Electrical Heater In Well Patents (Class 166/60)
  • Patent number: 7610964
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system for use downhole that includes a housing containing an expandable fluid, that when expanded pushes a piston that in turn pumps wellbore fluid to the surface. The expandable fluid can be a silicon based heat transfer fluid with a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least about 0.0005 in3/in3/° F. The expandable fluid is expanded upon exposure to heat. A heat source is selectively activated for expanding the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Don C. Cox
  • Patent number: 7604054
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by convective heating of the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ by a downhole electric heater. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a diluent. The heater and downhole pump force thermal convective flow of the heated diluent to flow upward and outward into the propped fractures and circulating back down and back towards the well bore heating the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The diluent now mixed with produced products from the oil sand re-enters the bottom of the well bore and passes over the heater element and is reheated to continue to flow in the convective cell. Thus the heating and diluting of the in place bitumen occurs predominantly circumferentially, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: GeoSierra LLC
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Patent number: 7581593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing and regulating temperature, pressure and fluid viscosities of fluid streams found in oil and gas production. Applicant's apparatus regulates and increases fluid temperatures, by and through improved heating apparatus, which may be placed at one or more locations along a wellbore surface flow line, or subsea flow line. The apparatus preferably either heats fluids flowing from the reservoir to the surface, or alternatively, can heat fluids injected from the surface into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: AMP Lift Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Elrick Pankratz, Lenny Kuslitsky, Andrew Bratushkin, Leonid Leshchenyuk
  • Publication number: 20090211756
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well may comprise a vessel having a piston or a valve disposed therein and defining first and second volumes wherein the first volume is configured to receive formation fluid from an inlet port, and an actuator configured to extract formation fluid, the actuator being fluidly isolated from a fluid flow path extending between the inlet port and the first volume. The downhole tool may also comprise a flow-line configured to deliver formation fluid to the vessel, and an actuator configured to register an end of the flow-line with the inlet of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony R.H. Goodwin, Julian J. Pop, Stephane Briquet, Ricardo Vasques, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 7575052
    Abstract: An in situ conversion system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is described. The system includes a plurality of u-shaped wellbores in the formation. Piping is positioned in at least two of the u-shaped wellbores. A fluid circulation system is coupled to the piping. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate hot heat transfer fluid through at least a portion of the piping to form at least one heated portion of the formation. An electrical power supply is configured to provide electrical current to at least a portion of the piping located below an overburden in the formation to resistively heat at least a portion of the piping. Heat transfers from the piping to the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Thomas David Fowler, Harold J. Vinegar, Willen Jan Antoon Henri Schoeber
  • Publication number: 20090200032
    Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for creating an electric glow discharge that includes a first and second electrically conductive screens having substantially equidistant a gap between them, one or more insulators attached to the electrically conductive screens, and a non-conductive granular material disposed within the gap. The electric glow discharge is created whenever: (a) the first electrically conductive screen is connected to an electrical power source such that it is a cathode, the second electrically conductive screen is connected to the electrical power supply such that it is an anode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced into the gap, or (b) both electrically conductive screens are connected to the electrical power supply such they are the cathode, and the electrically conductive fluid is introduced between both electrically conductive screens and an external anode connected to the electrical power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Foret Plasma labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20090194269
    Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation is described. The heating system includes three substantially u-shaped heaters with first end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to a single, three-phase wye transformer and second end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to each other and/or to ground. The three heaters may enter the formation through a first common wellbore and exit the formation through a second common wellbore so that the magnetic fields of the three heaters at least partially cancel out in the common wellbores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Harold J. Vinegar
  • Publication number: 20090194287
    Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes an elongated electrical conductor located in the subsurface formation. The electrical conductor extends between at least a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A ferromagnetic conductor at least partially surrounds and at least partially extends lengthwise around the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor, when energized with time-varying electrical current, induces sufficient electrical current flow in the ferromagnetic conductor such that the ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats to a temperature of at least about 300° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Scott Vinh Nguyen, David John Liney, Mark Thomas Carroll, Ronald M. Bass
  • Patent number: 7559367
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation is described. A conduit may be located in an opening in the formation. The conduit includes ferromagnetic material. An electrical conductor is positioned inside the conduit, and is electrically coupled to the conduit at or near an end portion of the conduit so that the electrical conductor and the conduit are electrically coupled in series. Electrical current flows in the electrical conductor in a substantially opposite direction to electrical current flow in the conduit during application of electrical current to the system. The flow of electrons is substantially confined to the inside of the conduit by the electromagnetic field generated from electrical current flow in the electrical conductor so that the outside surface of the conduit is at or near substantially zero potential at 25° C. The conduit may generate heat and heat the formation during application of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20090173488
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for using high-power microwave radiation to recover oil from an oil shale deposit. Embodiments include a microwave generation system, adapted to generate in situ, high-power microwave radiation. In some embodiments, one or more antennae propagate the microwave radiation into the oil shale deposit. The microwave radiation may heat the oil shale, causing oil to be released. The released oil may then be collected, refined, transported, or otherwise processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Colorado Seminary
    Inventor: Ravi Varma
  • Publication number: 20090159278
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephen Yeldell, Carsten Sonne, Anthony Robert Holmes Goodwin, Stephane Briquet, Alexander F. Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 7546880
    Abstract: A process for extracting hydrocarbon gases from marine sediment hydrates. In one embodiment, the process includes drilling from a sea floor into a hydrate rich subsea sediment to form at least one opening therein. Electrical heaters are inserted into the opening or openings. The hydrate rich subsea sediment is heated with the electrical heaters in order to release hydrocarbon gas therefrom. The released hydrocarbon gas is collected in an overhead receiver. The hydrocarbon gas forms hydrates again when moving through the cold sea water and inside the overhead receiver. The overhead receiver is raised to a sea depth where pressure and temperature permit the hydrates to dissociate and to release the hydrocarbon gas. The hydrocarbon gas is then gathered from the top of the overhead receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventors: Hong-Quan Zhang, James P. Brill, Cem Sarica
  • Patent number: 7543643
    Abstract: A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: William L. Hill
  • Publication number: 20090120646
    Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation includes an electrical conductor and an insulation layer at least partially surrounding the electrical conductor. A jacket that includes ferromagnetic material at least partially surrounds the insulation layer. The outside surface of the jacket is configured to be at little or no electric potential while the electrical conductor is conducting electricity and while the jacket is at temperatures below the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Dong Sub Kim, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Scott Vinh Nguyen, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Patent number: 7510000
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method includes applying electrical current to one or more electrical conductors located in an opening in the formation to provide an electrically resistive heat output. The heat is allowed to transfer from the electrical conductors to a part of the formation containing hydrocarbons so that a viscosity of fluids in the part and at or near the opening in the formation is reduced. Gas is provided at one or more locations in the opening such that the fluids are lifted in the opening towards the surface of the formation. The fluids are produced through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Pastor-Sanz, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Publication number: 20090071646
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing and regulating temperature, pressure and fluid viscosities of fluid streams found in oil and gas production. Applicant's apparatus regulates and increases fluid temperatures, by and through improved heating apparatus, which may be placed at one or more locations along a wellbore surface flow line, or subsea flow line. The apparatus preferably either heats fluids flowing from the reservoir to the surface, or alternatively, can heat fluids injected from the surface into the reservoir. 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, thereby forming a heating chamber and a mixing chamber, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald Elrick Pankratz, Leonid Kuslitsky, Andrey Bratushkin, Leonid Leshchenyuk
  • Publication number: 20090050318
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a radiofrequency reactor for use in thermally recovering oil and related materials. The radiofrequency reactor 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond S. Kasevich
  • Patent number: 7490665
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a heating system configured to heat at least a part of a subsurface formation. The system includes an electrical power supply. A heater section includes one or more electrical conductors electrically coupled to the electrical power supply. The heater section is configured to be placed in an opening in the formation. At least one of the electrical conductors includes ferromagnetic material. The heater section provides a first heat output when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater section below a selected temperature, and provides a second heat output approximately at and above the selected temperature during use. The second heat output is reduced compared to the first heat output. The system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the heater section to a part of the formation. The system is configured to allow a frequency of the applied time-varying electrical current to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris
  • Patent number: 7490028
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for predicting the formation pressure ahead of a bit in a well, which includes using measurements taken in shales and permeable formations at or near the bit together with centriod calculations to improve models predicting what the pressures ahead of the bit will be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventors: Colin M Sayers, Sudhendu Kashikar, Patrick J. Hooyman
  • Patent number: 7484561
    Abstract: The vast North American oil shale and tar sand deposits offer the potential to make USA energy independent. However, if these deposits were produced by the existing combustion processes, substantial CO2 emissions would be injected in to air. To avoid this green house gas problem and yet produce liquid fuels, an electro-thermal energy storage system that may be wind-powered is described. It stores the unpredictable, intermittent (e.g., wind) electrical energy over long periods as thermal energy in fossil hydrocarbon deposits. Because the thermal diffusion time is very slow in such deposits, the thermal energy is effectively trapped in a defined section of a hydrocarbon deposit. This allows time for the thermal energy to convert hydrocarbons into gaseous and liquid fuels. It can also use a portion of the fuel to regenerate electrical power into the electrical grid of higher energy content than was initially stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pyrophase, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack E. Bridges
  • Patent number: 7481274
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a system configured to heat a subsurface formation. The system includes an electrical power supply. A heater section includes one or more electrical conductors electrically coupled to the electrical power supply. At least one of the electrical conductors includes ferromagnetic material. The heater section provides a first heat output when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater section below a selected temperature, and a second heat output approximately at and above the selected temperature during use. The second heat output is reduced compared to the first heat output. The system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the heater section to a part of the formation. The electrical power supply is configured to provide a relatively constant amount of time-varying electrical current that remains within about 15% of a selected constant current value when a load of the electrical conductors changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Christopher Kelvin Harris
  • Patent number: 7475724
    Abstract: A method of determining a fluid inflow profile along the length of a permeable inflow region of an underground wellbore comprising: transferring heat into or from the permeable inflow region of the wellbore during a well shut period; starting production of hydrocarbon fluids via the permeable inflow region; measuring substantially simultaneously the temperature of the fluids at various points of the inflow region; determining at selected intervals of time after production start up a temperature profile of the inflow region on the basis of the thus measured temperatures; and determining a fluid inflow profile of the inflow region on the basis of a comparison of the determined temperature profiles at selected intervals after production start up. The heater cable may have a layer of compacted mineral powder and temperatures may be measured with an optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Daniel Frederik Christof Pribnow, Sascha Van Putten, Eric Pierre De Rouffignac
  • Publication number: 20090008079
    Abstract: A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation, and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Anthony Goodwin, Jacques R. Tabanou, Kambiz A. Safinya
  • Patent number: 7461691
    Abstract: An in situ process for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. The process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a part of the formation such that heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the part. Hydrocarbons may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ronald Marshall Bass
  • Patent number: 7449664
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for melting a material and squeezing the melted material through casing perforations into a fault within the cement or formation of an oil or gas well. A heating tool carries solid material which is melted at depth within the well and adjacent to the casing perforations. The liquefied material is forced through the perforations and into the formation or the well cement. When the material cools and solidifies, the faults become sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7445041
