Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and systems that include an alkaline chemical to reduce (e.g., prevent) scale formation. Examples of alkaline chemicals include inorganic salts, organic salts and metal oxides.

Abstract: It is provided a method and an apparatus for continuously thermally treating an oil reservoir, in particular a method and an apparatus for thermally treating an oil reservoir by separately introducing a first and a second composition into an oil well and contacting the first and second compositions in a pay zone of the oil reservoir to initiate a chemical reaction producing heat and gases. With the method and apparatus according to the present invention it becomes possible to simultaneously introduce the compositions into the oil well and to extract the resultant oil or oil containing mixture through the same oil well.

Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.

Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.

Abstract: A method of recovering minerals from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be contacted with an agent sufficient to remove minerals therefrom. The agent is typically a solution containing a solvent, leachant, chelating agent and the like via which minerals can be removed having value, toxic minerals, radioactive minerals and the like.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method of extraction of fuels and elements from coal, shale, peat and landfill seams is described which cuts the earth with only a main shaft which could measure half a meter diameter and with auxiliary narrow drillings of, say 10 centimeter diameter, widely spaced from the shaft. The coal, shale or peat seam is heated to the highest temperature of the hydrocarbon fraction desired to be extracted and the evaporated hydrocarbons are carried out of the shaft by Nitrogen gas. To enhance the extraction rate of the evaporated hydrocarbons, tonal input from two or more organ pipes vibrates the seam structure freeing the evaporated hydrocarbons allowing their escape into the shaft. As the extraction continues requiring inclusion of a greater area of the seam structure, narrow drillings are made and Liquid Nitrogen is inserted in the drillings reaching seam levels as Nitrogen gas which seeps into the seam.

Abstract: Process for the disposal of sulfur which comprises melting the sulfur, optionally in the presence of hydrogen sulfide, and injecting the molten sulfur into geological structures having a temperature ranging from 90 to 160° C.

Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting migration of fluids into and/or out of a treatment area undergoing an in situ conversion process. Barriers in the formation proximate a treatment area may be used to inhibit migration of fluids. Inhibition of migration of fluids may occur before, during, and/or after an in situ treatment process. For example, migration of fluids may be inhibited while heat is provided from heaters to at least a portion of the treatment area. Barriers may include naturally occurring portions (e.g., overburden, and/or underburden) and/or installed portions.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Fluid migration into and/or out of a treatment area in the formation may be inhibited. In some embodiments, a barrier may be used to inhibit migration of fluids into and/or out of the treatment area. Heat may be provided to the treatment area and subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for offloading and storage of liquefied compressed natural gas into a salt dome by using inserting displacement gas with a pressure greater than a pressure of the liquefied compressed natural gas and a temperature of from about 80 degrees Fahrenheit to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit into a created cavern in the salt dome. The liquefied compressed natural gas is offloaded from the vessel to the storage cavern, wherein the liquefied compressed natural gas is at a pressure of from about 750 psi to about 1100 psi and a temperature of from about ?80 degrees Fahrenheit to about ?110 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquefied compressed natural gas is mixed with gas vapor in the storage cavern, wherein the gas vapor in the storage cavern is at a geostatic temperature and at a pressure lower than a pressure of the liquefied compressed natural gas.

Abstract: A system is provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. A lined impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation and means for injecting the sulfur through the borehole are provided. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, through a pipe arrangement provided with means for injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.

