Abstract: A direct contact heat exchanger assembly is provided. The direct contact heat exchanger assembly includes an evaporator jacket and an inner member. The inner member is received within the evaporator jacket. A sleeve passage is formed between the evaporator jacket and the inner member. The sleeve passage is configured and arranged to pass a flow of liquid. The inner member has an inner exhaust chamber that is configured to pass hot gas. The inner member further has a plurality of exhaust passages that allow some of the hot gas passing through the inner exhaust chamber to enter the flow of liquid in the sleeve passage.

Abstract: A system for reducing buildup of solids in pipes used in underwater oil operations is disclosed. The system includes an annular pipe having an inner pipe wall and an outer pipe wall. The inner pipe wall defines an inner pipe configured to transport an oil. The outer pipe wall is displaced from the inner pipe wall. The outer pipe wall defines an outer pipe between the outer pipe wall and the inner pipe wall. The system includes an oxidizer delivery pipe having an oxidizer delivery outlet. The oxidizer delivery pipe is configured to supply an oxidizer to the outer pipe. The system further includes a fuel delivery pipe having a fuel delivery outlet. The fuel delivery pipe is configured to supply a fuel to the outer pipe. The oxidizer and the fuel release thermal energy in an exothermic reaction.

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, 142band 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: Heaters are presented to aid in the recovery of hydrocarbon from underground deposits. A heater is provided to a well that has been drilled through an oil-shale deposit. A fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the heater and flue gases are recovered. The heater has a counterflow design and provides a nearly uniform temperature along the heater length. The heater may be designed to operate at different temperatures and depths to pyrolyze or otherwise heat underground hydrocarbon deposits to form a product that is easily recovered and which is useful without substantial further processing. Various counterflow heaters are described including heaters having, down the heater length, distributed reaction zones, distributed catalytic oxidation of the fuel, and discrete or continuous heat generation. The heaters may also utilize inert gases from product recovery or from heater flue gases to control the heater temperature.

Abstract: A system for reducing buildup of solids in pipes used in underwater oil operations is disclosed. The system includes an annular pipe having an inner pipe wall and an outer pipe wall. The inner pipe wall defines an inner pipe configured to transport an oil. The outer pipe wall is displaced from the inner pipe wall. The outer pipe wall defines an outer pipe between the outer pipe wall and the inner pipe wall. The system includes an oxidizer delivery pipe having an oxidizer delivery outlet. The oxidizer delivery pipe is configured to supply an oxidizer to the outer pipe. The system further includes a fuel delivery pipe having a fuel delivery outlet. The fuel delivery pipe is configured to supply a fuel to the outer pipe. The oxidizer and the fuel release thermal energy in an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing with a support plate secured to one end. A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. The fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell manifold for receiving the fuel and distributing the fuel to the plurality of fuel cells and for receiving the oxidizing agent and distributing the oxidizing agent to the plurality of fuel cells. A fuel supply conduit supplies the fuel to the fuel cell manifold and an oxidizing agent supply conduit supplies the oxidizing agent to the fuel cell manifold. The fuel cell stack assembly is supported on the support plate by one of the fuel supply conduit and the oxidizing agent supply conduit.

Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing extending along a heater axis. A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. A combustor disposed within the heater housing receives an anode exhaust and a cathode exhaust from the fuel cell stack assembly and combusts a mixture of the anode exhaust and the cathode exhaust to produce a heated combustor exhaust. The combustor includes a combustor exhaust outlet for discharging the heated combustor exhaust into the heater housing. The heater housing is heated by the fuel cell stack assembly and the heated combustor exhaust.

Abstract: A method for generating gasses in a borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The method utilizes a multiple chamber gas generator system that includes a plurality of gas generators each having an elongate combustion chamber. The multiple chamber gas generator system is positioned in the borehole, and the operation of each of the plurality of gas generators is controlled to selectively turn each of the gas generators on or off, to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in conditions within the borehole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to heater patterns and related methods of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface hydrocarbon-containing formation (for example, an oil shale formation) where a heater cell may be divided into nested inner and outer zones. Production wells may be located within one or both zones. In the smaller inner zone, heaters may be arranged at a relatively high spatial density while in the larger surrounding outer zone, a heater spatial density may be significantly lower. Due to the higher heater density, a rate of temperature increase in the smaller inner zone of the subsurface exceeds that of the larger outer zone, and a rate of hydrocarbon fluid production ramps up faster in the inner zone than in the outer zone. In some embodiments, a ratio between a half-maximum sustained production time and a half-maximum rise time of a hydrocarbon fluid production function is relatively large.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a system for recovering hydrocarbons comprises a downhole steam generator for coupling with a packer in an injector well, an umbilical device coupled to the downhole steam generator for lifting or lowering the downhole steam generator in the injector well, a first shear point disposed between the downhole steam generator and the packer, and a second shear point disposed between the umbilical device and the downhole steam generator, wherein the first shear point has a shear strength that is different than a shear strength of the second shear point.