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil shale using nuclear energy sources for energy to fracture the oil shale formations and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Embodiments of the present invention also disclose steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products from the oil shale formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shale and Sands Oil Recovery LLC
    Inventor: Thomas B. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7431076
    Abstract: The invention provides a system configured to heat at least a part of a subsurface formation. The system includes: an electrical power supply configured to provide modulated direct current (DC); and one or more electrical conductors configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical power supply and placed in an opening in the formation, wherein at least one of the electrical conductors has a heater section, the heater section comprising an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material configured to provide an electrically resistive heat output when electrical current is applied to the ferromagnetic material, and the heater section is configured to provide a reduced amount of heat near or above a selected temperature during use due to the decreasing electrical resistance of the heater section when the temperature of the ferromagnetic material is near or above the selected temperature, and the heater section has a turndown ratio of at least 1.1 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Publication number: 20080236809
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for drilling, completing and/or stimulating a heavy oil or bitumen well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir is provided, comprising: providing a concentric drill string having an inner tube and an outer tube defining an annulus therebetween, the outer tube further having a plurality of slots sealed with a temporary filler material; drilling a borehole into the reservoir using a drilling member connected at the lower end of the concentric drill string and delivering drilling medium through one of the annulus or inner tube and extracting the exhaust drilling medium through the other of the annulus or inner tube; leaving the concentric drill string in the well after drilling of the borehole is completed; and removing the temporary filler material to expose the plurality of slots in the outer tube and form a slotted liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: J.I. LIVINGSTONE ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventor: JAMES I. LIVINGSTONE
  • Patent number: 7422063
    Abstract: Recovery of viscous hydrocarbon by hot fluid injection into subterranean formations is assisted by using a specially designed and under-reamed vertical wellbore with multiple injection perforations separated from the production perforations by a moveable packer. In this oil recovery method the operator drills a typical vertical well, in which a cavity is developed below the pay zone by under-reaming the vertical wellbore to form a collection cavity. This under-reaming can be made up to several feet in diameter using standard reaming technology and tools. Steam is injected into the upper perforations and is prevented from bypassing the cold formation by a vertical hydraulic seal developed in an annular communication zone. Hot oil is produced into the lower perforations and is collected in the reamed out production cavity. A producing mechanism including pumping equipment lifts the produced oil from the central cavity to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Henry B Crichlow
  • Publication number: 20080185145
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon containing formations can be processed using an in-situ liquefaction technique. This new technique embodies systematic temperature elevation applied to subsurface formation allowing recoverable hydrocarbons to reach a Newtonian fluid viscosity suitable for extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter R. Carney, Igor V. Barsukov, Frank Wawrzos, Jeff Radford
  • Publication number: 20080185138
    Abstract: A heating and distributed-temperature-sensor cable permanently fixed in a wellbore that permits known amounts of heat to be introduced to subsurface formations and improved temperature measurement thereof. The heat is introduced into a target zone of the wellbore by forming the cable in two sections: an upper section that carries an electrical current without generating significant amounts of heat, and a lower section that generates heat from the electrical current. Continuous distributed-temperature-sensing is performed through measuring various scattering mechanism in optical fibers that run the length of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Vladimir Hernandez-Solis, Montie W. Morrison, Willem A. Wijnberg, Sheng Chang, Joseph Varkey
  • Patent number: 7383877
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a system including a heater. The heater includes one or more electrical conductors. The heater is configured to generate a heat output during application of electrical current to the heater. The heater includes a ferromagnetic material. A conduit at least partially surrounds the heater. A fluid is located in a space between the heater and the conduit. The fluid has a higher thermal conductivity than air at standard temperature and pressure (STP) (0° C. and 101.325 kPa). The system is configured to provide (a) a first heat output below a selected temperature when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater, and (b) a second heat output near or above the selected temperature when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris
  • Patent number: 7370704
