Abstract: Evaluating a subterranean formation fluid by lowering a testing tool to a depth in a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation, limiting wellbore fluid convection near the depth with the testing tool, heating formation fluid in the subterranean formation near the depth, obtaining a sample of the heated formation fluid from the subterranean formation, and evaluating at least a portion of the sample of heated formation fluid obtained from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tool for a downhole operation. The tool includes a downhole power source to generate power. The tool also includes a cooler module to lower temperature based on the power.

Abstract: An in situ heat treatment system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes a plurality of wellbores in the formation. At least one heater is positioned in at least two of the wellbores. A self-regulating nuclear reactor provides energy to at least one of the heaters to heat the temperature of the formation to temperatures that allow for hydrocarbon production from the formation. A temperature of the self-regulating nuclear reactor is controlled by controlling a pressure of hydrogen supplied to the self-regulating nuclear reactor, and wherein the pressure is regulated based upon formation conditions.

Abstract: A system for heating at least a part of a subsurface hydro carbonaceous earth formation forms a borehole into or adjacent to the formation, places elongated coaxial inner and outer conductors into the borehole with the inner and outer conductors electrically connected to each other at a depth below the top of the formation, and connects an AC power source to at least the outer conductor to produce heat in at least one of the conductors. The AC output has a controlled frequency, and the outer conductor comprises a standard oil well component made of a ferromagnetic material that conducts current from the AC power source in only a surface region of the conductor due to the skin effect phenomenon. More heat is dissipated from portions of the conductor that is within the depth range of the formation than from other portions of the conductor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal recovery of shallow bitumen using increased permeability inclusions. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes the steps of: propagating at least one generally planar inclusion outward from a wellbore into the formation; injecting a fluid into the inclusion, thereby heating the hydrocarbons; and during the injecting step, producing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore. A well system includes at least one generally planar inclusion extending outward from a wellbore into a formation; a fluid injected into the inclusion, hydrocarbons being heated as a result of the injected fluid; and a tubular string through which the hydrocarbons are produced, the tubular string extending to a location in the wellbore below the inclusion, and the hydrocarbons being received into the tubular string at that location.

Abstract: A method of enhancing recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon formation, includes heating the hydrocarbon formation by injecting heated gas into a borehole; generating a series of pressure pulses in the borehole by flashing a liquid into a gas; and directing the pressure pulses into the hydrocarbon formation.

Abstract: A resource recovery system includes a capture container located at a desired surface defining a capture volume between the surface and an interior of the capture container. One or more hole-making devices are located in the capture container to excavate soil from at least one hole in the surface. A heater located in the hole making device heats the excavated soil, releasing one or more compounds from the excavated soil. The capture container is configured to capture gas and/or liquid compounds released from the excavated soil. A method of resource extraction from soil includes covering a desired surface with a capture container defining a capture volume between the desired surface and an interior of the capture container. Soil is excavated from a hole in the desired surface into the capture volume with an auger. The auger heats the excavated soil thereby releasing one or more compounds into the capture volume.

Abstract: A system for providing supplemental or auxiliary heat to a crude oil separator is provided. The system includes a primary circuit carrying a fluid heated by a solar panel and a secondary circuit carrying a fluid heated by heat exchangers engaged with the primary circuit. The secondary circuit includes heat exchangers engaging the separator to provide auxiliary heat. The system may also include a source of off-grid electrical energy, such as a wind turbine and/or photoelectric cell.

Abstract: Subterranean devices are provided that are configured or designed for high temperature downhole use. The downhole devices comprise an electronic device configured or designed for downhole use in the well and a heat dissipation system. The heat dissipation may include one or more active coolers and a micro-particulate radiation improving coating applied to the active cooler.

Abstract: A method and system of producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing subterranean hydrate reservoir is disclosed. Waste heat is captured and transferred to a hydrocarbon bearing hydrate formation to dissociate hydrates into natural gas and water. The waste heat can be heat generated from surface facilities such as a Gas To Liquids (GTL) plant, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant, an electric or power generation plant, and an onshore or offshore facility producing other conventional or unconventional hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. Alternatively, the waste heat can be obtained from subterranean reservoirs such as hydrocarbon containing producing wells and geothermal wells producing heated water.

Abstract: A method of geothermal energy production can include injecting water into a formation, and then automatically decreasing resistance to flow through at least one valve in response to the water changing phase in the formation. A geothermal well system can include a tubular string disposed in a production wellbore, the tubular string including at least one valve, water which flows from an injection wellbore into a formation surrounding the wellbore, and then flows from the formation into the production wellbore as steam, and resistance to flow through the valve decreasing automatically in response to presence of the steam in the production wellbore. Another method of geothermal energy production can include injecting water into a formation from an injection wellbore, the water changing phase in the formation, and then automatically decreasing resistance to fluid flow through at least one valve in response to presence of steam in a production wellbore.

Abstract: A method of producing from a subterranean formation can include injecting steam into the formation, and then automatically opening at least one valve in response to the steam condensing. A well system can include a tubular string disposed in a wellbore, the tubular string including at least one valve, steam which flows from the wellbore into a formation surrounding the wellbore, and alternately flows from the formation into the wellbore as liquid water, and the valve opening automatically in response to presence of the liquid water in the wellbore.

Abstract: A system and a method of controlling a fluid temperature for improving injectivity of a supercritical carbon dioxide into a stratum includes a casing part installed in a well, which is formed from a ground surface to a target stratum for injection, a grouting part formed between the casing part and a counterforted wall of the well, a cover covering an upper portion of the casing part, an injection tube inserted into the casing part through the cover and receiving the carbon dioxide injected into the injection tube, a perforation part serving as a passage allowing the carbon dioxide to flow from the injection tube to the target stratum, a packing part formed between the injection tube and an inner portion of the casing part, a heat coil part surrounding the injection tube, and a temperature adjusting unit controlling a temperature of the heat coil part.

Abstract: A parallel fed well antenna array and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment is a parallel fed well antenna array. It includes an electrically conductive pipe having radiating segments and insulator segments. It also includes a two conductor shielded electrical cable where the shield has discontinuities such that the first conductor and the second conductor are exposed. The first conductor is electrically connected to the conductive pipe and the second conductor is electrically connected to the shield of the electrical cable just beyond an insulator segment of the conductive well pipe A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the electrical cable.

Abstract: There is provided a portable oil extraction system comprising one or more high heat energy generators that supply high heat energy to an underground oil-rich zone. Each heat energy generator comprises a chamber for gasifying used rubber tires, waste oil, coal or other combustible materials for the production of volatile gases and high energy heat. Exhaust gases from the heat generator are piped underground into a zone of oil-rich material such as oilsands, oilshale, or contaminated soil to heat the oil-rich material therein to vaporize the hydrocarbons. Vacuum pressure withdraws the vaporized hydrocarbons from the underground oil-rich zone. The vaporized hydrocarbons are condensed and collected within a forced-air condenser for reuse. An optional second stage refrigeration unit condenses any residual vaporized hydrocarbons that may be missed by the forced-air condenser. No water or chemical additives are used in this environmentally benign process.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cooling equipment including exposing a fluid to a tool comprising electronic components at a temperature T and pressure P, compressing the fluid to a temperature T1 and pressure P1, exposing the fluid to a surface in communication with liquid or gas or both external to the tool wherein the fluid after exposure to the surface is at a temperature T2 and pressure P2, and allowing the fluid to expand to a temperature T3 and pressure P3 wherein the equipment is a tool in a subterranean formation and T is less than T2 and P is less than P2. Apparatus and methods for cooling oil field services tools including a fluid that conducts heat from the tool to the fluid, a compressor that, a heat exchanger that accepts fluid from the compressor and that rejects heat from the fluid, and a valve or orifice.

Abstract: A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through the aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component.

Abstract: A method and system of 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 are provided.

Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool or cold water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40° -120° F.+(4.4 - 48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed.

Abstract: A process for retorting and extracting sub-surface hydrocarbons. The process comprises drilling an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are heated from the bottom to form a retort, the retort extending along a portion of the energy delivery well. A vapor tube is extended to a location proximate the retort, the vapor tube having an entrance corresponding to the region of the retort along the energy delivery well that is nearest the surface exit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing upgraded hydrocarbons in-situ from a production well. The method begins by operating a subsurface recovery of hydrocarbons with a production well. An RF absorbent material is heated by at least one RF emitter and used as a heated RF absorbent material, which in turn heats the hydrocarbons to be produced. Hydrocarbons are upgraded in-situ and then produced from the production well.

Abstract: An environmentally and economically more efficient petroleum production/refining/utilization system for managing carbon emissions at all stages of the petroleum lifecycle is provided. The system of the current invention integrates the release of carbon from refined low value, high polluting petroleum products such that those sources of carbon may be utilized in a manner beneficial to the efficiency and environmental footprint of the overall petroleum processing lifecycle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of in situ upgraded hydrocarbons by injecting steam and hydrogen into a reservoir containing the hydrocarbons. A mixture output generated as water is vaporized by direct contact with flow from fuel-rich combustion provides the steam and hydrogen. The steam heats the hydrocarbons facilitating flow of the hydrocarbons and reaction of the hydrogen with the hydrocarbons to enable hydroprocessing prior to recovery of the hydrocarbons to surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing CO2 with an advanced function of adjusting the pressure and temperature of CO2 for geologic injection includes a manifold including a plurality of branching pipes to receive carbon dioxide for geologic injection from a plurality of storage tanks, a distribution chamber having an inlet communicating with the manifold and an outlet connected to an injection pipe extending to an underground tubular well, so that the carbon dioxide, which has been received through the manifold, is supplied through the injection pipe, a temperature adjusting part to adjust the temperature of the carbon dioxide introduced into the distribution chamber, and a flow rate and hydraulic pressure adjusting part to adjust a flow rate and a hydraulic pressure of the carbon dioxide injected into an underground through the distribution chamber. The temperature and pressure conditions of CO2 on geologic injection are controlled through a user interface.

Abstract: Thermal oil recovery operations, such as SAGD, result in waste heat that is typically released to the environment. Bitumen mining operations require heat input for heating fluids used in the mining process. A method and system of recovering heat from a thermal recovery operation for use in bitumen mining operation may include a heated donor fluid from a thermal recovery operation which heats an acceptor fluid for use in bitumen mining via proximal heat exchange using a power cycle or heat exchange module, such as an ammonia and water based Kalina® Cycle.

Abstract: A system and a method manage temperature in a wellbore. A thermal barrier may be positioned within the drill pipe and/or the drill collars to obtain a desired downhole temperature and/or control the effect of thermal energy in high-angle and horizontal wellbores. Downhole measurements, such as real-time measurements and/or recorded measurements, may be used to update models, such as steady state models and/or dynamic models. The downhole measurements may validate the static temperature gradient and may provide information about the thermal characteristics of the one or more formations in which the wellbore is located.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a downhole property are provided. The apparatus may include a downhole tool having a predetermined temperature calibration based at least in part on an expected downhole temperature and a temperature controller in communication with the downhole tool that maintains a downhole tool temperature substantially within the predetermined temperature calibration. A method may include conveying a downhole tool having a predetermined temperature calibration based at least in part on an expected downhole temperature in a well borehole and adjusting the temperature of the downhole tool during downhole operation to maintain a downhole tool temperature substantially within the predetermined temperature calibration.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a thermally sensitive component. The temperature of the thermally sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the thermally sensitive component.

Abstract: A well completion for use in enhanced recovery of heavy oil includes a compressor for pressurizing natural gas captured from a heavy oil formation to a specified pressure while maintaining the pressurized gas at a specified temperature by controlling conduction from the pressurized gas of adiabatic heat produced in its pressurization. The pressurized and heated natural gas is then reintroduced to the heavy oil formation to enhance production therefrom.

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: The extraction of hydrocarbon fuel products such as kerogen oil and gas from a body of fixed fossil fuels such as oil shale is accomplished by applying a combination of electrical energy and critical fluids with reactants and/or catalysts down a borehole to initiate a reaction of reactants in the critical fluids with kerogen in the oil shale thereby raising the temperatures to cause kerogen oil and gas products to be extracted as a vapor, liquid or dissolved in the critical fluids. The hydrocarbon fuel products of kerogen oil or shale oil and hydrocarbon gas are removed to the ground surface by a product return line. An RF generator provides electromagnetic energy, and the critical fluids include a combination of carbon dioxide (CO2), with reactants of nitrous oxide (N2O) or oxygen (O2).

Abstract: A device for the in-situ extraction of a hydrocarbon-containing substance, while reducing the viscosity thereof, from an underground deposit, has at least one injection pipeline extending in the deposit and at least one production pipeline leading out of the deposit, which together form a so-called well pair. The injection and production pipelines each have a starting region extending above ground in some areas, and an active region connecting to the starting region inside the deposit. With the method, during a heating phase hot steam is applied to the injection and production pipelines, while during a production phase hot steam is applied only to the injection pipeline. Furthermore, the active region of the injection pipeline is additionally configured as an induction heater regarding the surrounding area in the deposit. In the associated device, for example, the well pair formed by the injection pipeline and production pipeline can be configured as electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for steam production for oil production. The method includes generating steam, mixing the steam with water containing solids and organics, separating solids, and injecting the steam through an injection well or using it above ground for oil recovery, such as for generating hot process water. The system includes a steam drive direct contact steam generator. The water feed of the present invention can be hot produced water separated from a produced oil emulsion and/or low quality water salvaged from industrial plants, such as refineries and tailings from an oilsands mine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating a temperature of a device in a tool used in a wellbore is disclosed. The device generally includes a substrate and a heat source associated with the substrate that induces heat into the substrate. The substrate includes a fluid channel therein. A fluid system provides the fluid into the fluid channel and out of the fluid channel to control the temperature of the component.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for hydrocarbon extraction from organic materials, such as oil shale, coal, lignite, tar sands, animal waste and biomass, which may be characterized generally as feedstock ore. A retort system including at least one fabricated retort vessel may be fabricated within a shaft surrounded by a liner of a process isolation barrier, the upper end of the shaft being closed with a cap sealingly engaged with the liner. The lower end of the shaft provides an exit for collected hydrocarbons, and spent tailings. The shaft may be excavated from the surface into and through one or more subterranean formations, and process control infrastructure is installed within the shaft to for control of hydrocarbon extraction and collection.