Abstract: A multiple chamber gas generator system has a plurality of gas generators shaped to fit within the borehole. Each of the gas generators having an elongate combustion chamber. A gas flow control system is operably installed for supplying gas to the elongate combustion chambers of each of the gas generators. The system further includes a control computer having a control program operatively installed thereupon, the control program functioning to control the operation of the gas flow control system and to selectively turn on or off each of the gas generators to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in pressure within the borehole.

Abstract: A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: To provide a laser cutting method that is capable of cutting the substrates high accurately with high throughput at a low cost. It is a laser cutting method for cutting a laminated substrate that is formed by laminating at least a pair of substrates. The method comprises the steps of: providing a pattern member with a characteristic of absorbing light of a wavelength that transmits each of the substrates, between each of the substrates along a cutting position of the laminated substrate; and irradiating a laser of the wavelength that transmits the substrates along the pattern member, whereby the laminated substrate is cut along the pattern member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus to release energy into wells using combustion of monopropellants. More specifically, this invention is directed to industrial methods to enhance the extraction of well fluids from wells by using the in-situ energy released from this inventions apparatus, methods, catalyst, and fluids blends for subterranean catalytic combustion of monopropellants.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating high-pressure mixtures of steam and one or more noncondensable gas species, which may be injected into deep, high-pressured oil reservoirs to supply heat and aid oil recovery. These systems and methods may include generating these mixtures, also referred to as a combined stream, controlling the total pressure of the combined stream, controlling the partial pressure of steam within the combined stream, supplying the combined stream to a subterranean formation that includes hydrocarbons, such as viscous oil, reducing the viscosity of the oil, and/or producing oil from the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the total pressure of the combined stream may approach or even exceed the critical pressure of water while still retaining significant amounts of latent heat for delivery. In some embodiments, the partial pressure of steam may be less than the critical pressure of water.

Abstract: A gas generator has an elongate combustion housing shaped to fit within a borehole for generating gasses in the borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The gas generator includes a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments that surround the elongate combustion housing, each of the annular cooling jacket segments having an inlet port and an outlet port for allowing water to flow therethrough. A plurality of apertures through the elongate combustion housing allow water to flow from the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments into the elongate combustion chamber.

Abstract: A downhole tool such as a bridge or frac plug includes a combination anvil and coupler that forms both the anvil or bottom stop on a mandrel, and a coupler to attach a burn device. One or more members, including a packer ring, can be disposed on the mandrel and movable with respect to the central mandrel along a longitudinal axis of the central mandrel. The combination anvil and coupler includes an upper attachment section attached to the mandrel, an upper surface against which the members are compressed, and a lower attachment section attached to a burn device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A gas generator has an elongate combustion housing shaped to fit within a borehole for generating gasses in the borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The gas generator includes a plurality of annular cooling jacket segments that surround the elongate combustion housing, each of the annular cooling jacket segments having an inlet port and an outlet port for allowing water to flow therethrough. A plurality of apertures through the elongate combustion housing allow water to flow from the plurality of annular cooling jacket segments into the elongate combustion chamber.

Abstract: A downhole combustor system for a production well is provided. The downhole combustor includes a housing, a combustor and an exhaust port. The housing is configured and arranged to be positioned down a production well. The housing further forms a combustion chamber. The combustor is received within the housing. The combustor is further configured and arranged to combust fuel in the combustion chamber. The exhaust port is positioned to deliver exhaust fumes from the combustion chamber into a flow of oil out of the production well.

Abstract: A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus (150) configured to ignite an underground coal seam (151). The ignition apparatus (150) comprising an ignition system, a positioning system, a sensor (170) and a controller (165). The ignition system comprises ignition means and an ignition tool (155) for igniting the underground coal seam (151) from within the well channel (154) or well liner encasing the well channel (154). The positioning system comprises coiled tubing (156) connected to the ignition tool (155) and extendible through a well head (153) within the well channel (154) to position the ignition tool (155) at a desired location within the well channel (154). The positioning system further comprises a spool (157) for transporting and dispensing the coiled tubing (156).

