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

The present invention is a system and method for extracting hydrocarbons from underground geological formations. The invention uses piezoelectric devices to induce vibrations in the formation, which causes the fractures in the formation to open up and release the hydrocarbons. The released hydrocarbons are then collected through the enlarged fractures. The invention eliminates the need for hydraulic fluids in the process, reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with hydraulic fracking. The technical effect of the invention is improved efficiency in extracting hydrocarbons from underground deposits.

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 the atmosphere;If left uncapped, methane (CH4) can leach from the well into the air, and methane is greater than 30 times more powerful in inducing greenhouse effects than CO2;Ground and surface water and soil can be polluted by fracking fluid and chemicals released from wells; andHorizontal drilling techniques may result in seepage of natural gas into the environment, resulting in loss of potential revenue and significant risk of injury and death to local fauna.

An additional drawback to fracking is the release of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMS).

It is conceivable that ground water bodies may then be contaminated with labile radioactive species, lending to worsening environmental damages.

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