US3547193A - Method and apparatus for recovery of minerals from sub-surface formations using electricity - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for recovery of minerals from sub-surface formations using electricity Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3547193A
US3547193A US868277A US3547193DA US3547193A US 3547193 A US3547193 A US 3547193A US 868277 A US868277 A US 868277A US 3547193D A US3547193D A US 3547193DA US 3547193 A US3547193 A US 3547193A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
casing
formation
conductive
electrode
insulating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US868277A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
William G Gill
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrothermic Co
Original Assignee
Electrothermic Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrothermic Co filed Critical Electrothermic Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3547193A publication Critical patent/US3547193A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/16—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
    • E21B43/24—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection
    • E21B43/2401—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection by means of electricity

Definitions

  • Murphy ABSTRACT There is disclosed a method and apparatus in which electrical current is caused to flow through water in a mineral bearing, subsurface formation to produce heating of the mineral and promote the recovery thereof.
  • An electrode is established in the formation which extends into the formation from the bore hole, and which has a greater effective diameter than the diameter of the bore hold. Electrical current is caused to flow from the electrode through the formation to heat the mineral to be recovered.
  • One specific electrode disclosed is formed of shot or pellets packed into the formation and another electrode disclosed is a collapsible member which extends into the formation.
  • the method and apparatus of the present invention are especially adapted to the secondary recovery of oil, but also has application to production of other minerals, particularly sulphur.
  • the present invention renders it feasible to provide an electrode of any desired diameter in mineral-bearing formation, such that any desired area can be heated. For example, if an electrode is installed in the mineral-bearing formation and the effective diameter of the electrode is 25 feet, and assuming favorable boundary conditions, an area of approximately 225 feet in diameter would be heated with approximately 50 percent of the heat being produced in an area 75 feet in diameter. Accordingly, it is feasible to introduce into the formation a much greater amount of heat in a much shorter period oftime.
  • a method and apparatus for producing minerals from a subsurface formation through a bore hole extending from the surface into the formation wherein an electrode is established in the formation which extends into the formation from the bore hole and thereafter electrical current is caused to flow from the electrode through the formation to heat the mineral to be recovered.
  • the electrode comprises conductive shot or pellets which extend into the formation and which is electrically connected to a source of supply voltage.
  • a collapsible member is utilized as the electrode, such that when the electrode is properly positioned in the bore hole it can be collapsible, causing portions thereof to be extended into the formation providing an electrode of increased diameter.
  • HO. 1 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a well bore penetrating a mineral-bearing formation in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a tool for providing an electrode in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a second embodiment of the invention in which the tool of FIG. 2 is used, the tool being shown in the operative position;
  • FIG. 4 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a typical oil field layout
  • FIG. 5 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a third embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 of the drawings there is shown a well bore 10 which penetrates the surface of the earth into a mineral bearing formation l2.
  • the present invention is especially adapted for the secondary recovery of oil and the preferred embodiments thereof will be described with reference to the secondary recovery of oil, but also can find great utility in production of sulphur and other liquifiable minerals.
  • Apparatus in accordance with one specific example of the invention especially useful in the recovery of oil includes a string of casing 14- which extends from the surface into the formation 12.
  • the string of casing l4 includes an upper conductive portion 18 suitably of conventional steel casing material, an insulating portion 20, and a screen 22 which can be considered as part of the casing string.
  • the insulating portion 20 is suitably of fiberglass material although in some instances ceramic material is preferred.
  • the lower end 24 of the insulating portion 20 extends to the top of the mineral bearing formation l2 and the screen 22 extends from the bottom of the bore hole into the insulating portion 20.
  • a thermal packer 28 suitably of the type made of asbestos, is positioned at the top of the screen 22 for holding the screen 22 in place and closing the annular space 27 between the screen and the insulating portion 20 of the casing.
  • the screen 22 is suitably of conventional type and comprises a length of pipe having longitudinal slots cut therein. I-ieavy wire is wrapped around the length of pipe and in conjunction with the slots cut in the length of pipe provides aperatures through which oil can flow into the easing.
  • Screen 2.2 is preferably formed of stainless steel material. preferably formed of stainless steel material.
  • a string of conventional tubing 16 which is of steel or other conductive material such as aluminum.
  • Tubing 16 extends below the lower end 24 of the insulating casing 29, preferably to a point near the bottom of the bore hole.
  • a string of insulating tubing 29 which extends between the tubing 16 and the conductive portion 18 of casing M.
  • the tubing 29 is preferably formed of fiberglass material as it has been found to provide excellent results at reasonable cost in most application.
  • Other types of insulating tubing can be used, such as epoxy-coated tubing of the regular type.
  • the string of tubing 16 is electrically connected to the screen 22 by a centralizer 3% or by a decentralizer, both of which are well known in the art.
  • a preferred form of centralizer may include longitudinal bands or springs 31 mounted in a manner to be forcibly bowed outwardly from the tubing 16 into engagement with the internal cylindrical surface of the screen 22, with the bands being coated with carbon in the area of engagement with the screen surface.
  • the inner surface of the screen which is engaged by the centralizer may also be coated ing 16 by conductor 34 and connected by conductor 36 to the conductive portion 18 of the string of casing. Electrodes 40 extend from the screen 22 into the formation from the bore hole 10.
  • the effective diameter of the electrodes 40 can be substantially greater than the diameter of the screen 22.
  • the flow of electrical current will be from the electrodes 40 through the conductive portion lb of the casing 14 to the source of alternating current supply voltage and through the tubing 16, the centralizer 3b and the screen 22 to the electrode.
  • electrodes an comprise a mass of conductive particles which are packed into cavities which extend into the formation from the bore hole but which remain porous and permeable to the flow of fluid.
  • the conductive particles preferably consist of conductive metal shot, or pellets coated with carbon, but may consist of uncoated metallic pellets or carbon pellets or granules. These particles preferably directly engage the exterior cylindrical surface of the screen 22; and
  • this surface may be carbon coated for the purpose of providing good electrical contact with the conductive particles.
  • the present invention also provides a method for establish- .ing the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.
  • conventional drilling methods are used to drill a bore hole which exrtends from the surface into the formation 12.
  • the portion of the bore hole within the formation can also be formed by conrventional drilling methods, but it is preferred that the portion of the well bore extending into the formation be cored in order that information can be obtained as to the character of the mineral-bearing formation.
  • the casing is then set in the 'bore hole with the lower insulating portion preferably extending a short distance into the formation.
  • the casing 14 is set in place by pumping concrete under pressure into the earth surrounding the lowermost portion of the casing to fill the annulus between the casing and the well bore.
  • a cement basket (not shown) of the type well known in the art can be used to prevent the cement used to set the casing from flowing down into the portion of the well bore that extends into the mineralbearing formation. 112.
  • cavities 42 are formed in the formation 12 with the cavities 42 extending outwardly into the formation 12 from the well bore litl. Cavities 42 can be formed at one or more elevations depending upon the thickness of the mineral-bearing formation.
  • the notches or cavities 4 2 are preferably formed by using an abrasive jet or hydrojet of the type well known in the oil industry.
  • a stream of sand or other abrasive material carried in either water or light oil is pumped through a nozzle at high pressure against the face of the producing formation with the jet nozzle rotating in a circular path to cut a disc from the formation to any desired depth.