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons from a reservoir. The method includes positioning a burner having a combustion chamber in a first well, supplying a fuel, an oxidant, and one of water or steam from the surface to the burner in the first well, supplying a viscosity-reducing gas from the surface to the reservoir in a conduit separate from the fuel, igniting the fuel and the oxidant in the combustion chamber to generate heat and steam in the burner, injecting the viscosity-reducing gas and steam into the reservoir to reduce the viscosity of and heat hydrocarbons within the reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: A sub-surface hydrocarbon production system comprising an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons to be produced. A production well extends from the surface to a location proximate the hydrocarbon and a convection passage extends between the energy delivery well and the production well thereby forming a convection loop. The energy delivery well and the production well intersect at a location proximate the hydrocarbon such that the convection loop is in the form of a triangle. Preferably, the convection passage extends upwardly from a point at which the convection passage intersects the production well. The system also includes a heater, such as an electric heater or down-hole burner, disposed in the energy delivery well.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.

Abstract: A downhole burner is used for producing heavy-oil formations. Hydrogen, oxygen, and steam are pumped by separate conduits to the burner, which burns at least part of the hydrogen and forces the combustion products out into the earth formation. The steam cools the burner and becomes superheated steam, which is injected along with the combustion products into the earth formation. Carbon dioxide is also pumped down the well and injected into the formation.

Abstract: Heater embodiments are presented to aid in the recovery of hydrocarbon from underground deposits. In one embodiment, a heater is provided to a well that has been drilled through an oil-shale deposit. A fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the heater and flue gases are recovered. The heater has a counterflow design and provides a nearly uniform temperature along the heater length. The heater may be designed to operate at different temperatures and depths to pyrolyze or otherwise heat underground hydrocarbon deposits to form a product that is easily recovered and which is useful without substantial further processing. Various embodiments of a counterflow heater are described including heaters having, down the heater length, distributed reaction zones, distributed catalytic oxidation of the fuel, and discrete or continuous heat generation. The heaters may also utilize inert gases from product recovery or from heater flue gases to control the heater temperature.

Abstract: A subterranean zone is treated by exothermically decomposing hydrogen peroxide in or near the subterranean zone. The decomposed hydrogen peroxide yields at least oxygen and heated water. The oxygen is combusted to further heat the heated water. The heated water is introduced into subterranean zone to treat the subterranean zone. In certain instances, the heated water is heated to produce 100% quality steam. Additional water may be supplied for treating the subterranean zone, for example, by supplying the hydrogen peroxide in solution with water.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a subsurface heating device comprising: (a) a combustion conduit casing defining a combustion conduit; (b) at least two combustors disposed within the combustion conduit casing; (c) at least one fuel supply conduit; d) at least one oxygen supply conduit configured to supply oxygen to at least one combustor; and (e) a combustion product gas outlet. The at least two combustors are characterized by an inter-combustor distance of at least one thousand feet and a combustion power of at least 3.41 million BTU per hour. The at least one fuel supply conduit is configured to supply a combustible fuel to at least one combustor. Also provided in another aspect of the present invention, is a method for heating a subsurface zone.

Abstract: A method for in situ heating of an organic-rich rock formation is provided. Preferably the organic-rich rock formation comprises kerogen. The method may include the steps of providing a first wellbore extending at least to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation, and providing a second wellbore also extending to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation and intersecting the first wellbore. The method may also include injecting air and a combustible fuel into the first wellbore, and providing a downhole burner in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The method may further include, circulating combustion products into and up the second wellbore such that a pyrolysis zone is created from the first wellbore and second wellbores that provides substantially complete pyrolysis of the organic-rich rock formation between the first wellbore and the second wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing a reliable, high purity source of CO2 that is used in the recovery of formation deposits, such as fossil fuels. At least a portion of the fossil fuels recovered may be directly combusted or extracted using the same process used to provide the pure source of CO2 without the need to first remove CO2, sulfur, other fossil fuels, or other impurities.

