Electrical Heater In Well Patents (Class 166/60)
  • Electromagnetic coal seam gas recovery system
    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
  • In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation using an open wellbore
    Patent number: 7040400
    Abstract: A method for treating a relatively low permeability formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In certain embodiments, one or more heat sources may be placed in an uncased wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, John Michael Karanikas, Charles Robert Keedy, Robert Charles Ryan, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ thermal processing of a relatively permeable formation in a reducing environment
    Patent number: 7040398
    Abstract: A method for treating a relatively permeable formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In some embodiments, a reducing environment may be maintained in a portion of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Etuan Zhang
  • Cement heating tool for oil and gas well completion
    Patent number: 7036593
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting cement in the annulus of an oil or gas well during well completion or other similar well operations. An induction heating tool is lowered to a desired position within the well casing and power is supplied to the tool to heat the casing and the cement which has been injected in the annulus adjacent the heated well casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Canitron Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A Larovere
  • Conductor-in-conduit heat sources for in situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation
    Patent number: 7004247
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation from one or more heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. Some of the heat sources may be conductors placed within conduits. The conductors may be resistively heated so that the conductors radiantly heat the conduits. The generated heat may transfer to the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Anthony Thomas Cole, Lawrence James Bielamowicz, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr., John Matthew Coles, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, John Michael Karanikas, James Louis Menotti, Christopher Arnold Pratt, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Heat sources with conductive material for in situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation
    Patent number: 6929067
    Abstract: The oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a section of the formation from one or more heat sources. A portion of a heat source may include conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive portion may reduce heat loss to a non-hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a section of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ronald Marshall Bass, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker
  • Cement heating tool for oil and gas well completion
    Patent number: 6926083
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting cement in the annulus of an oil or gas well during well completion or other similar well operations. An induction heating tool is lowered to a desired position within the well casing and power is supplied to the tool to heat the casing and the cement which has been injected in the annulus adjacent the heated well casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas A Larovere
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation to produce a condensate
    Patent number: 6923257
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. 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 input into the formation may be controlled to maintain a temperature below about a maximum selected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, 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, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation in a reducing environment
    Patent number: 6918442
    Abstract: An 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. A reducing environment may be maintained within a portion of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation having permeable and impermeable sections
    Patent number: 6915850
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a formation from one or more heat sources in the formation. Hydrocarbons within the formation may be pyrolyzed. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. In some embodiments, the formation may include a relatively impermeable portion and/or a relatively permeable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Scott Lee Wellington
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a movable heating element
    Patent number: 6902004
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing 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: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Determination of thermal properties of a formation
    Publication number: 20040244970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for making in situ thermal property determinations utilizing a heat source employed in wellbore stabilization procedures, well drilling, or well perforating, for example. In particular, using a heat source, such as a laser driller, to enable formation temperature measurements. Based on these measurements, thermal properties of the formation may be inferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry D. Smith
  • Oil and gas well alloy squeezing method and apparatus
    Patent number: 6828531
    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 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Vapor collection and treatment of off-gas from an in-situ thermal desorption soil remediation
    Patent number: 6824328
    Abstract: An in situ thermal desorption system may be used to remove contamination from soil. Off-gas removed from the soil may be transported from the soil to a treatment facility by high temperature hoses and plastic piping. The use of high temperature hose and plastic pipe may reduce the capital cost, installation cost, and operating cost as compared to conventional transport systems from thermal desorption soil remediation systems. The high temperature hose and plastic pipe are highly resistant to corrosion caused by the off-gas. The treatment facility may separate the off-gas into a liquid stream and a vapor stream. The liquid stream and the vapor stream may be processed to reduce contaminants within the liquid stream and vapor stream to acceptable levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, George L. Stegemeier
  • Heat sources with conductive material for in situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation
    Publication number: 20040211554
    Abstract: The oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a section of the formation from one or more heat sources. A portion of a heat source may include conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive portion may reduce heat loss to a non-hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a section of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ronald Marshall Bass, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker
  • Laser wellbore completion apparatus and method
    Publication number: 20040206505
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing fluid flow into a wellbore in which an apparatus having at least one laser energy output is lowered into the wellbore and the at least one laser energy output is directed at a wall of the wellbore. At least a portion of the wall is heated using the at least one laser energy output, whereby flow of a fluid into the wellbore is initiated and/or- enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Samih Batarseh
  • Conductor-in-conduit temperature limited heaters
    Publication number: 20040177966
    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: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, Fredrick Gordon Carl
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using exposed metal heat sources
    Patent number: 6789625
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation from heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. Some of the heat sources may include heater elements. The heater elements may be lengths of bare metal disposed within wellbores within the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Charles Robert Keedy, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