  • the vertical dimension of the notch or cavity can be controlled by raising or lowering the jet nozzle.
  • the formation can be treated with a suitabe acid of the type well known in the art if the reservoir or formation is oflimestone or other calcareous structure, such that the chemical reaction would be helpful.
  • a suitabe acid of the type well known in the art if the reservoir or formation is oflimestone or other calcareous structure, such that the chemical reaction would be helpful.
  • the notch or cavity can be formed with a mechanical underreamer or, if the formation is of a character permitting such, by a treatment with acid alone.
  • the portion of the bore hole extending into the formation and the cavity or notches 26 formed as described above are then filled with conductive particles such as metallic shot or carbon granules.
  • conductive particles such as metallic shot or carbon granules.
  • This is suitably accomplished by pumping the particles into the bore hole with the particles being carried in suspension in a liquid such as saltwater or diesel oil to which a jell-forming organic material has been added.
  • Conventional drilling mud can be used, but in general the salt water jell or diesel oil jell is preferred as there is greater tendency for the shot to fall out of suspension in the bottom of the bore hole and there is less chance of formation damage.
  • the size of the electrode can be increased further by applying pressure to the bore hole in a manner conventional in the art to produce fracturing of the formation and further increase the extent to which the electrode extends into the formation away from the bore hole.
  • the screen 22 is washed into position using conventional techniques.
  • the packer 28 is set to mechanically connect the screen 22 into the string M of casing. It will be noted that not only does the packer hold the screen in place but it also seals the joint therebetween holding the conductive particles forming the electrode in place but permitting the conductive shot which remains within the screen to be washed out of the string of casing providing a space into which mineral to be produced can flow. it will also be noted in this regard that in the event the electrode should become dissipated, it can be replaced by removing the packer and washing additional conductive material into place in the formation.
  • the conductive path not be provided between the string of tubing 15 and the conductive portion 18 of the string of casing l4, except through the formation. Accordingly, depending upon the characteristics of the well, the amount of water present, and other factors, it may be desirable to set an additional packer 46 in the space between the tubing 28 and the insulating portion 20 the string of casing 14 to prevent liquid rising in the annulus 48 therebetween. If desired, the annulus can be filled with oil or nitrogen gas to further restrict the possibility of flow of current directly between the tubing 15 and the casing 18 and also to serve as heat insulation. However, the packer 46 will not be required in all installations.
  • the large area which is heated provides a substantial volume in which the mineral to be recovered has high mobility, and if the mineral is oil, even though the oil outside the heated area remains very viscous, the area surrounding the volume which is heated to the extent that the oil has a high mobility due to its reduced viscosity is very large. Accordingly, even though oil outside the heated area is very viscous, a very large effective area is provided into which the oil can flow and, assuming adequate drive is present in the field, substantial quantities of oil can be recovered as a result of the flow of the oil into the area of heat. Further, it is important to note that the heating process is continuous and is not in any way effected by the flow of oil into the screen, assuming that sufficient connate water is present to maintain the electrical circuit. in virtually all formations, this amount of connatc water will be present.
  • the screen is formed to have a center section as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing with the remainder of the installations as respect to the tubing and easing, suitably being as shown in FIG. l.
  • the screen in accordance with this second embodiment of the invention, includes an upper portion 60 and a lower portion 62, each of which has apertures formed therein as described previously with respect to screen 22 of FIG. l of the drawings.
  • Upper portion 64 includes a cylindrical portion 64 of reduced diameter which is adapted to slide within the upper end 66 of the lower portion 62.
  • the portions 64 and 66 are suitably connected by a pin 68.
  • a collapsing metal basket '70 Positioned on and carried by the screen is a collapsing metal basket '70 which is connected at one end '72 to the upper portion 6t) and a lower end '74 to the lower portion 62.
  • the basket diameter is very little more than the diameter of the screen, accordingly the assembly can be moved up and down through the casing 14.
  • the pin will be sheared permitting cylindrical portion 64 to slide further into the lower portion 62 into a position as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings.
  • the metal basket When in such position, the metal basket will be expanded outwardly such that the circumference of the electrode provided by the metal basket is substantially greater than the circumference of the bore hole.
  • the formation from which the mineral is to be produced is of soft material it may be possible for the basket to punch into the formation as it expands.
  • the formation is of hard material, it is preferable to form notches or cavities as described with reference to H6. i into which the basket will protrude as it is expanded.
  • H6. 3 also illustrates an alternative means for insulating the tubing 56 from the string of casing 14. It will be noted that in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, a string of insulating tubing is not provided. Rather insulating packer 78 is set between the tubing 16 and the insulating portion 20 of the string of easing. Positioned along the length of tubing above the tubing is a plurality of insulating spacers 8b which are formed of an insulating material. The insulating spacers are preferably of a spider configuration and formed of Teflon or other insulating material which can withstand the temperature present in the well bore.
  • the insulating spacers maintain the tubing 16 centrally positioned within the bore of the casing, preventing electrical or mechanical contact between the tubing l6 and the conductive portion of the casing 14-.
  • the annulus between the tubing 16 and the casing 14 is preferably filled with insulating fluid 79, which suitably can be a heavy crude oil.
  • insulating fluid 79 which suitably can be a heavy crude oil.
  • FIG. 4 of the drawing there is shown diagrammatically a typical oil field comprising a plurality of oil wells.
  • a source of supply voltage 84 is connected between the tubing of wells 86 and 38 which extend into mineral bearing formations.
  • the source of supply voltage 84 is connected between the tubing of well 86 and the tubing of a well 88 such that the flow of electrical current will be down one length of tubing, through the electrode associated with it thence through the formation to the electrode of the second well with the return path for the flow of current being through the tubing of the second well.
  • the amount of voltage required will be approximately twice that required in an installation such as that shown in H6. 2 if an equivalent amount of heating is to be produced at each well.
  • the principal advantage of installation such as that shown in FlG. 3 is that the insulation requirements between the tubing to and the casing are not as stringent as the purpose of insulation is to insure that the electrical current flows from the electrode in the formation rather than a portion of the casing positioned in the overlying strata acting as an electrode.
  • H68. 5 and 6 illustrate embodiments of the invention which are particularly suitable for the recovery of minerals from producing formations which are relatively thin.
  • a bore hole which has been drilled from the surface downward through a producing formation 1E2
  • a string of casing has been set in the bore hole extending to the lower surface of the formation 12; the casing including a lower insulating portion hi3 which extends from the lower surface of the formation to a point somewhat above the surface of the formation, and an upper insulating portion 114 extending from this insulating portion to the surface.
  • the casing is suitably cemented within the bore hole; and a cement bottom plug MS may be provided to define the bottom of the bore hole and prevent direct electrical contact with the underlying strata which may be a low resistivity material such as shale.
  • An electrode 118 similar to that described in connection with FIG. 1, is provided; however, in this embodiment a portion of the insulating casing 113 is cut away along with a portion of the encasing cement to define an annular slot ii) in the casing wall communicating with the formation Hi2.
  • This slot is provided by techniques which are well known in the art.
  • An adjacent cavity or notch 12% is then provided in the formation M2, again using conventional techniques as described in connection with the embodiment of the FIG. l.
