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Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations

A technology of organic matter and rock formation, applied in the direction of production fluids, wellbore/well components, isolation devices, etc., can solve the problem of no commercial development, etc.

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-09-05
EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RES CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

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Problems solved by technology

No real commercial development has taken place yet, although research projects are being carried out in the area from time to time

Method used

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  • Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
  • Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
  • Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations

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Embodiment Construction

[0066] definition

[0067] As used herein, the term "hydrocarbon" refers to an organic compound comprising primarily, but not exclusively, the elements hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons may also include other elements such as, but not limited to, halogens, metallic elements, nitrogen, oxygen, and / or sulfur. Hydrocarbons are generally divided into two classes: aliphatic or straight chain hydrocarbons, and cyclic or closed ring hydrocarbons, including cyclic terpenes. Examples of hydrocarbonaceous materials include any form of natural gas, oil, coal, and bitumen that may be used or upgraded as fuel.

[0068] As used herein, the term "hydrocarbon fluid" refers to a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons, either gas or liquid. For example, hydrocarbon fluids may include hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon mixtures that are gases or liquids at formation conditions, at processing conditions, or at ambient conditions (15°C and 1 atmosphere). Hydrocarbon fluids may include, for example, oi...

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Abstract

Providing a plurality of in situ heat sources configured to generate heat within a formation so as to pyrolyze solid hydrocarbons into hydrocarbon fluids. Preferably, the organic-rich rock formation is heated to a temperature of at least 270C. Heating of the organic-rich rock formation continues so that heat moves away from the respective heat sources and through the formation at a first value of effective thermal diffusivity, alpha 1. Heating of the formation further continues in situ so that thermal fractures are caused to be formed in the formation or so that the permeability of the formation is otherwise increased. The method also includes injecting a fluid into the organic-rich rock formation to increase the value of thermal diffusivity within the subsurface formation to a second value, alpha2, which is at least 50% greater than the first value alpha 1 and, more preferably, is at least 100% greater than alpha 1.

Description

[0001] background [0002] Cross References to Related Applications [0003] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 287,568, entitled "Enhanced Convection for In Situ Pyrolysis of Organic-Rich Rock Formations," filed December 17, 2009 , and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Additionally, this application claims priority to U.S. Utility Model Application No. 12 / 946,532, entitled "Enhanced Convection for In-Situ Pyrolysis of Organic-Rich Rock Formations," filed November 15, 2010, and to all Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for the purpose. [0004] This application is related to US Patent Application No. 12 / 074,899, filed March 7, 2008. This application is entitled "Particle Electrical Connections for In-Situ Formation Heating" and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 9...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E21B36/04E21B43/24
CPCE21B43/247E21B43/24
Inventor R·卡敏思凯M·T·山利
Owner EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RES CO
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