  • In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation to increase permeability of the formation
    Patent number: 6782947
    Abstract: A method for treating a relatively low permeability formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In some embodiments, the permeability of a portion of the formation may be increased relative to an initial permeability of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • Resistive down hole heating tool
    Publication number: 20040149443
    Abstract: A heating tool used for heating cement and/or a ground formation zone and melting billets in a down hole application for sealing oil and gas wells from gas migration. The heating tool has a billet loader which allows a plurality of billets to be loaded into the top of the tool and which billets then pass downward into a magazine and the lowermost heating area of the tool to rest on a billet retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: CANITRON SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. La Rovere, Homer L. Spencer
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using conductor in conduit heat sources
    Patent number: 6769483
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation from heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. Some of the heat sources may be conductors placed within conduits. The conductors may be resistively heated so that the conductors radiantly heat the conduits. The conduits may transfer heat to the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, John Michael Karanikas, James Louis Menotti, John Matthew Coles, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, Lawrence James Bielamowicz, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
  • In situ production of synthesis gas from a coal formation through a heat source wellbore
    Patent number: 6769485
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. 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 synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • High voltage temperature limited heaters
    Publication number: 20040144540
    Abstract: A heater system may include an alternating current supply and an electrical conductor. An alternating current may be applied to one or more electrical conductors at a voltage above about 200 volts. The electrical conductors may be located in a formation. The electrical conductors may provide an electrically resistive heat output upon application of the alternating electrical current. At least one of the electrical conductors may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. An electrical conductor may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. Heat may be allowed to transfer from an electrical conductor to a part of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, Fredrick Gordon Carl
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using heat sources positioned within open wellbores
    Patent number: 6752210
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. 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 positioned within open wellbores in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Charles Robert Keedy, Robert Charles Ryan, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker
  • Cement heating tool for oil and gas well completion
    Publication number: 20040104045
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting cement in the annulus of an oil or gas well during well completion or other similar well operations. An induction heating tool is lowered to a desired position within the well casing and power is supplied to the tool to heat the casing and the cement which has been injected in the annulus adjacent the heated well casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas A. Larovere
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using heat transfer from a heat transfer fluid to heat the formation
    Patent number: 6742593
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation from heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. A heat transfer fluid may be circulated within wellbores of some heat sources to heat the formation. The heat transfer fluid may be combustion gas from burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker
  • In situ production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing formation through a heat source wellbore
    Patent number: 6715546
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. 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 synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to pyrolyze a selected percentage of hydrocarbon material
    Patent number: 6712137
    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 allowed to transfer from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes a relatively large portion of hydrocarbon material within the selected section of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Combined logging and drilling system
    Patent number: 6702041
    Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and logging of a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system comprises a drill string provided with an external recess extending in longitudinal direction of the drill string, a fluid passage for flow of drilling fluid from an upper end of the drill string to a lower end thereof, and a port providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the recess. The system further comprises a logging tool string capable of passing through the fluid passage and from the fluid passage via the port into the recess, and a removable closure element adapted to selectively close the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Douwe Johannes Runia
  • Apparatus and method for well fluid sampling
    Patent number: 6702017
    Abstract: A well fluid sampling tool (5) having a sample chamber (315) at least partly contained within an at least partially evacuated jacket (160, 165, 170), the outermost wall (160) of the jacket (160, 165, 170) being adjacent to or forming an outermost wall of the tool (5). In such a tool (5) the evacuated jacket (160, 165, 170) acts to maintain the sample as originally retrieved, e.g. in single phase form (at original temperature).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventors: Neil David Corrigan, Quentin Peter William Morgan, William Lawson Smith
  • Apparatus and method for heating subterranean formations using fuel cells
    Patent number: 6684948
    Abstract: A fuel cell based subterranean heater for mineral extraction, in situ decontamination, or other applications. The fuel cells are preferably stacked within a casing which is then inserted into a hole bored, or otherwise formed, into the formation to be heated. Conduits within the casing, and preferably formed by adjacent, aligned holes formed through the plates of the individual fuel cells supply fuel and air and extract exhaust gases. An optional manifold is used to span the overburden without applying heat to it directly. The manifold may also function as a heat exchanger between incoming and exhaust gases. Preferably the fuel cell is fueled by gases produced by the formation and also generates electricity which is available for use or export.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Marshall T. Savage
  • Downhole oil and gas well heating system and method
    Patent number: 6681859
    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: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: William L. Hill
  • Method and apparatus for sealing multiple casings for oil and gas wells
    Patent number: 6664522
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in any one or a plurality of casings of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent gas leakage and the like. The material is positioned within any of the annuluses between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement between the casings of interest. 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: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • Wet electric heating process
    Patent number: 6631761
    Abstract: A wet electric heating (“WEH”) process involves establishing electrode zones (“e-zones”) around conductors (e.g., wells) for distributing electric current and thereby generating and distributing heat accordingly through a target region in a subterranean formation having hydrocarbons. The inventive WEH process takes into account e-zone geometric shape, spacing and/or spatial orientation to provide a more diffuse distribution of increased temperature values within the target region, compared to conventional electric heating processes, during at least the first 10% of a time interval when an electric potential is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alberta Science and Research Authority