  • the lower portion of the bore hole including the cavity is filled with conductive particles, of the type described heretofore, to define the expanded electrode lib; and these particles are retained in place by a conductive screen R21 set within the insulated casing 113 and extending from the bottom of the bore hole to a point above the top of the formation 112 but within the insulating portion 113 of the casing,
  • the upper end of the screen is sealed relative to the casing ass by means ofa packer 122 to retain the conductive electrode particles in the cavity R26 and within the annulus defined by the screen and the casing.
  • a string of conventional tubing R24 fabricated of steel, aluminum or other conductive material, is supported from the surface and extends downwardly into the screen $21 and is electrically connected to the screen by a centralizer E25.
  • This tubing defines a conductor for the flow of current from the surface to the electrode 118, and is insulated from the conductive casing M4 by a string of insulating tubing 126, as in the embodiment of HO. 2.
  • This insulating tubing 126 extends in the bore hole to a depth sufficient to overlap the upper end of the insulating tubing 126 with the upper end of the insulating casing M3 to prevent a short-circuiting flow ofcurrent, within the casing, from the conductive tubing i134 to the conductive casing lid.
  • the described electrode is porous and permeable to the flow of fluid, which flows into the well through the electrode.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention for use in a shallow producing formation Hi2, where the formation is heated by alternating current flowing through the formation between two wells, as discussed in respect to FIG. 4.
  • the structure of the well in FIG. 6 is quite similar to that of FIG. with a principal exception that the entire string of casing 135 is fabricated of an insulating material, such as fiberglass or ceramic and the string of insulating tubing 126 is omitted.
  • the structure of the well, in the area of the formation R12, is the same as that of FIG. 5, the electrode E18 being formed from conductive particles packed into a formation cavity 1% and the annular space defined between the conductive screen 121 and the lower end of the insulating casing 135,
  • a second packer 136 may be provided if it is desired to seal the tubing 124 to the casing 135 above the screen 121.
  • a string of conductive tubing 124% extends from the surface to the screen R21 and is electrically connected thereto by the centralizer 125.
  • the insulating casing 335 insulates the tubing 124 from the bore hole throughout the entire depth of the bore hole except in the area of the electrode lib.
  • a source of alternating current supply voltage 140 is connected by means of one conductor Hill to the conductive tubing I24; and a conductor 142 may connect the voltage source 140 to the corresponding conductive tubing of an adjacent bore hole to define a second electrode 113 within the formation.
  • the second conductor 142 may be connected to the conductive casing of an adjacent well, or to an auxiliary electrode or pipe serving as a return for current flowing through the formation.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates still another alternative embodiment of the invention which is particularly advantageous for use in deeper wells.
  • the structure of the well of FIG. '7 is quite similar to that of FIG. 6 with the well being provided with a string of insulating casing 145 which extends from the surface to the bottom of the well bore defined by the cement bottom plug M5, which is preferably in insulating cement.
  • the insulating casing 145 is not, however, fabricated from an insulating material as is the casing of FIG. 6. Rather, the casing is made up ofa string of conductive metal casing 146 which has been fabricated with a coating or layer M7 of insulating material, such as fiberglass or epoxy.
  • additional insulating material may be applied at the joints and cured by known techniques, to assure continuity of the insulating coating along the string.
  • One of the advantages of this form of casing is that of providing an insulating barrier adjacent to the walls of the bore hole while, at the same time, enabling the use ofa higher strength casing which may be required in deeper wells.
  • An additional advantage is that the casing, while providing the above-mentioned insulating function, may provide an additional low-resistance conductive path from the surface to the bottom of the hole; as illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • the electrode IE8 is formed in a manner similar to that of FIGS. 5 and 6, being formed of conductive particles packed into a formation cavity 126) at the casing slot ill), and also into the annular space defined between the conductive screen 122 and the lower end of the casing M5, the. screen again being sealed to the casing by means of a packer R22 to retain the conductive particles. in this annular space, the electrode particles conveniently contact the inner wall of the conductive portion 146 ofthe casing to provide the desired electrical connection between the casing and the electrode particles.
  • a string of conductive tubing 124 which is the production tubing for the well, extends from the surface to the screen Hi.
  • the electrical connection between the tubing llZd and the screen lZll is provided by a plurality of metallic springs or brushes E48 which are mounted in the interior wall of the screen 12.. and extend inwardly to engage the tubing 124.
  • These contact springs M8 are fixed to the interior walls and screen in any suitable manner, such as by welding or riveting, with the lower ends of the springs formed to be urged inwardly.
  • One terminal of a source of alternating current supply voltage lfi'ili is connected by means of conductors l5l and 152 to the tubing 124 and the casing M5, respectively.
  • Another terminal of the source of supply voltage is connected by means of conductor 153 to another conductive path to the formation which may be defined by conductive pipe in an adjacent bore hole, or other electrode or pipe serving as a return for current flowing through the formation.
  • the electrode in accordance with the present invention can be used advantageously in installations other than those described as preferred, specific example of the invention when the mineral to be produced is oil.
  • the installation will, of course, be substantially different if minerals other than oil, such as sulphur are to be produced.
  • the shot and the formation form an underground cracking unit whose efficiency is a function of the surface area of the shot forming the electrode.
  • the sand in formation further contributes to the surface area. It will be noted, in this connection, that if the field is one having mobility that pressure will be maintained at the bottom of the hole and this, in conjunction with the surface area of the shot in the sand and the heat provided as a result of a flow of electrical current, produces a cracking effect in the formation. it is also theorized that the steel shot may act as a catalyst to some extent.
  • a method for producing minerals from a subsurface formation through a bore hole extending from a surface into the formation comprising the steps:
  • a method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrode is established by collapsing a collapsible member within said bore hole, to cause portions of said collapsible member to extend laterally into said cavity from said bore hole.
  • a method as set forth in claim l including positioning a conductive screen in said bore hole in electrical contact with said electrode.
  • a method as set forth in claim 5 including establishing electrical contact between said pipe and said screen by means of a centralizer fixed to said pipe and having carbon-coated members contracting said screen.
  • a method as set forth in claim l including positioning a conductive screen in said bore hole in electrical contact with said electrode and spaced apart from said conductive casing a substantial distance.
  • a method as set forth in claim 1. including providing a string of insulating casing extending from the surface to said formation, to insulate said conductive pipe from the walls of said bore hole.
  • Apparatus for producing minerals from a subsurface formation through a bore hole extending from the surface into the formation comprising:
  • a string of conductive pipe extending from the surface to said electrode; means electrically connecting said conductive pipe to said electrode; said electrode, said connecting means and said conductive pipe defining a first relatively low-resistance electrically conductive path to said formation;
  • insulating means for insulating said conductive pipe from walls of said bore hole above said electrode
  • lltll means defining a second relatively low-resistance conductive path from the surface to said formation
  • a source of supply voltage connected at the surface to said conductive pipe and to said second conductive path means to produce a flow of electric current through said formation to heat the mineral to be produced.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim l3 including a length of conductive casing in said formation contacting said conductive particles; and connecting means electrically connecting said conductive pipe and said length of conductive casing.
  • connecting means comprise contact members coated with carbon.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim l6 including a string of conductive casing in said bore hole extending from the surface to a point above said electrode, defining said second conductive path; and means insulating said string of conductive casing from said length of conductive casing in said formation to effect the flow of current through a path of substantial length in said formation between said electrode and said conductive casing.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim 16 including a string of casing in the bore hole extending from the surface to said formation; said string of casing including an upper conductive portion extending from the surface to a point above said electrode defining said second conductive path, and a lower insulating portion of substantial length extending between said upper conductive portion and said length of conductive casing in said formation to effect a flow of current through a path of substantial length in said formation between said electrode and said conductive portion.