Abstract: A system is provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. A lined impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation and means for injecting the sulfur through the borehole are provided. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, through a pipe arrangement provided with means for injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recovery and treatment of underground mineral deposits by multitude of directional and multi-functional wells drilled from the super daisy shaft through which the dynamics and dragging forces of fluid means is developed synergistically with complex rubblization and other techniques, and more particularly where the same wells assist in creation of the pressurized barriers to contain the exploitation field for treatment and recovery of minerals.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. An impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation is provided, and the sulfur is then injected through the borehole. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, by injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. An impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation is provided, and the sulfur is then injected through the borehole. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, by injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the hydraulic removal of bitumen from a tar sand deposit comprises forming a borehole into the tar sand deposit and securing a casing into the borehole. Into the casing is inserted a mining tool having a water/diluent channel and a slurry exit channel. Through the casing the borehole is charged with crushed aggregate. At the lower end of the tool are nozzles through which high pressure hot water/diluent is injected as a jet from the water/diluent channel into the tar sand deposit causing a cavity to form in the tar sand deposit. The heat of the water/diluent jets and dissolving action of the diluent softens the tar sand contacted and the impact of the jets and the scouring action of the aggregate, as impinged upon by the jets, removes the tar sand from the surface of the developing cavity into a water phase. A bitumen/diluent phase rises to the surface of the water phase and is removed from the cavity through the casing.

Abstract: The recovery of materials from viscous bodies of petroleum residue and asphalt deposits which contain substantial quantities of the deposits by the use of an induced thermal gradient in a region of such a viscous body in which there is located a screw-like pump.This is effected by a process and apparatus that utilizes a thermal gradient about a archimedian screw-type pump in the pit or pond where its inlet is proximate of the surface of the pit or pond. The thermal gradient about the pump concentrates less viscous components at the vicinity of the inlet and a positive pressure is applied to assure a flow of residue towards the inlet allowing the lower viscosity materials to be captured and pumped from the pit or pond to a shore facility.

Abstract: Elemental sulfur in substantially pure form is recovered from an underground sulfur formation which has been previously been mined by the Frasch process by injection of hot water into the underground formation to melt at least a portion of the sulfur, removing the resulting mixture of sulfur and hot water to the surface, separating the mixture of sulfur and hot water, recovering the sulfur as molten sulfur, and recycling the water to the underground formation. In alternatives, the water may be treated with additives to prevent corrosion, and scale and to reduce hardness and enhance separation of sulfur and water. The process is practiced using a conventional Frasch sulfur well in combination with a bleed water well and/or injection well. Also provided is a method and apparatus for separating molten sulfur from a mixture of molten sulfur and water.

Abstract: A method for the electro-thermal and electrochemical underground conversion of coal into oil and by-products comprises the steps of inserting an underground probe into a bore hole until the probe is in close proximity to a coal seam. A mixture of air, steam, an electrolyte and a suitable catalyst is supplied to the probe, and the mixture is then sprayed directly on the coal seam through a passage in a nozzle. The probe is also energized with electricity applied to the nozzle to produce an arc between the coal and the probe, simultaneous with the spraying of the mixture on the coal seam. Heat of the combustion from the arc and the steam combine to produce a pyrolysis, oxidation, and reduction of the coal, thereby converting the coal into a gaseous combination of oil and by-products. The arc can be rotated to increase the tunnel diameter. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A water-containing region at or near the surface of the earth, such as a landfill, that is contaminated with hazardous materials is decontaminated by heating the region with bound radio frequency energy from a bound-wave transmission line excitor array disposed outside the region to a temperature to boil water and thereby increase the permeability of the region. The heating is continued by dielectric heating after water has boiled from at least a portion of the region to heat the portion to elevated temperatures substantially above the boiling point of water. The materials may then be rendered innocuous in situ in a number of ways, as by pyrolysis, thermally assisted decomposition, or reaction with an introduced reagent, such as oxygen. The materials may also be driven from the region, as by distillation or by evaporation and steam drive and then collected and disposed of, as by incineration.

Abstract: A method of melting sulphur, in block form, uses a heating device having lower heating surfaces and means for withdrawing sulphur. The device is positioned on a block of sulphur so that the heating surface(s) are inclined downardly to a collection location spaced inwardly from sides of the sulphur block. The heat is supplied to the heating surfaces to melt sulphur, and molten sulphur is withdrawn by the means for withdrawing it. As sulphur is melted, the heating device is progressively lowered through the block of sulphur. A corresponding apparatus having inclined heating surfaces is provided. As the sulphur is melted so that molten sulphur runs down towards the collection location, the device can be used right up against the edge of a block of sulphur.

