract: A system is provided that allows relatively low temperature water to be withdrawn from a pipeline for heating and then returning the heated water to the pipeline, wherein the assembly includes a device for limiting or preventing excess air within the pipeline to also be drawn into the one or more water heaters being used. At least one embodiment further includes a device for adjusting the rate of flow through a primary pipe so that desired temperatures are maintained during the heating process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Enservco CorporationInventor: Austin PEITZ
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Patent number: 8656999Abstract: The present method produces treated water from a direct steam generator. The method begins by injecting water into a direct steam generator. The injected water is then vaporized with the direct steam generator to produce steam and an effluent stream. The combustible water impurities in the water are then combusted inside a chamber in the direct steam generator and the solid particles are removed from the effluent stream to produce a treated stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Edward G. Latimer, James P. Seaba, Thomas J. Wheeler, David C. LaMont
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Publication number: 20140041851Abstract: In the area of oilfield wellhead equipment, and specifically the wellhead lubricator, there is often the problem of the fluid or gas inside the lubricator and/or wellhead freezing in cold winter climates. A wellhead lubricator cover is described which can be secured around the wellhead, thereby isolating the wellhead lubricator and preventing the fluid or gas inside the lubricator from freezing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventor: Tyron Wagner
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Publication number: 20140041852Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed tubing string includes outlets that deliver steam more uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Jackie C. Sims
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Publication number: 20140041871Abstract: A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a clathrate reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: John Thomas Balczewski
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Publication number: 20140041872Abstract: A method and system for initiating hydrocarbon production from a reservoir are provided. This method and system utilize thermosyphons. The system and method utilize one or more sealed, elongated, hollow tubular containers supported in earth in a geothermal heat zone below the reservoir and extending upwardly therefrom into the reservoir. The containers comprise (a) a bottom portion in the geothermal heat zone below the reservoir; (b) a top portion within the reservoir; and (c) being partially filled with a liquid that evaporates in the bottom portion forming a vapor and transferring heat via convective flow of the vapor to the top portion, the heat being dissipated at the top portion into the surrounding reservoir as the vapor condenses back into liquid and flows downward to the bottom portion. The reservoir can be a natural gas hydrate reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: John Thomas Balczewski
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Publication number: 20140027113Abstract: A system for pressure testing a component of a well system includes a tubular member extending into a wellbore. The tubular member has a fluid passageway and one or more nodes that are configured to measure fluid pressure. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to cool a fluid passing therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: INTELLISERV, LLCInventor: Daniel Marco VEENINGEN
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Publication number: 20140020908Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include a series of tubular conductors coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each tubular conductor may include a dual-wall conductor defining an RF antenna. The dual-wall conductor may include an outer wall and an inner wall spaced inwardly therefrom to define an outer fluid passageway. The RF antenna assembly may further include an RF transmission line extending within at least some of the tubular conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Harris CorporationInventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Keith Nugent
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Patent number: 8631867Abstract: A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Darrell Gordy, Dwight D. Fulton
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Patent number: 8631870Abstract: For SAGD operations, an apparatus and method of stripping and cooling tubing is provided by a cooling chamber where tubing and associated equipment can be safely exposed to a coolant fluid before significant handling. A telescoping chamber with a work window permits cables to be detached from tubing during stripping. Coolant may be Nitrogen or similarly inert fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: 1440072 Alberta Ltd.Inventors: Blake Johnson, Conrad Petrowsky, Thomas Gerard Follett
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Publication number: 20140014325Abstract: A method for recovering a hydrocarbon resource from a subterranean formation may include applying radio frequency (RF) power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource and producing the upgraded hydrocarbon resource from the subterranean formation to a wellhead. The method may also include, at the wellhead, performing an additional upgrading operation on the upgraded hydrocarbon resource using RF power. The method may further include supplying the upgraded hydrocarbon resource to a pipeline for transportation therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Harris CorporationInventors: Mark Ernest Blue, Lisa Patton Zastrow, Ryan Matthew Whitney, Ronald Edward Jackson, JR., John Anton Meyer
