Heated Fluid Wellbores for Subsurface Formation Permeability
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing hydrocarbons and hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing formations are inefficient, leading to high operating costs and insufficient injection capacity, particularly in impermeable formations like oil shale and tar sands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system involving heated fluid flow through a network of shafts and tunnels with heat source wellbores, allowing for the treatment of subsurface formations by providing heated fluids and collecting them for removal, which enhances permeability and facilitates the extraction of hydrocarbons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used for hydrocarbon production, then operating costs are high and injection capacity is insufficient, but permeability of impermeable formations remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the subsurface formation to elevated temperatures (e.g., 100-500°C) to alter the physical properties of the formation and hydrocarbons. This thermal treatment changes the viscosity of hydrocarbons and the permeability characteristics of the formation, enabling improved injection capacity and hydrocarbon removal from previously impermeable formations like oil shale and tar sands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heated fluid as an intermediary medium to facilitate hydrocarbon extraction. The heated fluid is injected into the formation, absorbs heat from the thermal field, and acts as a carrier to mobilize and transport hydrocarbons from the impermeable formation to production wells, thereby enabling extraction without directly altering the formation's inherent permeability
2Productivity
If heated fluid flow system is implemented, then permeability and hydrocarbon removal efficiency improve, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a thermal field system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: (1) heating the formation to reduce hydrocarbon viscosity, (2) creating thermal gradients to drive fluid flow, (3) expanding the effective permeability zone, and (4) enabling both injection and production operations. This single thermal field infrastructure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the subsurface formation into discrete treatment zones or cells that can be independently heated and managed. Each zone can be treated with controlled thermal input, allowing the system to handle large formation volumes by processing them in manageable segments through multiple injection and production well pairs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves the economic viability of hydrocarbon production by increasing permeability and enabling the efficient removal of hydrocarbons from previously impermeable formations, thereby enhancing the yield and quality of hydrocarbon products.
Implementation Method 1
heat source wellbores extending from the first tunnel to the second tunnel, wherein the heat source wellbores are configured to allow heated fluid to flow through the wellbores from the first tunnel to the second tunnel
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the treatment of subsurface formations by providing heated fluids and collecting them for removal, which enhances permeability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a subsurface wellbore is disclosed. The method includes operating a drilling string in a first direction of rotation. A first motor located near the end of the drilling string is operated in a direction of rotation opposite that of the drilling string. A drill bit is rotated using a second motor that is coupled to the first motor.