Abstract: A method for in situ heating of a selected portion of a targeted organic-rich rock formation such as an oil shale formation is provided. The method includes the steps of providing casing in a wellbore extending to a depth within or below the selected portion of the organic-rich rock formation, and also providing a tubing within the casing. An annular region is formed between the tubing and the surrounding casing. Air or other oxidant and a combustible fuel are injected into the wellbore. Either the air or the combustible fuel is in stoichiometric combustion excess. The method also includes providing hardware in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The hardware may include more than one burner. Insulation may be placed along the tubing adjacent the first burner in order to reduce the heat transfer coefficient within the tubing and to provide a more uniform temperature within the annulus.

Abstract: A downhole burner is used for producing heavy-oil formations. Hydrogen, oxygen, and steam are pumped by separate conduits to the burner, which burns at least part of the hydrogen and forces the combustion products out into the earth formation. The steam cools the burner and becomes superheated steam, which is injected along with the combustion products into the earth formation. Carbon dioxide is also pumped down the well and injected into the formation.

Abstract: A downhole combustion unit for creating a high temperature, high pressure, thermal energy carrier fluid (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 water from a ground surface and circulated downwardly under pressure. Compressed air and steam are circulated down the inside of the inner casing. A gas fuel tubing is disposed inside the inner casing for discharging the fuel into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A sub-surface hydrocarbon production system comprising an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons to be produced. A production well extends from the surface to a location proximate the hydrocarbon and a convection passage extends between the energy delivery well and the production well thereby forming a convection loop. The energy delivery well and the production well intersect at a location proximate the hydrocarbon such that the convection loop is in the form of a triangle. Preferably, the convection passage extends upwardly from a point at which the convection passage intersects the production well. The system also includes a heater, such as an electric heater or down-hole burner, disposed in the energy delivery well.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.

Abstract: Included is a method of starting up a direct heating device having a fuel introduction zone, a combustion zone and a process zone that is in heat exchange relationship with said combustion zone. Prior to the introduction of a fuel fluid into said combustion zone, an oxidant fluid, having a high temperature, is passed through the combustion zone for a warm-up time period sufficient to raise the temperature of the direct heating device to a desired temperature. Steam or a process fluid is passed through the process zone followed by the introduction of a fuel fluid into the fuel introduction zone. After the device has been heated up a process fluid is introduced through the process zone. Thereafter, the introduction of steam through the process zone may be stopped.

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: 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 for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO2. The cooled combustion product stream may be injected into oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil.

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 of treating a formation fluid includes providing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen or mixtures thereof. Molecular oxygen is separated from air to form a molecular oxygen stream comprising molecular oxygen. The first gas stream is combined with the molecular oxygen stream to form a combined stream comprising molecular oxygen and the first gas stream. The combined stream is provided to one or more downhole burners.

Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes a conduit located in an opening in the subsurface formation. An insulated conductor is located in the conduit. A material is in the conduit between a portion of the insulated conductor and a portion of the conduit. The material may be a salt. The material is a fluid at operating temperature of the heating system. Heat transfers from the insulated conductor to the fluid, from the fluid to the conduit, and from the conduit to the subsurface formation.

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: 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 downhole burner for a steam generator includes an injector and a cooling liner. Steam enters the burner through holes in the cooling liner. Combustion occurring within the cooling liner heats the steam and increases its quality and may superheat it. The heated, high-quality steam and combustion products exit the burner and enter an oil-bearing formation to upgrade and improve the mobility of heavy crude oils held in the formation. The injector includes a face plate, a cover plate, an oxidizer distribution manifold plate, and a fuel distribution manifold plate. The cooling liner has an effusion cooling section and effusion cooling and jet mixing section. The effusion cooling section includes effusion holes for injecting steam along the cooling liner surface to protect the liner. The effusion cooling and jet mixing section has both effusion holes and mixing holes for injecting steam further toward central portions of the burner.

Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for retorting oil shale and extracting shale oil and other hydrocarbons therefrom, in which a cased heat delivery well is drilled generally vertically through an overburden and then through a body of oil shale to be retorted to the bottom thereof, generally horizontally under the body of oil shale to be retorted, and then back to the earth surface. Heat energy is transmitted conductively to the body of oil shale to be retorted from a closed loop heat delivery module in the well, the module comprising a fluid transmission pipe containing a heating fluid heated to at least a retorting temperature. Heat energy is also transmitted to the body of oil shale to be retorted above the fluid transmission pipe by vapor conduits that conduct retort vapors upward through the body of oil shale to be retorted; the ascending retort vapors condense and reflux, delivering their latent heat of vaporization to the body of oil shale to be retorted, and the condensed retort liquids descend.