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Publication number: 20140014327Abstract: A method of producing reservoir fluids from a condensate gas reservoir traversed by a production well includes the formation of a protrusion into natural gas bearing rock along a producing interval of the reservoir. A heater element is placed into the protrusion and configured for operation. Reservoir fluids are produced from the producing interval while the heater element heats the natural gas bearing rock proximate the heater element. The heat supplied by the heater element reduces condensate build up in the natural gas bearing rock adjacent the production well during production. The heater element is configured to heat the natural gas bearing rock that is proximate the heater element to a temperature that is sufficient to vaporize and/or reduce the viscosity of condensate that is proximate the heater element. A related system is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: MOHAMMED BADRI, WAEL ABDALLAH, REZA TAHERIAN
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Publication number: 20140014326Abstract: A method for recovering a hydrocarbon resource from a subterranean formation may include applying radio frequency (RF) power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource to have a lowered viscosity. The method may further include producing the upgraded hydrocarbon resource from the subterranean formation to a wellhead, and, at the wellhead, adding a diluent to the upgraded hydrocarbon resource sufficient to meet a pipeline transport viscosity threshold. The method may also include supplying the diluted upgraded hydrocarbon resource to a pipeline for transportation therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATIONInventors: Mark Ernest Blue, Caleb Tomazinis, Scott S. Smith
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Patent number: 8627886Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO2 and steam, is injected at pressure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, where steam condenses out of the compound heat medium releasing heat to the reservoir. The condensate is produced with the hydrocarbon as a hydrocarbon/water mixture or emulsion. Non-condensable gases, primarily CO2, from the compound heat medium may remains in the reservoir through void replacement, leakage to adjacent geological strata. Beneficially, any CO2 produced is recovered at pressure, for use in other processes, or for disposal by sequestration. Produced water is recovered and recycled as a moderator and steam generating medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignees: Orion Projects Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. O'Connor, Cameron Hardy
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Publication number: 20140000886Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering petroleum from a formation. An oil recovery formulation comprising at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition is introduced into a subterranean petroleum bearing formation comprising heavy oil, extra heavy oil, or bitumen, and petroleum is produced from the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Stanley Nemec MILAM, John Justin FREEMAN, Erik Willem TEGELAAR
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Patent number: 8616283Abstract: A process for treating a water stream produced in the recovery of heavy oil from geological formations. The process includes use of a heat exchange unit having at least one tube having a multi-layer coating. The multi-layer coating includes a melt flowable copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene adhered to the interior surface or exterior surface of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Laurence Waino McKeen, Michael Albert Hooper
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Publication number: 20130312959Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of thermal energy to horizontal wellbores are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises heating a heat transfer fluid; circulating the heat transfer fluid into a vertical bore to a heat exchanger; advancing feedwater into the vertical bore to the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the feedwater to generate steam; transmitting the steam from the heat exchanger into a horizontal wellbore to cause heating of a subterranean region; and returning the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger to the surface. The method may further comprise collecting liquefied formation in a second horizontal wellbore; and transmitting the liquefied formation to the surface through a production line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: FUTURE ENERGY LLCInventor: Kent Hytken
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Publication number: 20130299159Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of inert gas at a well site, the apparatus comprising one or more pressure vessels containing liquefied inert gas, a heat exchanger, one or more units of fracturing equipment connected to a manifold, a submersible pump in each of the one or more pressure vessels, each submersible pump being connected to supply liquefied inert gas to a supply line that passes through the heat exchanger and the supply line being connected to supply inert gas vaporized by the heat exchanger to the manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: GasFrac Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Timothy O'Rourke, Ronald Dant