    Inventors: Jian-Yang Yuan, Ezra Eddy Isaacs, Haibo Huang, Deborah G. Vandenhoff
  • Method and system for recovery and conversion of subsurface gas hydrates
    Publication number: 20030178195
    Abstract: A method and system for the recovery and conversion of subsurface gas hydrates is provided. This is accomplished by accessing a subsurface hydrate formation and treating the formation with a treating system so that gas is released from the hydrate formation. The released gas is then delivered and collected by means of a gas recovery system at a surface location. The gas is converted to liquid hydrocarbons in a conversion system utilizing a synthesis gas unit for producing synthesis gas from the hydrate gas, and a synthesis unit for converting the synthesis gas into liquid hydrocarbons. In at least one embodiment, the synthesis unit utilizes a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. Excess energy produced during the conversion of the hydrate gas can be utilized in the treating and recovery of the hydrate gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Agee, Kenneth Ray Roberts
  • Method and apparatus for heating a submarine pipeline
    Patent number: 6617556
    Abstract: A novel system for inductively heating a fluid conduit using an electrical cable located proximate the fluid conduit. Electricity is conducted to the cable in either a powering mode, in which a powered system is electrically coupled to the cable and substantially no inductive heating of the fluid conduit is provided, or a heating mode, in which the powered system is electrically decoupled from the cable and inductive heating of the fluid conduit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Wedel
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation in a reducing environment
    Publication number: 20030164239
    Abstract: An 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. A reducing environment may be maintained within a portion of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation to increase permeability of the formation
    Publication number: 20030141067
    Abstract: An 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 may also be applied to the formation to increase a permeability of the formation. In some embodiments, the permeability of a portion of the formation may increase to a relatively high permeability as compared to the initial permeability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation while inhibiting coking
    Publication number: 20030141066
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from one or more heat sources to a section of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation through a production well. Conditions at the production well may be controlled to inhibit coking at or near the production well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: John Michael Karanikas, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington
  • In situ thermal processing through an open wellbore in an oil shale formation
    Publication number: 20030141068
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to the treatment area from one or more heat sources. A heat source may be positioned in an uncased wellbore. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat source to a section of the formation. Subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, John Michael Karanikas, Charles Robert Keedy, Robert Charles Ryan, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • Oil and gas well alloy squeezing method and apparatus
    Publication number: 20030132224
    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: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: CANITRON SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Homer L. Spencer
  • In Situ thermal processing of a coal formation to control product composition
    Patent number: 6588503
    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 and pressure applied to the formation may be controlled so that a majority of the hydrocarbons produced from the formation have carbon numbers less than 25. Conditions may be controlled to produce low quantities of olefins in condensable hydrocarbons produced from the formation and low quantities of olefins in non-condensable hydrocarbons produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michael Karanikas, Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation using horizontal heat sources
    Publication number: 20030111223
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a portion of the formation from one or more heat sources having a horizontal orientation in the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a section of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, John Michael Karanikas, Kevin Albert Maher, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ thermal recovery from a relatively permeable formation with quality control
    Publication number: 20030102130
    Abstract: A method for treating a relatively permeable formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture may be produced from the selected section. A quality of the produced mixture may be controlled by varying a location for producing the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Meliha Deniz Sumnu-Dindoruk, Scott Lee Wellington
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using substantially parallel formed wellbores
    Publication number: 20030075318
    Abstract: Wellbores may be formed in a coal formation. Wellbores may be formed by geosteered drilling and/or by a steerable motor with an accelerometer. Parallel wellbores may be formed using magnetic steering. Heating mechanisms may be disposed within selected wellbores so that heat transfers to at least a portion of the formation during use. Selected wellbores may be production wells that allow for fluid removal from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Charles Robert Keedy, Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Down hole oil and gas well heating system and method for down hole heating of oil and gas wells
    Publication number: 20030075330
    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: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: William L. Hill
  • Gas and oil production
    Publication number: 20030070804
    Abstract: A process for in situ gasification of mineral oil in a subterranean formation comprises running a tool having a controllable thermal device therein from a surface production facility down to the subterranean formation, bringing said tool into operational proximity with the mineral oil in said subterranean formation, and activating the tool to operate the thermal device within a predetermined temperature range to generate gases or oily vapours from said mineral oil, which permits either an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method with reduced water contamination, or a gas production process (GPP) which is useful in reducing environmental risks normally associated with transport of crude oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: SCOTOIL GROUP PLC
    Inventors: Ian David Farquhar Davidson, Andrew George Yule
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce nitrogen containing formation fluids
    Publication number: 20030062164
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing 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. The mixture produced from the formation may contain condensable hydrocarbons fluids with some nitrogen containing hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing formation through a heat source wellbore
    Publication number: 20030062154
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. 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 synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Robert Martijin Van Hardeveld
  • Method and apparatus for heating a wellbore
    Patent number: 6540018
    Abstract: An electrical heater is provided, the electrical heater being useful for heating soil around a wellbore, and the heater including: a plurality of electrically conductive heater elements within a wellbore, each element spaced from the other elements and located around the circumference of a wellbore; and an electrically insulating filer surrounding the elements within the wellbore; wherein a metal casing around the heater is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington