Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of a sulfur containing compound into a formation; a first mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur containing compound into a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation, the first mechanism for converting within the formation; and a second mechanism for converting at least a portion of the carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation into another compound, the second mechanism for converting within the formation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method of drilling and/or perforating uses a laser beam to remove material, such as to perforate the casing, cement and formation or drill a well bore. The system and method can further or alternately encompass material analysis that can be performed without removing the material from the well bore. The analysis can be performed apart from or in connection with drilling operations and/or perforating the casing, cement and formation. The analysis can be used in a feed back loop to adjust material removal, adjust material analysis, determine the location of future material removal, and for other uses.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A scalable system for producing upgraded crude oil includes one or more production lines. Bach of the one or more production lines comprises an oil well, an upgrader using microwave radiation operably associated with the oil well, and a pump operably associated with the upgrader. The upgrader is constructed to reduce the viscosity of and increase the API gravity of crude oil. A method for scalably upgrading crude oil includes providing an upgrader using a microwave radiation proximate an oil well, producing crude oil from the oil well, and transporting the crude oil to the upgrader. The method further includes upgrading the crude oil in the upgrader and transporting the upgraded crude oil away from the upgrader.

Abstract: Methods and systems for heating a subsurface formation are described herein. A heating system for a subsurface formation includes a sealed conduit positioned in an opening in the formation and a heat source. The sealed conduit includes a heat transfer fluid. The heat source provides heat to a portion of the sealed conduit to change phase of the heat transfer fluid from a liquid to a vapor. The vapor in the sealed conduit rises in the sealed conduit, condenses to transfer heat to the formation and returns to the conduit portion as a liquid.

Abstract: Compositions for hydrogen storage and methods of making such compositions employ an alloy that exhibits reversible formation/deformation of BH4? anions. The composition includes a ternary alloy including magnesium, boron and a metal and a metal hydride. The ternary alloy and the metal hydride are present in an amount sufficient to render the composition capable of hydrogen storage. The molar ratio of the metal to magnesium and boron in the alloy is such that the alloy exhibits reversible formation/deformation of BH4? anions. The hydrogen storage composition is prepared by combining magnesium, boron and a metal to prepare a ternary alloy and combining the ternary alloy with a metal hydride to form the hydrogen storage composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting temperature sensitive components from the extreme temperatures a hydrocarbon producing wellbore. The apparatus comprises an inner housing encompassed by an exterior housing, where a plenum is formed between the two housings. A vacuum is formed within the plenum. The temperature sensitive components are stored within the inner housing. An aerogel composition is placed on the outer surface of the inner housing thereby providing added insulation for protecting the temperature sensitive component. Optionally the aerogel composition can be added to the inner surface of the outer housing. Yet further optionally, a reflective foil may be disposed over the aerogel composition of the inner housing.

Abstract: A system and process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden. The system comprises an energy delivery subsystem to heat the body of oil shale and a hydrocarbon gathering subsystem for gathering hydrocarbons retorted from the body of oil shale. The energy delivery subsystem comprises at least one energy delivery well drilled from the surface of the earth through the overburden to a depth proximate a bottom of the body of oil shale, the energy delivery well extending generally downward from a surface location above a proximal end of the body of oil shale to be retorted and continuing proximate the bottom of the body of oil shale. The energy delivery well may extend into the body of oil shale at an angle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A subsurface well completion system is provided. The well completion system includes 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.

Abstract: A radiofrequency reactor for use in thermally recovering oil and related materials includes a radiofrequency antenna configured to be positioned within a well, where the well is provided within an area in which crude oil exists in the ground. The radiofrequency antenna includes a cylindrically-shaped radiating element for radiating radiofrequency energy into the area in which crude oil exists. The cylindrically-shaped radiating element is configured to allow passage of fluids there through. The radiofrequency reactor also includes a radiofrequency generator electrically coupled to the radiofrequency antenna. The radiofrequency reactor is operable to control the radiofrequency energy generated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing and regulating temperature, pressure and fluid viscosities of fluid streams found in oil and gas production. The apparatus may heat fluids flowing from the reservoir to the surface, or heat fluids injected from the surface into the reservoir. The apparatus includes an elongated, polygonal shaped tubular heating member with a plurality of fins radially extending from the flat surfaces of the polygonal shaped member, a tubular mixing member axially aligned with the polygonal shaped tubular member, said tubular mixing member having apertures therein and a shroud enclosing said polygonal shaped heating member and tubular mixing member. In one embodiment, the tool comprises a plurality of polygonal shaped heating members and tubular mixing members, axially aligned in alternating series.