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Publication number: 20130284429Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein is provided. The system includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and a transformer to be positioned in the wellbore and configured to couple the RF source to the RF antenna so that the RF antenna supplies RF power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Francis Parsche
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Publication number: 20130284430Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein is provided. The system includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RF antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and a magnetic amplifier to be positioned in the wellbore and configured to couple the RF source to the RF antenna so that the RF antenna supplies RF power to the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: FRANCIS PARSCHE
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Patent number: 8567500Abstract: Cooling apparatus and methods for use with downhole tools are described. An example apparatus includes a cooling apparatus for use with a downhole tool. The cooling apparatus includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is configured for fluid communication with a wellbore and the inlet is spaced from the outlet. The cooling apparatus also includes a pump configured to convey at least one of a drilling fluid or a formation fluid between the inlet and the outlet. Additionally, the cooling apparatus includes a heat exchanger coupled to a surface adjacent the flow passage and a component of the downhole tool to convey heat from the component to the cooling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sylvain Bedouet, Erik Quam, Nicholas Ellson
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Patent number: 8555969Abstract: Methods and apparatus that change the mobility of formation fluids using thermal and non-thermal stimulation including, an example apparatus to simultaneously provide thermal and non-thermal stimulation to change a mobility of a fluid in a subsurface formation includes one or more containers to hold one or more reactants. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a reactor to initiate a chemical reaction with at least one of the reactants. Further, the example apparatus includes an injector to inject a product of the chemical reaction into a formation. The product of the chemical reaction includes heat and a gaseous diluent to change a mobility of a fluid in a subsurface formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Anthony Robert Holmes Goodwin, Tim Jones, Keith James Massie, John Nighswander, Gary Tustin
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Patent number: 8550182Abstract: A drill bit, system and method for penetrating a material such as a mineral bearing rock or the like. The system comprises a drill bit comprising a cutting face comprising at least one cutting tool, an emitter of microwaves positioned behind the cutting face, wherein at least a portion of the microwaves are emitted in a direction away from the cutting face, and a reflector for directing the portion to the cutting face. In operation the emitted microwaves irradiate the material prior to the irradiated material being removed by the at least one cutting tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: McGill UniversityInventors: Jacques Ouellet, Peter Radziszewski, Vijaya Raghavan, Hemanth Satish, Ferri Hassani
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Publication number: 20130228330Abstract: A method of processing liquefied petroleum gas used in a treatment fluid previously injected into a hydrocarbon reservoir is disclosed, the method comprising: recovering at least a portion of the treatment fluid from the hydrocarbon reservoir to produce recovered treatment fluid; and separating liquefied petroleum gas in the form of a gas or liquid from the recovered treatment fluid using a separator. An apparatus for processing liquefied petroleum gas used in a treatment fluid previously injected into a hydrocarbon reservoir is also disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a separator; a recovery line for recovering treatment fluid from the hydrocarbon reservoir, the recovery line connected to supply recovered treatment fluid to the separator, the separator being to separate a liquefied petroleum gas portion in gas or liquid form from the recovered treatment fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Dwight N. Loree, Shaun T. Mesher
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Publication number: 20130213637Abstract: A system of a radiating antenna and a sheet beam klystron, as a microwave source, coupled to the antenna by a short waveguide and the method of locating the antenna downhole in a well at a selected target zone by use of a dual chamber flexible tube and applying power to the source to heat and fracture the rock in the target zone and created a migrating phase boundary that radiates out from the antenna 25 meters or more to release the hydrocarbons in the rock.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventor: Peter M. Kearl
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Publication number: 20130206134Abstract: Techniques for subsurface thermal energy storage of heat generated by concentrating solar power enable smoothing of available energy with respect to daily and/or seasonal variation. Solar thermal collectors produce saturated steam that is injected into a producing or wholly/partially depleted oil reservoir that operates as a heat storage reservoir. Some of the saturated steam generated by the collectors is optionally used to generate electricity. Heat is withdrawn from the reservoir as saturated steam and is used to operate an active thermal recovery project (such as a producing thermally enhanced oil reservoir) and/or to generate electricity. Withdrawn heat is optionally augmented by heat produced by firing natural gas. The reservoir is optionally one that has been used for thermally enhanced oil recovery and thus is already warm, minimizing heat losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicants: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY, GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC.Inventors: GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC., THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