Abstract: A system for controlling microwave heaters in order to efficiently heat frozen ground. The heaters are energized and deenergized by a control unit in response to the temperature sensed a selected distance from a heater. The control unit also deenergizes the heater in response to a temperature sensed in the vicinity of the applicators of the heater in order to protect the heaters from overheating.

Abstract: A method of extraction of metallic sulfides (Matte) from an ore deposit in situ. The contained sulfides are smelted by resistor induced heat creating a matte containing precious metals, including, but not limited to, platinum-group metals and gold and silver (as well as copper, nickel, iron, sulfur, etc). The heavier portion of the bath (matte) settles to the bottom and the slag rises to the top. Further smelting is controlled by positioning of the electrode pairs in the bath, thus regulating heat generation by modulation of the resistance between said electrodes. Placement of the electrodes in cased drill holes strategically placed to intersect and penetrate the ore-bearing horizons results in extraction of the valuable metals as matte. The matte can be recovered either as a liquid, or, after cooling, as a solid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel sulfur remelting method and an apparatus for employing the method. The method of remelting sulfur from a solid sulfur block may be comprised of generating super-heated liquid sulfur, spraying the super-heated liquid sulfur on the face of the solid sulfur block to thereby melt sulfur from the face of the block, and collecting the liquid sulfur generated in a collecting tank which maintains the sulfur in a liquid condition. The apparatus utilized for remelting sulfur from a solid sulfur block may comprise means for generating super-heated liquid sulfur and spray means for directing the super-heated liquid sulfur at high velocity at the face of the block to melt sulfur from the face of the block.

Abstract: A method for mining subsurface deposits by injection of foam or a foaming agent plus air or other gas, or foam-making materials, into a selected porous zone above a sulphur bed or zone, and concomitantly displacing the gas and/or fluids occupying such porous zones concomitantly and/or thereafter, heating the sulphur bed below the foam injected deposit with superheated water or other means with the foam confining the upward movement of the superheated water or other fusion medium to the sulphur-bearing zone.

Abstract: A method of mining sulphur from an underground deposit overlying a soluble salt layer, wherein spaced parallel rows of repression boreholes and depression boreholes are drilled to penetrate into the salt layer, production boreholes are provided in a row intermediate the repression and depression boreholes, hot water or brine is introduced to the salt layer through the repression boreholes to create a superheated salt solution which is directed into the sulphur deposit, brine is pumped out through the depression boreholes thereby causing a flow of hot brine through the sulphur deposit from the repression to the depression boreholes which melts and entrains sulphur, and this molten sulphur is pumped up through the production boreholes. Hot water or brine is also introduced through the production boreholes to keep sulphur filters at the lower ends of the production boreholes clear.

Abstract: A novel system is disclosed for utilizing, in the mining of subterranean sulfur by the Frasch process, the heat of water that has accumulated underground above at least a portion of the subterranean sulfur deposit from previous mining operations wherein the underground water is brought to the surface, mixed with fresh heated water, and returned underground to melt the subterranean sulfur via a return pipeline which is separate and distinct from the pipeline through which the molten sulfur is brought to the surface. In one embodiment the return pipeline is in the same well casing as the sulfur pipeline, but displaced laterally from it. In a second embodiment, the return pipeline extends through a separate well casing.

Abstract: Crude shale oil produced by in situ retorting of oil shale can contain from about 1 to 2% sulfur by weight, the sulfur being distributed widely through the lower and higher boiling fractions of the shale oil. Substantially non-condensible sulfur containing gas such as hydrogen sulfide is evolved from such crude shale oil by maintaining such shale oil at an elevated temperature in the substantial absence of added reagent, with the maximum temperature below thermal decomposition temperatures of such shale oil for sufficient time to lower the sulfur content of the shale oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for melting block sulphur employ a heating element pivotally mounted on a carriage on a trailer. The heating element is pivoted from a collapsed, transport position to an upright position, and a counterweight force is applied to the carriage to advance the heating element in a direction at least approximately parallel to the ground towards the sulphur.