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a heater. The heater includes an inner electrical conductor. A heater section at least partially surrounds the inner electrical conductor. The heater section is configured to generate an electrically resistive heat output during application of time-varying electrical current to the heater section. The heater section includes ferromagnetic material. An outer electrical conductor at least partially surrounds the heater section. An applied time-varying electrical current is configured to propagate through the inner electrical conductor and the outer electrical conductor in substantially the same direction. The applied time-varying electrical current is configured to propagate through the heater section in a substantially opposite direction. The heater provides a first heat output when time-varying electrical current is applied to the heater below a selected temperature, and a second heat output approximately at and above the selected temperature during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Christopher Kelvin Harris
  • Publication number: 20080083536
    Abstract: A system for producing fluids from a subterranean zone comprises a tubing string disposed in a well bore, the tubing string adapted to communicate fluids from the subterranean zone to a ground surface. A downhole fluid lift system is operable to lift fluids towards the ground surface. A downhole fluid heater is disposed in the well bore and is operable to vaporize a liquid in the well bore. A seal between the downhole fluid lift system and the downhole fluid heater is operable to isolate a portion of the well bore containing the downhole fluid lift system from a portion of the well bore containing the downhole fluid heater. A method comprises: disposing a tubing string in a well bore; generating vapor in the well bore; and lifting fluids from the subterranean zone to a ground surface through the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Jody R. McGlothen, David Steele
  • Patent number: 7353872
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for heating a subsurface formation. The method includes applying direct electrical current (DC) to a heater section below a first selected temperature to provide an electrically resistive heat output. The heater section includes one or more electrical conductors electrically coupled to the electrical power supply. The heater section is configured to be placed in an opening in the formation. At least one of the electrical conductors includes ferromagnetic material. Time-varying current is applied to the heater section when a temperature of the heater section approaches or is above the selected temperature. Heat is allowed to transfer from the heater section to a part of the subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Chester Ledlie Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20080078551
    Abstract: Apparatus for efficient heating of subterranean earth, which includes a heater that is operable within a preselected operating temperature range and a heat transfer means interposed between the heater and a subterranean earth for transferring heat from the heater to the subterranean earth, the heat transfer means configured for down-hole insertion into a well, the heat transfer means including a container and a heat transfer metal within the container, the heat transfer metal characterized by a melting point temperature lower than the preselected operating temperature range and a boiling point temperature higher than the preselected operating temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. DeVault, David J. Wesolowski
  • Publication number: 20080047711
    Abstract: A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: William L. Hill
  • Patent number: 7320364
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes using heaters to form a heated portion of the subsurface formation. A production conduit is used to direct formation fluid in a vapor phase from the heated portion of the subsurface formation towards a surface of the subsurface formation. Condensate of the vapor phase formation fluid is formed in or near the production conduit. Condensate of the vapor phase formation fluid is diverted to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Michael David Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7285762
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, the material is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20070199707
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by convective heating of the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ by a downhole electric heater. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a diluent. The heater and downhole pump force thermal convective flow of the heated diluent to flow upward and outward into the propped fractures and circulating back down and back towards the well bore heating the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The diluent now mixed with produced products from the oil sand re-enters the bottom of the well bore and passes over the heater element and is reheated to continue to flow in the convective cell. Thus the heating and diluting of the in place bitumen occurs predominantly circumferentially, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Patent number: 7243721
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. An oil production system to produce oil from a viscous reservoir is provided including at least one production well, a fluid injection well, and a heating system functionally associated with the at least one production well, the heating system having at least one electrical heating well adapted to direct power from a power supply at surface to the reservoir to heat the reservoir. Hydraulically-operated crude oil pumps are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny Arnaud, B. Franklin Beard, Merle W. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7225866
    Abstract: A oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat sources may be used to heat the formation. The heat sources may be positioned within the formation in a selected pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Thomas David Fowler, John Michael Karanikas, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7182132