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Publication number: 20130206413Abstract: The invention is directed to a chemical system of gas evolving oil viscosity diminishing compositions (GEOVDC) for stimulating the productive layer of an oil reservoir, that is to chemical compositions for a thermochemical treatment of an oil reservoir, more specifically for initiating a chemical reaction in the productive layer zone of the oil reservoir to produce heat and evolve gases so that the extraction of oil (petroleum) is improved. The invention is further directed to a method of thermochemically treating an oil reservoir by means of this chemical system, and to an apparatus for performing thermochemical treatment of an oil reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: TCTM LimitedInventors: Eugeny Alexandrov, Dmitry Lemenovski, Zdenek Koller
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Publication number: 20130199783Abstract: An arrangement for resolving a hydrate plug (1) in a pipeline (2), such as tubing, drill pipe, casing etc., is described, said arrangement comprising a heating device (4) run on wire line. The heating device (4) is elongated and spear shaped and is mounted on a stroking device (3), the stroking device (3) being adapted to provide a pushing force of sufficient strength to force the heating device into the hydrate plug (1). The heating device then has a large surface towards the hydrate plug. When heat is applied to the heating device, the hydrate plug will melt. A hydrate inhibitor may be added to the liquid near the hydrate plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Hydratservices ASInventors: Geir Habesland, William Steffensen
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Publication number: 20130199786Abstract: A heating system for a subterranean mineral formation according to embodiments of the present invention includes a casing positioned in a bore in the subterranean mineral formation, the casing having an outer surface and an inner surface, a heating element positioned within the casing, a surface connection system having a first end coupled to the heating element within the casing and a second end at a top ground surface above the subterranean mineral formation, a heat transfer fluid contained within the casing, the heat transfer fluid configured to transfer heat between the heating element and the inner surface of the casing, wherein at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid is undergoing phase changes between liquid and gas in order to regulate a temperature of the casing. Fins may be included on the outside of the casing to enhance heat transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: AMERICAN SHALE OIL, LLCInventors: James R. McConaghy, Leonard H. Switzer, Alan K. Burnham, Roger L. Day
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Publication number: 20130199777Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventor: George R. Scott
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Publication number: 20130192816Abstract: A renewable energy, single well, primarily self-flow, geothermal heat/power production system that acquires naturally occurring sub-surface geothermal heat to heat water and/or produce mechanical/electrical power using a heat exchangers or a turbine/generator. The sub-surface structures defining a working fluid flow path may be insulated, such as with vacuum insulation, to increase system efficiency and ensure a substantially self-generating working fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: DEEP WELL POWER, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Publication number: 20130192834Abstract: A method and system of controlling the temperature of fluids produced from a reservoir to prevent overheating of an adjacent geological formation. A cooling fluid is supplied through an annulus formed between a production tubing and a production casing, which are in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cooling fluid is mixed with the reservoir fluid, and the fluids are produced through the production tubing. The temperature of the produced fluids is controlled or reduced by heat exchange with the cooling fluid supplied through the annulus to prevent excessive heat dissipation to the geological formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventor: Marvin J. Schneider
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Publication number: 20130192825Abstract: A device for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having at least one pair of laterally extending upper and lower wellbores therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source. The device may also include an upper wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending upper wellbore and including a plurality of first terminals. The device may further include a lower wellbore RF radiator to be positioned in the laterally extending lower wellbore and comprising a plurality of second terminals. The device may also include an interconnection arrangement configured to couple the RF source and the first and second terminals so that at least one of the upper and lower wellbore RF radiators heat the hydrocarbon resource in the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Harris CorporationInventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