  • Electrode comprises a collapsible member received in said bore hole, and collapsible to urge portions thereof into a cavity extending laterally from the bore hole.
  • said collapsible member includes a first tubular member having an end portion of reduced diameter, a second tubular member having an end portion adapted to slidably receive the end portion of reduced diameter, means releasably connecting said first and second tubular members in extending relation. and a collapsible basket member connected between said first and second tubular members and adapted to extend. laterally outward in response to movement of said first portion into said second portion from said extended position.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim if. wherein said means defining a second conductive path comprises a string of conductive pipe positioned in a second bore hole spaced apart from the first mentioned bore hole.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 including a string of casing in said bore hole extending from the surface to said formation.
  • said casing includes an upper conductive portion extending from the surface to a point above said electrode; said portion said second conductive path; and
  • said casing including a lower insulating portion of substantial length, insulating said conductive portion from said electrode, to effect the flow of current through a path of substantial length in said formation between said electrode and said conductive casing.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim 2? including means for insulating said conductive pipe from said upper conductive portion of said casing.
  • said insulating means comprises a string of insulating tubing disposed in the annulus between said pipe and said casing.
  • insulating means comprises a plurality of insulating spacers disposed between said pipe and said casing.
  • said insulating means comprises an insulating fluid filling the space between said pipe and said casing.
  • said casing includes a lower insulating portion extending into said formation
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim 35 including means electrically connecting said string of casing between said electrode and said supply source to define a portion of said first relatively low-resistance electrically conductive path.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
US868277A 1969-10-08 1969-10-08 Method and apparatus for recovery of minerals from sub-surface formations using electricity Expired - Lifetime US3547193A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US86827769A 1969-10-08 1969-10-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3547193A true US3547193A (en) 1970-12-15

Family

ID=25351356

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US868277A Expired - Lifetime US3547193A (en) 1969-10-08 1969-10-08 Method and apparatus for recovery of minerals from sub-surface formations using electricity

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US3547193A (de)
AT (1) AT297632B (de)
AU (1) AU1245270A (de)

Cited By (146)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3620300A (en) * 1970-04-20 1971-11-16 Electrothermic Co Method and apparatus for electrically heating a subsurface formation
US3857776A (en) * 1973-06-14 1974-12-31 Electro Petroleum Deep submersible power electrode assembly for ground conduction of electricity
US3946809A (en) * 1974-12-19 1976-03-30 Exxon Production Research Company Oil recovery by combination steam stimulation and electrical heating
US3958636A (en) * 1975-01-23 1976-05-25 Atlantic Richfield Company Production of bitumen from a tar sand formation
US4037655A (en) * 1974-04-19 1977-07-26 Electroflood Company Method for secondary recovery of oil
US4084637A (en) * 1976-12-16 1978-04-18 Petro Canada Exploration Inc. Method of producing viscous materials from subterranean formations
US4199025A (en) * 1974-04-19 1980-04-22 Electroflood Company Method and apparatus for tertiary recovery of oil
US4303128A (en) * 1979-12-04 1981-12-01 Marr Jr Andrew W Injection well with high-pressure, high-temperature in situ down-hole steam formation
US4463805A (en) * 1982-09-28 1984-08-07 Clark Bingham Method for tertiary recovery of oil
US4484627A (en) * 1983-06-30 1984-11-27 Atlantic Richfield Company Well completion for electrical power transmission
US4495990A (en) * 1982-09-29 1985-01-29 Electro-Petroleum, Inc. Apparatus for passing electrical current through an underground formation
US4522262A (en) * 1983-06-30 1985-06-11 Atlantic Richfield Company Single well electrical oil stimulation
US4524827A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-06-25 Iit Research Institute Single well stimulation for the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
US4538682A (en) * 1983-09-08 1985-09-03 Mcmanus James W Method and apparatus for removing oil well paraffin
US4545435A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-10-08 Iit Research Institute Conduction heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4550779A (en) * 1983-09-08 1985-11-05 Zakiewicz Bohdan M Dr Process for the recovery of hydrocarbons for mineral oil deposits
US4553592A (en) * 1984-02-09 1985-11-19 Texaco Inc. Method of protecting an RF applicator
US4620592A (en) * 1984-06-11 1986-11-04 Atlantic Richfield Company Progressive sequence for viscous oil recovery
US4645004A (en) * 1983-04-29 1987-02-24 Iit Research Institute Electro-osmotic production of hydrocarbons utilizing conduction heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4651825A (en) * 1986-05-09 1987-03-24 Atlantic Richfield Company Enhanced well production
US4662438A (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-05-05 Uentech Corporation Method and apparatus for enhancing liquid hydrocarbon production from a single borehole in a slowly producing formation by non-uniform heating through optimized electrode arrays surrounding the borehole
US4716960A (en) * 1986-07-14 1988-01-05 Production Technologies International, Inc. Method and system for introducing electric current into a well
US4730671A (en) * 1983-06-30 1988-03-15 Atlantic Richfield Company Viscous oil recovery using high electrical conductive layers
US4821798A (en) * 1987-06-09 1989-04-18 Ors Development Corporation Heating system for rathole oil well
US4886118A (en) * 1983-03-21 1989-12-12 Shell Oil Company Conductively heating a subterranean oil shale to create permeability and subsequently produce oil
US4911239A (en) * 1988-04-20 1990-03-27 Intra-Global Petroleum Reservers, Inc. Method and apparatus for removal of oil well paraffin
US4951748A (en) * 1989-01-30 1990-08-28 Gill William G Technique for electrically heating formations
US5101899A (en) * 1989-12-14 1992-04-07 International Royal & Oil Company Recovery of petroleum by electro-mechanical vibration
US5167280A (en) * 1990-06-24 1992-12-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Single horizontal well process for solvent/solute stimulation
US5215149A (en) * 1991-12-16 1993-06-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Single horizontal well conduction assisted steam drive process for removing viscous hydrocarbonaceous fluids
US5255742A (en) * 1992-06-12 1993-10-26 Shell Oil Company Heat injection process
US5297626A (en) * 1992-06-12 1994-03-29 Shell Oil Company Oil recovery process
US5304643A (en) * 1991-11-27 1994-04-19 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Process for producing epsilon-caprolactam
US5417282A (en) * 1994-02-23 1995-05-23 Nix; Martin E. Use of lightning for extraction of hydrocarbon fuels
US5620049A (en) * 1995-12-14 1997-04-15 Atlantic Richfield Company Method for increasing the production of petroleum from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore
US5621844A (en) * 1995-03-01 1997-04-15 Uentech Corporation Electrical heating of mineral well deposits using downhole impedance transformation networks
US6112808A (en) * 1997-09-19 2000-09-05 Isted; Robert Edward Method and apparatus for subterranean thermal conditioning
US6142707A (en) * 1996-03-26 2000-11-07 Shell Oil Company Direct electric pipeline heating
US6171025B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-01-09 Shell Oil Company Method for pipeline leak detection
US6179523B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-01-30 Shell Oil Company Method for pipeline installation
US6199634B1 (en) 1998-08-27 2001-03-13 Viatchelav Ivanovich Selyakov Method and apparatus for controlling the permeability of mineral bearing earth formations
US6264401B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-07-24 Shell Oil Company Method for enhancing the flow of heavy crudes through subsea pipelines
US6315497B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-11-13 Shell Oil Company Joint for applying current across a pipe-in-pipe system
US6328102B1 (en) 1995-12-01 2001-12-11 John C. Dean Method and apparatus for piezoelectric transport
US20020029881A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-03-14 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using conductor in conduit heat sources
US20020121374A1 (en) * 2001-03-01 2002-09-05 Aaron Ranson Method for heating subterranean formation, particularly for heating reservoir fluids in near well bore zone
US20030075318A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2003-04-24 Keedy Charles Robert In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using substantially parallel formed wellbores
US6588504B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-07-08 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce nitrogen and/or sulfur containing formation fluids
US6686745B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-02-03 Shell Oil Company Apparatus and method for electrical testing of electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline
US6684948B1 (en) 2002-01-15 2004-02-03 Marshall T. Savage Apparatus and method for heating subterranean formations using fuel cells
US6688900B2 (en) 2002-06-25 2004-02-10 Shell Oil Company Insulating joint for electrically heated pipeline
US6698515B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-02 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a relatively slow heating rate
US6707012B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-03-16 Shell Oil Company Power supply for electrically heated subsea pipeline
US6714018B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-03-30 Shell Oil Company Method of commissioning and operating an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US20040060693A1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2004-04-01 Bass Ronald Marshall Annulus for electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US6715546B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-06 Shell Oil Company In situ production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing formation through a heat source wellbore
US6715548B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-06 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce nitrogen containing formation fluids
US6739803B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-05-25 Shell Oil Company Method of installation of electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US20040100273A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-27 Liney David J. Testing electrical integrity of electrically heated subsea pipelines
US20050016729A1 (en) * 2002-01-15 2005-01-27 Savage Marshall T. Linearly scalable geothermic fuel cells
US6877555B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-04-12 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation while inhibiting coking
US6932155B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2005-08-23 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation via backproducing through a heater well
US6948562B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-09-27 Shell Oil Company Production of a blending agent using an in situ thermal process in a relatively permeable formation