Abstract: A system for treating a subterranean zone (110) includes a downhole fluid heater (120) installed in a wellbore (114). Treatment fluid, oxidant, and fuel conduits (124a, 124b, and 124c) connect fuel, oxidant and treatment fluid sources (142a, 142b, and 142c) to the downhole fluid heater (120). A downhole fuel control valve (126c) is in communication with the fuel conduit (124c) and is configured to change flow to the downhole fluid heater (120) in response to a change of pressure in a portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A well system includes a main wellbore extending from a terranean surface toward a subterranean zone. A first lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A second lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A liner junction device resides in the main wellbore and has a first leg extending into the first lateral wellbore and a second leg extending downhole in the main wellbore. A treatment fluid injection string extends from in the main wellbore through the liner junction and into the first lateral wellbore and terminates in the first lateral wellbore. A seal in the first lateral wellbore seals against flow toward the main wellbore in an annulus adjacent an outer surface of the treatment fluid injection string.

Abstract: A concentric tubing well completion method and a subsurface annular flow crossover system are provided. The well completion method creates at least three separate, pressure isolated annular flow channels in a wellbore. The subsurface crossover provides for switching fluid flow between the annular flow channels within the completed well. The crossover system can be used in conjunction with other subsurface equipment to more efficiently manage fluid flows in the completed well. For example, fluid from any subsurface reservoir or separate reservoirs can be delivered to the surface. In addition, flow paths can be provided for a fluid circulation loop from the surface, a subsurface fluid lifted to the surface or a fluid moved to a different depth in the well for reinjection. The subsurface crossover also provides a method to shift the fluids from one annular fluid channel to another.

Abstract: Devices and related methods for reducing a thermal loading of one or more components may include a housing having an interior for receiving the component(s), and a thermally conductive flowable material in thermal communication to the component(s).

Abstract: A process for increasing the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery from an underground formation containing viscous hydrocarbons through the use of both gravity drainage and mobile water drive. The process comprises a pair of vertically-spaced horizontal wells and a laterally offset horizontal well. A heated fluid is injected into the formation via a first well pair, and an adjacent horizontal well creates a pressure sink to draw the heated fluid laterally to assist growth of the formation drainage area for hydrocarbon recovery improvement. Injected fluids recovered from both producers are collected for recycling.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method includes treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method may include providing heat to the formation; producing heated fluid from the formation; and generating electricity from at least a portion of the heated fluid using a Kalina cycle.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes separating air into a nitrogen-rich gas and an oxygen-rich gas, oxidizing a hydrocarbon fuel with at least part of the oxygen-rich gas to produce steam and a CO2-rich gas, injecting at least part of the steam through an injection well into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons, purging the injection well with at least part of the nitrogen-rich gas, and injecting at least part of the CO2-rich gas into the reservoir containing the heated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system is provided for injecting an injection fluid into an earth formation via a wellbore formed in the earth formation and for producing hydrocarbon fluid from the earth formation via the wellbore. The system comprises an injection conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with a plurality of outlet ports for injection fluid, and a production conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with at least one inlet section for hydrocarbon fluid. The injection conduit is arranged to prevent fluid communication between the injection conduit and each said inlet section.

Abstract: A packer or annular fluid includes a hydrocarbon fluid; and a gelling agent; wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid. A method for preparing a packer fluid includes preparing a mixture of a hydrocarbon fluid, and a gelling agent; heating the mixture to a selected temperature; and shearing the mixture. A method for emplacing a packer fluid into an annulus includes preparing the packer fluid that includes a hydrocarbon fluid and a gelling agent, wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid; and pumping the packer fluid into the annulus.

Abstract: Processes and systems comprising a five-spot pattern of multiple horizontal wells for increasing the efficiency of heated vapor-assisted hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean viscous hydrocarbon formations.