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Publication number: 20130186623Abstract: The present invention generally relates to injecting steam into a wellbore using a device. The device includes a body having a bore configured to communicate steam through the body. The device also includes a sleeve movable in the bore of the body between a first position and a second position, wherein the sleeve in the first position blocks steam from exiting an opening of the body and the sleeve in the second position allows steam to exit the opening of the body. The device further includes a shroud disposed on a portion of the body such that an annulus is formed between the shroud and the body, wherein the annulus is configured to direct steam from the opening in the body toward steam outlets. In another aspect, a method of injecting steam into a wellbore using a steam tubular is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Francis Ian Waterhouse, Jozeph Robert Marcin, Christopher D. Palmer, Andrew James Hanson
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Publication number: 20130180729Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) applicator may be rotated during positioning within a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The wellbore may have at least one bend therein. The RF applicator may include a series of tubular conductors, and a respective bendable tubular dielectric coupler rotationally interlocking opposing ends of adjacent ones of the series of tubular conductors to define a tubular antenna. The RF applicator may include at least one RF feed conductor extending within the tubular antenna and connected to the series of tubular conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Harris CorporationInventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit
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Patent number: 8485254Abstract: A method for the in situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil from oil sand deposits close to the surface, where thermal energy is introduced into the deposit to reduce the viscosity of the bitumen or very heavy oil is provided. Condensed water is used that is introduced into the deposit via an injection pipe and is horizontally conducted inside the pipe within the deposit such that the water can evaporate in situ and the heat can be applied to the deposit. An apparatus including an injection pipe, an extraction pipe, a converter and electrical conductors are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Norbert Huber, Hans-Peter Krämer
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Publication number: 20130175036Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downhole extraction and analysis of heavy oil are disclosed. An example method includes lowering a viscosity of formation fluid in a subterranean formation and flowing the formation fluid from the subterranean formation into a downhole tool. The example method also includes controlling the viscosity of at least a portion of the formation fluid in the downhole tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: Andreas Hausot
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Patent number: 8479814Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery method is provided. This method includes; introducing a first essentially pure oxygen stream into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation traversed by at least one injection well and at least one production well, and initiating and sustaining in-situ combustion in the vicinity of the injection well. This method also includes introducing a second essentially pure oxygen stream and a hydrocarbon-containing fuel gas stream into the combustion device of a power generation system, wherein the combustion device produces an exhaust gas stream comprising water and carbon dioxide. This method also includes separating the exhaust gas stream into a stream of essentially pure water, and a stream of essentially pure carbon dioxide, and introducing at least a portion of the essentially pure carbon dioxide stream into the subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation prior to initiating the in-situ combustion.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventor: Errico De Francesco
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Patent number: 8479820Abstract: In one embodiment, a heat dissipating apparatus includes a chassis positionable within a housing of a downhole tool. The heat dissipating apparatus also includes a heat sink coupled to the chassis and a displacement mechanism coupled to the heat sink. The displacement mechanism is actuatable to move the heat sink, with respect to the chassis, between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the heat sink is radially retracted toward the chassis to form a gap between the heat sink and the housing and such that in the second position the heat sink is radially extended from the chassis to contact the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Anmol Kaul, Lennox E. Reid, Jr., Bill Grant
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Patent number: 8474519Abstract: Warm water is pumped up by a pump from an underground aquifer present 1000 to 1500 m below the seabed, geothermal energy is caused to flow through a permeable layer below a methane hydrate layer, a dissociation boundary surface of an un-dissociated area of the methane hydrate layer is dissociated to generate methane gas, the methane gas is led into a production well from peripheral areas and through a gas inlet screen and caused to rise so that the methane gas is collected on the sea.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Japan Drilling Co., Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National CorporationInventors: Masahiro Nakamura, Saburo Goto, Takeyoshi Nozawa, Kozo Ishida