US6969123B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2005-11-29 Shell Oil Company Upgrading and mining of coal
US7011154B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-03-14 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a kerogen and liquid hydrocarbon containing formation
US7040400B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-09 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation using an open wellbore
US7066254B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-06-27 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a tar sands formation
US7073578B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2006-07-11 Shell Oil Company Staged and/or patterned heating during in situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7077199B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-07-18 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil reservoir formation
US7090013B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-08-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce heated fluids
US7096953B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-08-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a movable heating element
US7104319B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-09-12 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a heavy oil diatomite formation
US7121342B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2006-10-17 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US7165615B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2007-01-23 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation using conductor-in-conduit heat sources with an electrically conductive material in the overburden
EP1770242A1 (de) * 2005-09-29 2007-04-04 Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO Verfahren und elektromagnetische Vorrichtung zur Bewirkung einer Flüssigkeitsströmung durch eine unterirdische durchlässige Formation, und mit einer solchen Vorrichtung versehenes Bohrloch
US20070137857A1 (en) * 2005-04-22 2007-06-21 Vinegar Harold J Low temperature monitoring system for subsurface barriers
US20070187089A1 (en) * 2006-01-19 2007-08-16 Pyrophase, Inc. Radio frequency technology heater for unconventional resources
US7320364B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-01-22 Shell Oil Company Inhibiting reflux in a heated well of an in situ conversion system
US20080230219A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Kaminsky Robert D Resistive heater for in situ formation heating
US7533719B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2009-05-19 Shell Oil Company Wellhead with non-ferromagnetic materials
US7540324B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2009-06-02 Shell Oil Company Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a checkerboard pattern staged process
US7549470B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-06-23 Shell Oil Company Solution mining and heating by oxidation for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US20090283257A1 (en) * 2008-05-18 2009-11-19 Bj Services Company Radio and microwave treatment of oil wells
US20100071904A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2010-03-25 Shell Oil Company Hydrocarbon production from mines and tunnels used in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US7798220B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-09-21 Shell Oil Company In situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation after drive process treatment
US7866386B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-01-11 Shell Oil Company In situ oxidation of subsurface formations
US8082995B2 (en) 2007-12-10 2011-12-27 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimization of untreated oil shale geometry to control subsidence
US8087460B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2012-01-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
US8104537B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2012-01-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method of developing subsurface freeze zone
US8122955B2 (en) 2007-05-15 2012-02-28 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Downhole burners for in situ conversion of organic-rich rock formations
US8146664B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2012-04-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Utilization of low BTU gas generated during in situ heating of organic-rich rock
US8151877B2 (en) 2007-05-15 2012-04-10 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Downhole burner wells for in situ conversion of organic-rich rock formations
US8151884B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2012-04-10 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Combined development of oil shale by in situ heating with a deeper hydrocarbon resource
US20120085535A1 (en) * 2010-10-08 2012-04-12 Weijian Mo Methods of heating a subsurface formation using electrically conductive particles
US8220539B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Controlling hydrogen pressure in self-regulating nuclear reactors used to treat a subsurface formation
US8230929B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2012-07-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Methods of producing hydrocarbons for substantially constant composition gas generation
US8327932B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2012-12-11 Shell Oil Company Recovering energy from a subsurface formation
US8540020B2 (en) 2009-05-05 2013-09-24 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Converting organic matter from a subterranean formation into producible hydrocarbons by controlling production operations based on availability of one or more production resources
US8596355B2 (en) 2003-06-24 2013-12-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimized well spacing for in situ shale oil development
US8616279B2 (en) 2009-02-23 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Water treatment following shale oil production by in situ heating
US8616280B2 (en) 2010-08-30 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Wellbore mechanical integrity for in situ pyrolysis
US8622127B2 (en) 2010-08-30 2014-01-07 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Olefin reduction for in situ pyrolysis oil generation
US8631866B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-01-21 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US8641150B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2014-02-04 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company In situ co-development of oil shale with mineral recovery
US8701768B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-22 Shell Oil Company Methods for treating hydrocarbon formations
US8770284B2 (en) 2012-05-04 2014-07-08 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Systems and methods of detecting an intersection between a wellbore and a subterranean structure that includes a marker material
US8820406B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-09-02 Shell Oil Company Electrodes for electrical current flow heating of subsurface formations with conductive material in wellbore
US8863839B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2014-10-21 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
US8875789B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2014-11-04 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Process for producing hydrocarbon fluids combining in situ heating, a power plant and a gas plant
US9016370B2 (en) 2011-04-08 2015-04-28 Shell Oil Company Partial solution mining of hydrocarbon containing layers prior to in situ heat treatment
US9033042B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-05-19 Shell Oil Company Forming bitumen barriers in subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US9080441B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2015-07-14 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Multiple electrical connections to optimize heating for in situ pyrolysis
US9309755B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2016-04-12 Shell Oil Company Thermal expansion accommodation for circulated fluid systems used to heat subsurface formations
US9394772B2 (en) 2013-11-07 2016-07-19 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Systems and methods for in situ resistive heating of organic matter in a subterranean formation
US9512699B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2016-12-06 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process
US9644466B2 (en) 2014-11-21 2017-05-09 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method of recovering hydrocarbons within a subsurface formation using electric current
US10047594B2 (en) 2012-01-23 2018-08-14 Genie Ip B.V. Heater pattern for in situ thermal processing of a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation
EP3277919A4 (de) * 2015-04-03 2020-03-04 Yelundur, Rama Rau Vorrichtung und verfahren zur fokussierten elektrischen in-situ-erwärmung von kohlenwasserstoffhaltigen formationen
US10641079B2 (en) 2018-05-08 2020-05-05 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Solidifying filler material for well-integrity issues
US10941644B2 (en) 2018-02-20 2021-03-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole well integrity reconstruction in the hydrocarbon industry
US11125075B1 (en) 2020-03-25 2021-09-21 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11149510B1 (en) 2020-06-03 2021-10-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore
US11187068B2 (en) 2019-01-31 2021-11-30 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole tools for controlled fracture initiation and stimulation
US11255130B2 (en) 2020-07-22 2022-02-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Sensing drill bit wear under downhole conditions
US11280178B2 (en) 2020-03-25 2022-03-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11391104B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2022-07-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore
US11414963B2 (en) 2020-03-25 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11414984B2 (en) 2020-05-28 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools
US11414985B2 (en) 2020-05-28 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools
US11434714B2 (en) 2021-01-04 2022-09-06 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Adjustable seal for sealing a fluid flow at a wellhead
US11506044B2 (en) 2020-07-23 2022-11-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Automatic analysis of drill string dynamics
US11572752B2 (en) 2021-02-24 2023-02-07 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole cable deployment
US11619097B2 (en) 2021-05-24 2023-04-04 Saudi Arabian Oil Company System and method for laser downhole extended sensing
US11624265B1 (en) 2021-11-12 2023-04-11 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Cutting pipes in wellbores using downhole autonomous jet cutting tools
US11631884B2 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-04-18 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electrolyte structure for a high-temperature, high-pressure lithium battery
US11697991B2 (en) 2021-01-13 2023-07-11 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Rig sensor testing and calibration
US11719089B2 (en) 2020-07-15 2023-08-08 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Analysis of drilling slurry solids by image processing
US11725504B2 (en) 2021-05-24 2023-08-15 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Contactless real-time 3D mapping of surface equipment
US11727555B2 (en) 2021-02-25 2023-08-15 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Rig power system efficiency optimization through image processing
US11739616B1 (en) 2022-06-02 2023-08-29 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Forming perforation tunnels in a subterranean formation
