Method and system for heating a bed of rocks containing sulfur-rich type iis kerogen

Abstract

Hydrocarbon-containing rocks comprising type IIs kerogen are introduced into an excavated enclosure (e.g. a pit or an impoundment) to form a bed of rocks therein. One or more heaters (e.g. molten salt heaters) are operated to pyrolyze type IIs kerogen of the rocks. In some embodiments, a hydrocarbon reflux loop is maintained within the enclosure to convectively heat the type IIs-kerogen-containing rocks by boiling hydrocarbon liquids from a reservoir at the bottom of the enclosure so that vapor passes to the top of the enclosure, condenses, and falls back through the bed. Alternatively or additionally, the rocks may be heated by heaters embedded within wall(s) and / or a floor of the enclosure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for heating a bed of rocks to produce pyrolysis fluids (for example, alkylthiophene-rich hydrocarbon pyrolysis fluids) therefrom.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0002]The world's supply of conventional sweet, light crude oil is declining, and discoveries and access to new resources for this premium oil are becoming more challenging. To supplement this decline and to meet the rising global demand, oils of increasing sulfur content are being produced and brought to market. Sources of sulfur-rich oil may be found in Canada, Venezuela, the United States (California), Mexico and the Middle East.[0003]Although sulfur-rich oils, such as Maya crude, contribute significantly to the world's oil reserves, the economic and environmental costs of refining heavy oils can be significant. Many sulfur-rich hydrocarbons are sourced from a subset of Type II kerogen known to be sulfur-rich, called Type II-s or II...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method of heating hydrocarbon-containing rocks in a more efficient and cost-effective way. The method involves using molten salt or immersed heaters to transfer thermal energy to the rocks through convection, using vertical conduits to maximize heat transfer. The heated rocks then release the energy in the form of gas or vapor, which can be collected and utilized. Another method involves using heated molten salt to boil the oil in the rocks and recover the oil through pyrolysis. This method can achieve uniform heating over longer distances and requires less piping. Overall, the patent text describes advancements in the heating process for hydrocarbon-containing rocks, which can impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of recovery.

Problems solved by technology

The world's supply of conventional sweet, light crude oil is declining, and discoveries and access to new resources for this premium oil are becoming more challenging.

Although sulfur-rich oils, such as Maya crude, contribute significantly to the world's oil reserves, the economic and environmental costs of refining heavy oils can be significant.

As conventional oil becomes less available (e.g. due to the increased cost of producing conventional oil from remote locations) and / or unable to meet world demand, it can be replaced with production of unconventional oils.

Presently, however, sulfur-rich oils are expensive to develop and bring to market for a variety of reasons.

Furthermore, sulfur rich oils are typically hydrotreated in sturdy but costly vessels due to the high pressures and temperatures required.

When the sulfur-rich oils include significant quantities of metals, their presence of them may poison the catalysts, thereby requiring larger quantities of expensive catalyst.

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