Abstract: Apparatus for fracturing and/or heating subsurface formations wherein an alternating current electric field is produced in the frequency range between 100 kilohertz and 100 megahertz between electrodes spaced apart in the formation and a radio frequency generator supplying a voltage between said lines with suitable loading structures tuned to the frequency of the generator to resonate the electrodes as a parallel wire transmission line which is terminated in an open circuit and produces a standing wave having a voltage concentration at the end of the line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the in situ melting and removal of liquid sulphur from a solid sulphur storage block. The method comprises supplying heat to the storage block sufficient to melt the sulphur of the storage block to produce liquid sulphur, collecting the liquid sulphur and removing the liquid sulphur. The apparatus comprises heating means for heating and melting the sulphur storage block to produce liquid sulphur, means for collecting the liquid sulphur and means for removing the liquid sulphur from the collecting means.

Abstract: Novel method and apparatus for utilizing, in the mining of subterranean sulphur by the Frasch process, the heat of water that has accumulated underground above at least a part of said subterranean sulphur from previous mining operations comprising subterraneanly recycling said accumulated underground water downwardly to contact and heat additional solid subterranean sulphur. In one embodiment further heat is added to the accumulated underground water. For example, pressurized, superheated drive water generated above ground is subterraneanly commingled with said accumulated underground water in a jet pump or ejector to further heat it and to recycle it subterraneanly.

Abstract: An integrated system and process is provided to heat and chemically treat an aqueous process fluid such as the water required for producing sulfur by the Frasch process without undue scaling and corrosion of apparatus when a sulfur-containing fuel such as oil is employed as the energy source.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for sealing a sulfur well wherein the well is made to discharge only sulfur and air instead of mixtures of sulfur, water and air. The method is used in conjunction with the Frasch mining technique when starting a new well for the first time and when an active well has "blown". The method consists of shutting off the sulfur line and air line, "boosting" the well by sending down hot "superheated water" through the water line to raise the level of the sulfur pool by melting additional sulfur, slowly applying a pressurized gas to the top of the sulfur line and holding at an elevated pressure for a period of time and then slowly releasing the pressurized gas. The air line is then opened and pressurized, and a mixture of sulfur and air, devoid of water, exits through the sulfur line.

Abstract: An integrated sulfur mining -- sulfuric acid production system is provided wherein a portion of the sulfur produced in the mining operation is consumed in a sulfuric acid manufacturing plant which also generates sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the aqueous mining fluid to the level required by a mining operation of the type that uses the Frasch sulfur mining technique.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the production of geothermal brines that avoids depressuring the brine below its flash point in the well bore and thereby avoids the scaling and plugging unavoidably experienced whenever high salt content brines are depressured, releasing carbon dioxide and upsetting their solubility equilibrium and precipitating calcium carbonate. The invention avoids the flashing of the geothermal brine by injecting a lift fluid immiscible with and of substantially lesser density than the brine into the production tubing to form a column of a mixture of brine and lift fluid which has a sufficiently lesser density than the column of brine that the hydrostatic head of the column of brine raises the mixture to the surface from where it is withdrawn without flashing, separating the lift fluid and processing the brine for heat recovery. Where the brine is extremely hot, the pressure is maintained at higher levels to avoid flashing by an additional column of brine below the production level.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, melting block sulfur to avoid contamination of the environment by sulfur dust employ a heating element having a plurality of flow passages formed by pipe sections in a generally planar array, with a steam inlet and a condensate outlet enabling steam to be flowed through the passages. The underside of the heating element has a flow surface adjacent one edge thereof, and a suspension is provided for lowering the heating element onto the sulfur block with the heating element downwardly inclined towards that edge and with the edge projecting beyond the sulfur block so that molten sulfur adhering by surface tension to the flow surface flows beyond the sulfur block and drops into a collecting trough.

Abstract: A method of extracting metal from an underground ore body. The body is heated by electric induction to a temperature sufficient to break up the metallic ore compound and liquefy the metal. The metal flows into production wells where it is collected and transported to the surface, as by rapid solidification into powder or pellets in a pressurized gas stream. The electric induction is conveniently effected by passing alternating current through a conductor encompassing that portion of the ore body to be heated.