US11846151B2 (en) 2021-03-09 2023-12-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Repairing a cased wellbore
US11867008B2 (en) 2020-11-05 2024-01-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company System and methods for the measurement of drilling mud flow in real-time
US11867012B2 (en) 2021-12-06 2024-01-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Gauge cutter and sampler apparatus
US11954800B2 (en) 2021-12-14 2024-04-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Converting borehole images into three dimensional structures for numerical modeling and simulation applications
US12203366B2 (en) 2023-05-02 2025-01-21 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Collecting samples from wellbores
US12215550B2 (en) 2023-05-10 2025-02-04 Madis XL Ltd. Well tool pressure compensating system and method

Cited By (435)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3620300A (en) * 1970-04-20 1971-11-16 Electrothermic Co Method and apparatus for electrically heating a subsurface formation
US3857776A (en) * 1973-06-14 1974-12-31 Electro Petroleum Deep submersible power electrode assembly for ground conduction of electricity
US4199025A (en) * 1974-04-19 1980-04-22 Electroflood Company Method and apparatus for tertiary recovery of oil
US4037655A (en) * 1974-04-19 1977-07-26 Electroflood Company Method for secondary recovery of oil
US3946809A (en) * 1974-12-19 1976-03-30 Exxon Production Research Company Oil recovery by combination steam stimulation and electrical heating
US3958636A (en) * 1975-01-23 1976-05-25 Atlantic Richfield Company Production of bitumen from a tar sand formation
US4084637A (en) * 1976-12-16 1978-04-18 Petro Canada Exploration Inc. Method of producing viscous materials from subterranean formations
US4303128A (en) * 1979-12-04 1981-12-01 Marr Jr Andrew W Injection well with high-pressure, high-temperature in situ down-hole steam formation
US4463805A (en) * 1982-09-28 1984-08-07 Clark Bingham Method for tertiary recovery of oil
US4495990A (en) * 1982-09-29 1985-01-29 Electro-Petroleum, Inc. Apparatus for passing electrical current through an underground formation
US4886118A (en) * 1983-03-21 1989-12-12 Shell Oil Company Conductively heating a subterranean oil shale to create permeability and subsequently produce oil
US4545435A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-10-08 Iit Research Institute Conduction heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4524827A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-06-25 Iit Research Institute Single well stimulation for the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
US4645004A (en) * 1983-04-29 1987-02-24 Iit Research Institute Electro-osmotic production of hydrocarbons utilizing conduction heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4730671A (en) * 1983-06-30 1988-03-15 Atlantic Richfield Company Viscous oil recovery using high electrical conductive layers
US4522262A (en) * 1983-06-30 1985-06-11 Atlantic Richfield Company Single well electrical oil stimulation
US4484627A (en) * 1983-06-30 1984-11-27 Atlantic Richfield Company Well completion for electrical power transmission
US4538682A (en) * 1983-09-08 1985-09-03 Mcmanus James W Method and apparatus for removing oil well paraffin
US4550779A (en) * 1983-09-08 1985-11-05 Zakiewicz Bohdan M Dr Process for the recovery of hydrocarbons for mineral oil deposits
US4553592A (en) * 1984-02-09 1985-11-19 Texaco Inc. Method of protecting an RF applicator
US4620592A (en) * 1984-06-11 1986-11-04 Atlantic Richfield Company Progressive sequence for viscous oil recovery
US4662438A (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-05-05 Uentech Corporation Method and apparatus for enhancing liquid hydrocarbon production from a single borehole in a slowly producing formation by non-uniform heating through optimized electrode arrays surrounding the borehole
US4651825A (en) * 1986-05-09 1987-03-24 Atlantic Richfield Company Enhanced well production
US4716960A (en) * 1986-07-14 1988-01-05 Production Technologies International, Inc. Method and system for introducing electric current into a well
US4821798A (en) * 1987-06-09 1989-04-18 Ors Development Corporation Heating system for rathole oil well
US4911239A (en) * 1988-04-20 1990-03-27 Intra-Global Petroleum Reservers, Inc. Method and apparatus for removal of oil well paraffin
US4951748A (en) * 1989-01-30 1990-08-28 Gill William G Technique for electrically heating formations
US5101899A (en) * 1989-12-14 1992-04-07 International Royal & Oil Company Recovery of petroleum by electro-mechanical vibration
US5167280A (en) * 1990-06-24 1992-12-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Single horizontal well process for solvent/solute stimulation
US5304643A (en) * 1991-11-27 1994-04-19 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Process for producing epsilon-caprolactam
US5215149A (en) * 1991-12-16 1993-06-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Single horizontal well conduction assisted steam drive process for removing viscous hydrocarbonaceous fluids
US5297626A (en) * 1992-06-12 1994-03-29 Shell Oil Company Oil recovery process
US5255742A (en) * 1992-06-12 1993-10-26 Shell Oil Company Heat injection process
USRE35696E (en) * 1992-06-12 1997-12-23 Shell Oil Company Heat injection process
US5417282A (en) * 1994-02-23 1995-05-23 Nix; Martin E. Use of lightning for extraction of hydrocarbon fuels
US5621844A (en) * 1995-03-01 1997-04-15 Uentech Corporation Electrical heating of mineral well deposits using downhole impedance transformation networks
US6328102B1 (en) 1995-12-01 2001-12-11 John C. Dean Method and apparatus for piezoelectric transport
US5620049A (en) * 1995-12-14 1997-04-15 Atlantic Richfield Company Method for increasing the production of petroleum from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore
US6179523B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-01-30 Shell Oil Company Method for pipeline installation
US6171025B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-01-09 Shell Oil Company Method for pipeline leak detection
US6264401B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-07-24 Shell Oil Company Method for enhancing the flow of heavy crudes through subsea pipelines
US6315497B1 (en) 1995-12-29 2001-11-13 Shell Oil Company Joint for applying current across a pipe-in-pipe system
US6142707A (en) * 1996-03-26 2000-11-07 Shell Oil Company Direct electric pipeline heating
US6112808A (en) * 1997-09-19 2000-09-05 Isted; Robert Edward Method and apparatus for subterranean thermal conditioning
US6199634B1 (en) 1998-08-27 2001-03-13 Viatchelav Ivanovich Selyakov Method and apparatus for controlling the permeability of mineral bearing earth formations
US6729397B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-04 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected vitrinite reflectance
US6805195B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-10-19 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce hydrocarbon fluids and synthesis gas
US20020034380A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-03-21 Maher Kevin Albert In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected moisture content
US20020033256A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-03-21 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected hydrogen to carbon ratio
US20020036083A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-03-28 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with heat sources located at an edge of a formation layer
US20020038710A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-04 Maher Kevin Albert In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation having a selected total organic carbon content
US20020038705A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-04 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a mixture with a selected hydrogen content
US20020038706A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-04 Etuan Zhang In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected vitrinite reflectance
US20020040173A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-04 Rouffignac Eric Pierre De In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to pyrolyze a selected percentage of hydrocarbon material
US20020043405A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-18 Vinegar Harold J. In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce hydrocarbons having a selected carbon number range
US20020043365A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-18 Berchenko Ilya Emil In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected ratio of heat sources to production wells
US20020043367A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-18 Rouffignac Eric Pierre De In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to increase a permeability of the formation
US20020046832A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-25 Etuan Zhang In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to convert a selected amount of total organic carbon into hydrocarbon products
US20020046837A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-25 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected oxygen content
US20020050357A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-05-02 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce formation fluids having a relatively low olefin content
US20020050356A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-05-02 Vinegar Harold J. In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected oxygen content and/or selected O/C ratio
US20020053436A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-05-09 Vinegar Harold J. In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to pyrolyze a selected percentage of hydrocarbon material
US20020057905A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-05-16 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce oxygen containing formation fluids
US20020062051A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-05-23 Wellington Scott L. In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected moisture content
US20020062959A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-05-30 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected atomic oxygen to carbon ratio
US20020084074A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-07-04 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to increase a porosity of the formation
US20020096320A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-07-25 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a controlled heating rate
US20020104654A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-08-08 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to convert a selected total organic carbon content into hydrocarbon products
US20020029881A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-03-14 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using conductor in conduit heat sources
US20030006039A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2003-01-09 Etuan Zhang In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected vitrinite reflectance
US20030019626A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2003-01-30 Vinegar Harold J. In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected hydrogen content and/or selected H/C ratio
US20030051872A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2003-03-20 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with heat sources located at an edge of a coal layer
US20030075318A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2003-04-24 Keedy Charles Robert In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using substantially parallel formed wellbores
US6581684B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-06-24 Shell Oil Company In Situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce sulfur containing formation fluids