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: Systems and methods for an in situ heat treatment process that utilizes a circulation system to heat one or more treatment areas are described herein. The circulation system may use a heated liquid heat transfer fluid that passes through piping in the formation to transfer heat to the formation. In some embodiments, the piping may be positioned in at least two of the wellbores.

Abstract: A SAGD system in a formation including a heated fluid injection well having a tubular including permeability control, one or more open hole anchors restricting thermal growth of the tubular and one or more baffles directing heated fluid application to target areas of the formation; a production well in fluid collecting proximity to the injection well the production well having a tubular with permeability control, one or more open hole anchors and one or more baffles.

Abstract: A SAGD system including at least one borehole having a tubular therein; and at least one baffle disposed on the tubular, the baffle extending radially outwardly of the tubular into proximity with a formation.

Abstract: A thermally assisted downhole system including a tubular configured to be disposed within an open hole borehole, the tubular being intended to be exposed to a heated fluid; a plurality of open hole anchors spaced along the tubular and engagable with the open hole, the anchors restricting longitudinal thermal growth of the tubular when engaged with the open hole.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a first pump, a second pump, a recirculation coupling between the first and second pumps, and a recirculation line for directing cooling flow across the pump motor. The pumps and coupling are independent modular items connected together. Optionally, a multi-stage pump may be retrofitted with the coupling for creating a cooling flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to change the mobility of formation fluids using thermal and non-thermal stimulation are described. 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.

Abstract: A method for heating heavy oil inside a production well. The method raises the subsurface temperature of heavy oil by utilizing an activator that has been injected below the surface. The activator is then excited with a generated microwave frequency such that the excited activator heats the heavy oil.

Abstract: A system and process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden. The system comprises an energy delivery subsystem to heat the body of oil shale and a hydrocarbon gathering subsystem for gathering hydrocarbons retorted from the body of oil shale. The energy delivery subsystem comprises at least one energy delivery well drilled from the surface of the earth through the overburden to a depth proximate a bottom of the body of oil shale, the energy delivery well extending generally downward from a surface location above a proximal end of the body of oil shale to be retorted and continuing proximate the bottom of the body of oil shale. The energy delivery well may extend into the body of oil shale at an angle.

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: Hydrocarbons are extracted from a target formation, such as oil shale, tar sands, heavy oil and petroleum reservoirs, by apparatus and methods which cause fracturing of the containment rock and liquification or volatization of the hydrocarbons by microwave energy directed by a radiating antenna in the target formation.

Abstract: A system for gasification of coal deposits below the ground surface comprising an injection well assembly comprising one end positioned at the surface and the opposite end located adjacent or within the coal deposit; a production well assembly comprising one end positioned at the surface and the opposite end of the production well assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit; a non-vertical reaction shaft assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit, the non-vertical reaction comprising an injection end in communication with the end of the injection well assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit and a production end in communication with the end of the production well assembly located adjacent or within the coal deposit; and an electric torch configured to move within the non-vertical reaction shaft assembly and create an oxidant and moderator downhole. A method for gasifying coal deposits is also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon production apparatus comprises an injection well, perforated casing, hydrocarbon viscosity reducing fluid injection tubing, a first wellbore restrictor, and a production well. The injection well is bored above the production well within a hydrocarbon reservoir below a ground surface. The injection well comprises a heel end and a toe end. The perforated casing is positioned along a length of the injection well. The hydrocarbon viscosity reducing fluid injection tubing is disposed within the injection well and has a hydrocarbon viscosity reducing fluid injection end. The first wellbore restrictor is transversely disposed within the perforated casing to control hydrocarbon viscosity reducing fluid flow along the injection well, the first wellbore restrictor being spaced closer to the toe end of the injection well than the hydrocarbon viscosity reducing fluid injection end of the hydrocarbon viscosity reducing fluid injection tubing is to the toe end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from a combustor may be routed through a heat exchanger to produce the processing gas, the composition of which may be adjusted so that it contains approximately 1% oxygen or less. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products. Various physical parameters may be adjusted to vary the recovery of crude oil or other products or contaminants from the effluent gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. The effluent gas is maintained under a negative pressure from the hole and through the initial and subsequent condensation steps. This provides numerous advantages, including the adjustment of various physical parameters during the extraction process. Such adjustment allows the ratio of oils types to be varied, the ratio of hydrocarbonaceous products to non-crude products to be varied, contamination control, and other disclosed advantages.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil/tar sands. The method includes the steps of forming a hole in a body of oil or tar sand, positioning an apertured sleeve within the hole to minimize fill-in of the sand, positioning a gas inlet conduit into the apertured sleeve, and introducing a heated, pressurized processing gas into the sleeve through the gas inlet conduit, such that the heated, pressurized processing gas penetrates into the sand through the apertures, thereby converting bitumen within the sand into hydrocarbonaceous products. The processing gas and hydrocarbonaceous products are withdrawn as effluent gas through the hole under relative negative pressure. The apertured sleeve may be installed in sections into the hole as the hole is formed. The apertures in the sleeve may be holes with a circular or other geometry or elongate cuts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for integrating water between an in-situ bitumen recovery operation and a bitumen mining operation for improving efficiencies and synergies there between. A method of integrating water between a bitumen mining and extraction operation and an in-situ bitumen recovery operation comprises a) providing water associated with the bitumen mining and extraction operation; and b) directing the water, or boiler feed water or steam generated therefrom, to the in-situ bitumen recovery operation for use therein. Steam generated is used to assist in bitumen recovery at the in-situ facility.