Abstract: A method is provided herein for performing a leaching process on a substrate (113). In accordance with the method, a freeze wall (115) is created which isolates a portion (117) of a substrate, and the isolated portion of the substrate is subjected to a leaching process.

Abstract: During the production of crude oil, naturally occurring paraffin can be deposited on the inside surfaces of production tubing. These wax deposits reduce the cross sectional area of the tubing and can reduce or completely halt the flow of oil from the well. Currently there are many different methods employed in oil fields around the world to combat paraffin problems, but none are one hundred percent effective. When the available methods fail completely, costly removal and replacement of the tubing must be performed in order to resume oil production. The hot anti-wax knife tool provides a previously unavailable method of melting a hole through the paraffin deposits in the production tubing in order to restore production. The tool utilizes rechargeable batteries in a novel arrangement which provides sufficient power to melt through paraffin using a uniquely designed heating element and cutting head.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer comprises an outer seal layer, and the at least one drain is positioned in the outer seal layer. A viscosity system also is incorporated and enables the viscosity of a surrounding fluid to be selectively lowered for sampling.

Abstract: An equalizing valve for a flapper in a subsurface safety valve has a valve member disposed in a passage in the flapper that is made of a material that changes shape when subjected to a stimulus such as heat, for example. In one configuration, the valve member closes off the passage and in another flow past or through the valve member defines the open position allowing pressure to equalize across the closed flapper. Other valve applications are envisioned for downhole use. The stimulus can come from applied electrical current that causes sufficient heating to have the valve member alter its shape. Mechanical assists to the shape altering can be provided which can also optionally be made of shape changing materials. Biasing into a sealed position is envisioned.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to heat dissipating apparatus to be used with a downhole tool, including a tubular housing having an axis defined therethrough, a heat generating device disposed within the tubular housing, a heat sink disposed adjacent to the heat generating device and configured to dissipate heat from the heat generating device, and a displacement mechanism disposed within the tubular housing and configured to position the heat sink between a first position and a second position within the tubular housing in which, in the first position, a gap is formed between the heat sink and the tubular housing, and in the second position, the heat sink contacts the tubular housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to heat dissipation apparatus that may be used within a downhole tool. The heat dissipation apparatus may include one or more of a cover configured to attach to a heat generating device, a thermal conduit thermally coupled to the cover, and a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal conduit, in which the heat sink is configured to dissipate heat from the heat generating device through the cover and the thermal conduit.

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 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: In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that includes an anisotropic nanocomposite element in thermal communication with a heat-generating element for conducting heat away from the heat-generating element along a selected direction. In another aspect, a method of conveying heat away from a heat-generating element is disclosed that includes transferring heat from the heat-generating element to an anisotropic nanocomposite element that is configured to conduct heat along a selected direction, and transferring heat received by the anisotropic nanocomposite element to a heat-absorbing element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for temperature management of a downhole thermal component includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled with the thermal component and a heat exhausting temperature management system thermally coupled with the thermal component and the heat exchanger to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include an electrical device coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger and a power source to provide an energy flow to the electrical device to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include a thermoelectric cooler coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger. A method includes energizing an electrical device or a thermoelectric cooler to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A well tool can include a well tool housing and a cooling section positioned within the well tool housing, the cooling section including a helical cooling fluid flow path, and the flow path having a reversal of direction proximate an end of the cooling section. Another well tool can include a cooling fluid which flows through the helical flow path toward the end of the cooling section in one direction, and which flows through the helical flow path away from the end of the cooling section in an opposite direction. Another well tool can include the cooling fluid which flows through the helical flow path, and which makes multiple passes longitudinally through the cooling section proximate a heat-sensitive device.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A liner includes temperature actuated valves for delivering steam more uniformly along the heel and toe portions of the liner. The temperature actuated valves include an actuation mechanism that actuates from an open position to a closed position to control the flow of the steam therethrough. The actuation mechanism actuates to the closed position when it exceeds a predetermined temperature. 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.