US6588503B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-07-08 Shell Oil Company In Situ thermal processing of a coal formation to control product composition
US6588504B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-07-08 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce nitrogen and/or sulfur containing formation fluids
US6591906B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-07-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected oxygen content
US6591907B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-07-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected vitrinite reflectance
US7798221B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2010-09-21 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US6607033B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-08-19 Shell Oil Company In Situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce a condensate
US6609570B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-08-26 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation and ammonia production
US20040015023A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2004-01-22 Wellington Scott Lee In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a hydrocarbon condensate
US8225866B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2012-07-24 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8485252B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2013-07-16 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7096941B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-08-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with heat sources located at an edge of a coal layer
US6688387B1 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-02-10 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a hydrocarbon condensate
US6698515B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-02 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a relatively slow heating rate
US6702016B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-09 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with heat sources located at an edge of a formation layer
US7096953B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-08-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a movable heating element
US6708758B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-23 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation leaving one or more selected unprocessed areas
US6712135B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-30 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation in reducing environment
US6712136B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-30 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a selected production well spacing
US6712137B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-03-30 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to pyrolyze a selected percentage of hydrocarbon material
US7086468B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-08-08 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using heat sources positioned within open wellbores
US7036583B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-05-02 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to increase a porosity of the formation
US6715549B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-06 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected atomic oxygen to carbon ratio
US6715546B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-06 Shell Oil Company In situ production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing formation through a heat source wellbore
US6715547B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-06 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to form a substantially uniform, high permeability formation
US6715548B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-06 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce nitrogen containing formation fluids
US6719047B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-13 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation in a hydrogen-rich environment
US6722429B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-20 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation leaving one or more selected unprocessed areas
US6722431B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-20 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of hydrocarbons within a relatively permeable formation
US6725928B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-27 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a distributed combustor
US6725920B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-27 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to convert a selected amount of total organic carbon into hydrocarbon products
US6725921B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-27 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation by controlling a pressure of the formation
US6729401B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-04 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation and ammonia production
US6729396B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-04 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce hydrocarbons having a selected carbon number range
US6729395B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-04 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected ratio of heat sources to production wells
US7017661B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-03-28 Shell Oil Company Production of synthesis gas from a coal formation
US6732795B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-11 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to pyrolyze a selected percentage of hydrocarbon material
US6732796B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-11 Shell Oil Company In situ production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing formation, the synthesis gas having a selected H2 to CO ratio
US6736215B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-18 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation, in situ production of synthesis gas, and carbon dioxide sequestration
US6739394B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-25 Shell Oil Company Production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US6739393B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-25 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation and tuning production
US7011154B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-03-14 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a kerogen and liquid hydrocarbon containing formation
US8789586B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2014-07-29 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US6742587B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-01 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to form a substantially uniform, relatively high permeable formation
US6742593B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-01 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using heat transfer from a heat transfer fluid to heat the formation
US6742588B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-01 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce formation fluids having a relatively low olefin content
US6742589B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-01 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using repeating triangular patterns of heat sources
US6745837B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-08 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a controlled heating rate
US6745832B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-08 Shell Oil Company Situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to control product composition
US6745831B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-08 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation by controlling a pressure of the formation
US20040108111A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2004-06-10 Vinegar Harold J. In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to increase a permeability/porosity of the formation
US6749021B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a controlled heating rate
US6752210B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-22 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using heat sources positioned within open wellbores
US6758268B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-07-06 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a relatively slow heating rate
US6761216B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-07-13 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce hydrocarbon fluids and synthesis gas
US6763886B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-07-20 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with carbon dioxide sequestration
US6769483B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-08-03 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using conductor in conduit heat sources
US6769485B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-08-03 Shell Oil Company In situ production of synthesis gas from a coal formation through a heat source wellbore
US6789625B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-09-14 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using exposed metal heat sources
US20020033280A1 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-03-21 Schoeling Lanny Gene In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with carbon dioxide sequestration
US6997255B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-02-14 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation in a reducing environment
US6820688B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-11-23 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of coal formation with a selected hydrogen content and/or selected H/C ratio
US6994160B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-02-07 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce hydrocarbons having a selected carbon number range
US6866097B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-03-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to increase a permeability/porosity of the formation
US6871707B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-03-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with carbon dioxide sequestration
US6877554B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-04-12 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using pressure and/or temperature control
US6994161B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-02-07 Kevin Albert Maher In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected moisture content
US6994168B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-02-07 Scott Lee Wellington In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected hydrogen to carbon ratio
US6880635B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-04-19 Shell Oil Company In situ production of synthesis gas from a coal formation, the synthesis gas having a selected H2 to CO ratio
US6889769B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-05-10 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected moisture content
US6896053B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-05-24 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using repeating triangular patterns of heat sources
US6902004B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-06-07 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a movable heating element
US6902003B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-06-07 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation having a selected total organic carbon content