Abstract: A downhole tool configured for conveyance within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, the tool comprising an electronics system and a heat-dissipating apparatus. The electronics system includes a controller, a memory, and surface communicating means, at least one of which is a heat-generating source. The heat-dissipating apparatus includes: a chassis engaging the heat-generating source and having a fluid passageway allowing fluid flow therethrough; a radiator for further heat dissipation; a pump; sensors to measure temperature of the chassis and the wellbore; and a compensator to regulate the pressure of fluid in the passageway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to producing hydrocarbons. Injecting a fluid mixture of steam and carbon dioxide into a hydrocarbon bearing formation facilitates recovery of the hydrocarbons. Further, limiting amounts of non-condensable gases in the mixture may promote dissolving of the carbon dioxide into the hydrocarbons upon contact of the mixture with the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and means of injecting hot fluids into a hydrocarbon formation using a combustion and steam generating device installed at or near the well-head of an injector well. The various embodiments are directed generally to substantially increasing energy efficiency of thermal recovery operations by efficiently utilizing the energy of the combustion products and waste heat from the generator. The generator apparatuses can be installed at the well-head which, in turn, can be located close to the producing formation. The combustion products may be injected into a well along with steam or sequestered at another location.

Abstract: A downhole combustion unit for creating a high temperature, high pressure, thermal energy carrier fluid or TECF inside a drill hole, which can be injected into a hydrocarbon, permeable zone for mining and producing hydrocarbons therefrom. The combustion unit includes an outer well-bore casing cemented in place in the drill hole. An inner well-bore casing, with injection holes in a lower portion thereof is used as a combustion chamber. The inner casing is suspended inside the outer casing. The configuration of the concentric outer and inner casings provide an outer annulus therebetween for receiving a natural gas fuel and water mixture from a ground surface and circulated downwardly under pressure. Compressed air and steam are circulated down the inside of the inner casing. A glow plug may be attached to a lower end of an electric power cable and suspended inside the combustion chamber for better control in igniting the fuel and water mixture in the compressed air and steam mixture creating the TECF.

Abstract: A method for heating a subsurface formation includes applying heat from a plurality of heaters to at least a portion of the subsurface formation. A portion of one or more of the heaters are allowed to move relative to the heaters respective wellhead using sliding seals to accommodate thermal expansion of the heaters.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to generating a flow of steam and splitting the flow of steam to enable both its injection into a formation to assist in oil recovery and its introduction into a pathway where the steam is used for generating electricity and capturing carbon dioxide (CO2). At least part of the CO2 that is captured comes from burning of fuel used to generate the steam. Steam assisted gravity drainage requires the steam that is injected to have a higher pressure than the steam that is needed for CO2 capture. Exhaust steam from a steam turbine used to generate the electricity reduces pressure of the steam prior to use of the steam for capturing CO2.