    Abstract: A ceramic fuel cell(s) is supported in a heat conductive interconnect plate, and a plurality of plates form a conductive heater named a stack. Connecting a plurality of stacks forms a stick of fuel cells. By connecting a plurality of sticks end to end, a string of fuel cells is formed. The length of the string can be one thousand feet or more, sized to penetrate an underground resource layer, for example of oil. A pre-heater brings the string to an operating temperature exceeding 700° C., and then the fuel cells maintain that temperature via a plurality of conduits feeding the fuel cells fuel and an oxidant, and transferring exhaust gases to a planetary surface. A manifold can be used between the string and the planetary surface to continue the plurality of conduits and act as a heat exchanger between exhaust gases and oxidants/fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Independant Energy Partners, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall T. Savage
  • Patent number: 7124820
    Abstract: An exothermic well tool and method of use for the repair of failure spots along a section of a first tubular conduit, such as casing, wherein the housing of the tool is heated to at least a temperature approximately in excess of that required to activate and melt an exothermic metal alloy composition and may include an ignitable starter fuel charge with a series of solid activation fuel charges spaced throughout the chamber. The tool may also include a length of a second tubular conduit for positioning around the exterior of the housing to define an annular area relative to the first tubular conduit for deposit of a low temperature metal alloy therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Louis J. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 7121341
    Abstract: A heater may include an electrical conductor. Applying alternating current to the electrical conductor may generate resistively heat the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may at least partially surround a non-ferromagnetic material. The heater may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. A conduit may at least partially surround the electrical conductor. A centralizer may maintain a separation distance between the electrical conductor and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7096953
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may be applied to the formation from heating elements positioned within wellbores. Portions of the heater elements may be free to move within the wellbores to inhibit failure of the heater elements due to thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Patent number: 7083009
    Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool including at least one sample tank mounted in a tool collar. The tool collar includes a through bore and is disposed to be operatively coupled with a drill string such that each sample tank may receive a correspondingly preselected formation fluid sample without removing the drill string from a well bore. At least one of the sample tanks further includes an internal fluid separator movably disposed therein. The separator separates a sample chamber from a pressure balancing chamber in the sample tank. The pressure balancing chamber is disposed to be in fluid communication with drilling fluid exterior thereto. The sampling tool further includes a sample inlet port connected to the sample chamber by an inlet passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Paluch, Michael J. Moody
  • Patent number: 7066257
    Abstract: A method for treating lean and rich zones of a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a first part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the first part of the formation. The method may include producing a mixture through a second part of the formation. In same embodiments, the produced mixture may include at least some pyrolyzed hydrocarbons from the first part of the formation. In an embodiment, the second part of the formation may have a higher permeability than the first part of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Patent number: 7059413
    Abstract: In the oil-producing industry, an apparatus can be used to increase the yield of oil wells developed by conventional methods during production of high viscosity oils. Use of the apparatus results in an increase in the permeability of a reservoir and a reduction in the viscosity of oil, added to an increase in environmental safety by avoiding use of chemical reagents and steam generators. The apparatus applies a high power ultrasonic field in the well bottom zone that reduces viscosity of oil, also heating the well bottom zone. The apparatus comprises a surface ultrasonic generator and at least one ultrasonic magnetostrictive radiator placed at the end of oil well tubing, using high frequency currents that warm the tubing and maintain the viscosity of oil during transport to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Klamath Falls, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg Abramov, Vladimir Abramov, Andrey Pechkov, Alfredo Zolezzi Garreton, Luis Paredes-Rojas
  • Patent number: 7055599
    Abstract: A system for recovering gas trapped within the earth includes a casing (24) sized and configured to be positioned within a borehole in the earth, the casing (24) formed of a material that is transmissive to electromagnetic energy and gas within the earth; an antenna (40) sized and configured to be positioned within the casing (24). The antenna (40) has a distal end and a proximal end and including a radiating element at the distal end of the antenna (40) which, in operation, transmits electromagnetic energy toward a desired area of the earth, and an interior channel for allowing gas to be conveyed from the distal end to the proximal end of the antenna (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: KAI Technologies
    Inventor: Raymond S. Kasevich