System for Extracting Hydrocarbons From Underground Geological Formations and Methods Thereof

Abstract

An ultrasonic fracking system and methods of using the same to extract hydrocarbons from underground geological formations (e.g., oil shale, coal beds, etc.) are disclosed. The system includes piezoelectric devices that are used to produce ultrasonic mechanical vibrations and induce fractures in the geological formations. In one embodiment, a system for extracting underground hydrocarbons comprises a plurality of piezoelectric devices capable of producing mechanical waves sufficient to fracture oil shale and other geological formations, a system of delivery for innocuous proppants to create a path of least resistance for enhanced hydrocarbon flow, and a vacuum pump connected to the fractures created by the piezoelectric devices to assist in removing the hydrocarbons.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to the field of mining (e.g., extracting, drilling or recovering) hydrocarbons. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for extracting hydrocarbons (e.g., hydrocarbon-based fuels) from underground formations utilizing ultrasound, and methods of using the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for creating controlled fractures in underground geological formations, allowing the extraction of hydrocarbons trapped therein.DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND[0002]Increasing demands for domestic fuel sources have led to widespread attention to a technique of underground natural gas and oil exploitation called hydraulic fracturing (fracking) While the technique has merit, environmental concerns have recently arisen regarding the environmental impacts of fracking, including possible contamination of ground water, surface water, and soil, as well as the release of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of extracting hydrocarbons from an underground geological formation, comprising (1) inserting a plurality of piezoelectric devices into a plurality of wells near a deposit of hydrocarbons in the underground formation, (2) inducing vibrations (e.g., within a predetermined frequency range) in the formation using the piezoelectric devices, (3) detecting vibrations reflected by the formation and determining the resonant frequencies of fractures in the formation, (4) inducing vibrations in the formation at the resonant frequencies using the piezoelectric devices (e.g., to shake and enlarge the existing fractures), and (5) collecting hydrocarbons released through the enlarged fractures. The method may further include flowing a proppant into the enlarged fractures to prevent them from closing or narrowing, and to aid in freeing physisorbed hydrocarbons from the underground formation.

[0024]The present invention advantageously improves the efficiency of extracting hydrocarbons from underground depos...

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, current fracking techniques have several inefficiencies.

However, fracking fluids typically include a wide range of potentially hazardous chemicals (e.g., acids, buffering agents, bactericides, corrosion inhibitors, friction reducers, surfactants, gelling agents, etc.).

Thus, the use of fracking fluids can result in the contamination of these important resources.

Presently, hydraulic fracturing techniques have multiple problems, including:Low efficiency in capturing the released hydrocarbons;Due to economic considerations, once the flow rate of the well is past a premium flow rate, the well may be abandoned;Capping the abandoned well may not eliminate leeching of greenhouse gases into t...

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