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Patent number: 8469092Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Michael Alvin Curole, Eugene Bruce Greene
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Publication number: 20130153210Abstract: A method of heating stacked pay zones in a hydrocarbon formation by radio frequency electromagnetic waves is provided. In particular, radio frequency antenna array having multiple antenna elements are provided inside a hydrocarbon formation that has steam-impermeable structure. The antenna elements are so positioned and configured that the hydrocarbons in the place where conventional thermal methods cannot be used to heat due to the steam-impermeable structure can now be heated by radio frequency electromagnetic waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicants: HARRIS CORPORATION, CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: ConocoPhillips Company, Harris Corporation
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Publication number: 20130140018Abstract: A heater cable for hydrocarbon drilling tubing, preferably applicable to pressurized or flooded annular space shale type wells, to prevent and/or remove obstructions in petroleum production wells tubing, caused by the accumulation of substances such as paraffin and hydrates or by a sharp increase in viscosity of the type which extends alongside a metallic thermo conductor duct affixed to the tubing by means of fixation elements. The cable is formed by an inner sheath insulating the electrical conductors, a metallic coat on said conductors' insulating sheath, a fluoropolymeric jacket surrounding said metallic sheath and an outer armour generally defined by a spring which surrounds the jacket in a helicoidal way. The coating of the conductors' insulating sheath is defined by a laminar band which protects all the surface of said sheath arranged in a surrounding way alongside it following a helicoidal arrangement and whose successive spirals are partially overlapped between them.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: Pablo Javier INVIERNO
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Publication number: 20130140027Abstract: A downhole steam generation apparatus and method of use are provided. The apparatus may include an injection section, a combustion section, and an evaporation section. The injection section may include a housing, injector elements, and injector plate. The combustion section may include a liner having channels disposed therethrough. The evaporation section may include conduits in fluid communication with the channels and the combustion chamber, and a nozzle operable to inject a fluid from the channels to the combustion chamber in droplet form. A method of use may include supplying fuel, oxidant, and fluid to the apparatus; combusting fuel and oxidant in a chamber while flowing the fluid through a plurality of channels disposed through a liner, thereby heating the fluid and cooling the liner; and injecting droplets of the heated fluid into the chamber and evaporating the droplets by combustion of the fuel and the oxidant to produce steam.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: World Energy Systems IncorporatedInventor: World Energy Systems Incorporated
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Patent number: 8453732Abstract: A method of sampling fluid from a subterranean formation includes positioning a first tool having a heater in a borehole so that the heater is adjacent a portion of the subterranean formation; heating with the heater the portion of the subterranean formation; removing the first tool from the borehole; orienting a second tool having a sampling probe in the borehole so that the sampling probe is to contact a portion of the subterranean formation heated by the heater; and obtaining via the sampling probe a fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation heated by the heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Carsten Sonne, Peter S. Hegeman, Anthony R. H. Goodwin
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Patent number: 8448708Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing refrigerant into a wellbore, for freeze-fracturing a selected region of a subsurface formation, uses refrigerant diffuser pipe having multiple orifices in a selected pattern along a designated section of its length. The orificed supply tubing is disposed within a refrigerant return conduit, thereby forming a tubing annulus. A flow of liquid refrigerant is introduced into the diffuser pipe and flows through the orifices into the tubing annulus, with the orifices acting as expander means creating a pressure drop and causing vaporization of the refrigerant as it passes into the annulus. To facilitate use of the same diffuser pipe in different wells having different requirements, a helical orifice-isolation wrap may be disposed around the diffuser pipe, with the orifice-isolation wrap having orifice-plugging elements arrayed to effectively block fluid flow through selected orifices, while leaving other orifices open as required.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Triple D Technologies Inc.Inventor: Darrell S. Kosakewich
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Publication number: 20130126171Abstract: A downhole assembly may include a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface adapted for contact with a downhole fluid, the inner surface defining an interior volume. One or more heat producing components may be disposed within the interior volume and in thermal contact with a structural component (e.g., chassis). One or more thermal dissipation members may be disposed within the housing, the one or more thermal dissipation members in thermal contact with the chassis and in thermal contact with the inner surface of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Schlumberger Technology Corporation