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Down hole physical upgrading of heavy crude oils by selective energy absorption

a technology of selective energy absorption and heavy crude oil, which is applied in the direction of fluid removal, borehole/well accessories, insulation, etc., can solve the problems of rapid cracking of heavy hydrocarbons to any degree desired by electromagnetic energy absorption, and achieve precise temperature control and energy efficient

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-08-17
KSN ENERGIES
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention utilizes the ability of electromagnetic energy at the appropriate frequency to selectively deposit thermal energy in the heavy oil for precise control of cracking temperature throughout a given volume of material. Selective electromagnetic energy absorption in the heavy crude oil provides energy efficient transfer of heat at the molecular level and thereby insures precise temperature control throughout the treatment volume. This allows for optimization of the visbreaking process using electromagnetic energy.
[0009] This proposed EVP provides efficient energy absorption and control of thermal cracking of heavy oils for in-situ upgrading. The application of low power (a few ten's of kilowatts) electromagnetic energy to the formation for visbreaking will provide mild decomposition of the heavy oil, minimum coke formation and the retention of the cracked product in the original feedstock. The resultant mixture has viscosity, pour point, and specific gravity values which are lower than those of the original oil.
[0010] The present invention several promising applications. It can be used to upgrade heavy crude oil in situ. It can also assist in the recovery of heavy crude oil from reservoirs. Further, the present invention can be used to more efficiently recovery hydrocarbons from oil shale, such as that present in the Western United States.

Problems solved by technology

Proper selection of frequency and power duration results in the rapid cracking of heavy hydrocarbons to any degree desired by electromagnetic energy absorption.

Method used

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  • Down hole physical upgrading of heavy crude oils by selective energy absorption
  • Down hole physical upgrading of heavy crude oils by selective energy absorption
  • Down hole physical upgrading of heavy crude oils by selective energy absorption

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Embodiment Construction

[0019] A variety of different types of down hole electromagnetic structures may be employed to apply electromagnetic energy to heavy crude oil in situ. The proper structure for any particular application depends on a variety of factors, including depth, heat uniformity, and minimizing the degree of coking and production of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single borehole radiation type applicator. Applicator system 10 is positioned within borehole 12. Borehole 12 is supported by casing 14. Applicator system 10 is then used to apply electromagnetic energy to heavy crude oil in the vicinity of borehole 12.

[0021] Applicator structure 20 is a transmission line retort. For a point of reference, a typical applicator 20 may be approximately 70 feet long. In a typical configuration, the applicator 20 may be positioned from between 100 to 600 feet underground in borehole 12. Radiofrequency (“RF”) energy is supplied to applicator 20 by an RF generator (not sh...

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Abstract

The present invention utilizes the ability of electromagnetic energy at the appropriate frequency to selectively deposit thermal energy in the heavy oil for precise control of cracking temperature throughout a given volume of material. Selective electromagnetic energy absorption in the heavy crude oil provides energy efficient transfer of heat at the molecular level and thereby insures precise temperature control throughout the treatment volume. This allows for optimization of the visbreaking process using electromagnetic energy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 645,154, which was filed on Jan. 19, 2005, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the use of electromagnetic energy to subject heavy crude oil to mild thermal cracking conditions, thereby lowering the viscosity, pour point, and specific gravity of the oil and rendering it easier to recover and handle. More particularly, this invention relates to methods for applying electromagnetic energy to heavy oils in the reservoir to promote in situ upgrading and facilitate recovery. This invention also relates to systems to apply electromagnetic energy to heavy oils in situ. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Heavy crude oil presents problems in oil recovery and production. Crude oils of low API gravity and crude oils having a high pour point present production problems b...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E21B43/00
CPCE21B36/04E21B43/2401
Inventor KASEVICH, RAYMOND S.
Owner KSN ENERGIES
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