US6910536B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-06-28 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a natural distributed combustor
US6913078B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-07-05 Shell Oil Company In Situ thermal processing of hydrocarbons within a relatively impermeable formation
US6991031B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-01-31 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to convert a selected total organic carbon content into hydrocarbon products
US6973967B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-12-13 Shell Oil Company Situ thermal processing of a coal formation using pressure and/or temperature control
US6966372B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-11-22 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce oxygen containing formation fluids
US6959761B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-11-01 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected ratio of heat sources to production wells
US6923258B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-08-02 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processsing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a mixture with a selected hydrogen content
US6953087B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-10-11 Shell Oil Company Thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to increase a permeability of the formation
US6948563B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-09-27 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with a selected hydrogen content
US6607036B2 (en) * 2001-03-01 2003-08-19 Intevep, S.A. Method for heating subterranean formation, particularly for heating reservoir fluids in near well bore zone
US20020121374A1 (en) * 2001-03-01 2002-09-05 Aaron Ranson Method for heating subterranean formation, particularly for heating reservoir fluids in near well bore zone
US7040398B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-09 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a relatively permeable formation in a reducing environment
US7055600B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-06-06 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal recovery from a relatively permeable formation with controlled production rate
US6929067B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-08-16 Shell Oil Company Heat sources with conductive material for in situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation
US6923257B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-08-02 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation to produce a condensate
US6964300B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-11-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal recovery from a relatively permeable formation with backproduction through a heater wellbore
US6966374B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-11-22 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal recovery from a relatively permeable formation using gas to increase mobility
US6918443B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-07-19 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation to produce hydrocarbons having a selected carbon number range
US7225866B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2007-06-05 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation using a pattern of heat sources
US6918442B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-07-19 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation in a reducing environment
US6981548B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-01-03 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal recovery from a relatively permeable formation
US6991036B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-01-31 Shell Oil Company Thermal processing of a relatively permeable formation
US6915850B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-07-12 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation having permeable and impermeable sections
US7735935B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2010-06-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation containing carbonate minerals
US6991033B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-01-31 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing while controlling pressure in an oil shale formation
US6991032B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-01-31 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation using a pattern of heat sources
US6880633B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-04-19 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation to produce a desired product
US6877555B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-04-12 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation while inhibiting coking
US6994169B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-02-07 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation with a selected property
US6948562B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-09-27 Shell Oil Company Production of a blending agent using an in situ thermal process in a relatively permeable formation
US7096942B1 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-08-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a relatively permeable formation while controlling pressure
US6997518B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-02-14 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing and solution mining of an oil shale formation
US7004251B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-02-28 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing and remediation of an oil shale formation
US7004247B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-02-28 Shell Oil Company Conductor-in-conduit heat sources for in situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation
US8608249B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2013-12-17 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation
US7013972B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-03-21 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation using a natural distributed combustor
US7066254B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-06-27 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a tar sands formation
US7032660B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-04-25 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing and inhibiting migration of fluids into or out of an in situ oil shale formation
US7040397B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-09 Shell Oil Company Thermal processing of an oil shale formation to increase permeability of the formation
US7040399B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-09 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation using a controlled heating rate
US7051807B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-30 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal recovery from a relatively permeable formation with quality control
US6951247B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2005-10-04 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation using horizontal heat sources
US7040400B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-09 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation using an open wellbore
US7051811B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-05-30 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing through an open wellbore in an oil shale formation
US6739803B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-05-25 Shell Oil Company Method of installation of electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US6686745B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-02-03 Shell Oil Company Apparatus and method for electrical testing of electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline
US20040060693A1 (en) * 2001-07-20 2004-04-01 Bass Ronald Marshall Annulus for electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US6707012B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-03-16 Shell Oil Company Power supply for electrically heated subsea pipeline
US6814146B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-11-09 Shell Oil Company Annulus for electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US6714018B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2004-03-30 Shell Oil Company Method of commissioning and operating an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline
US7156176B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2007-01-02 Shell Oil Company Installation and use of removable heaters in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7114566B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-10-03 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a natural distributed combustor
US7077199B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-07-18 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil reservoir formation
US7086465B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-08-08 Shell Oil Company In situ production of a blending agent from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7461691B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2008-12-09 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7090013B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-08-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce heated fluids
US7066257B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-06-27 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from lean and rich zones in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7051808B1 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-05-30 Shell Oil Company Seismic monitoring of in situ conversion in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US6969123B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2005-11-29 Shell Oil Company Upgrading and mining of coal
US7063145B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-06-20 Shell Oil Company Methods and systems for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation in situ with an opening contacting the earth's surface at two locations
US7104319B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-09-12 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a heavy oil diatomite formation
US7077198B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-07-18 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation using barriers
US6932155B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2005-08-23 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation via backproducing through a heater well
US8627887B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2014-01-14 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7128153B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-10-31 Shell Oil Company Treatment of a hydrocarbon containing formation after heating
US7100994B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-09-05 Shell Oil Company Producing hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbon containing materials when treating a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7165615B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2007-01-23 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation using conductor-in-conduit heat sources with an electrically conductive material in the overburden
US6991045B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-01-31 Shell Oil Company Forming openings in a hydrocarbon containing formation using magnetic tracking
US20050016729A1 (en) * 2002-01-15 2005-01-27 Savage Marshall T. Linearly scalable geothermic fuel cells
US7182132B2 (en) 2002-01-15 2007-02-27 Independant Energy Partners, Inc. Linearly scalable geothermic fuel cells
US6684948B1 (en) 2002-01-15 2004-02-03 Marshall T. Savage Apparatus and method for heating subterranean formations using fuel cells
US6688900B2 (en) 2002-06-25 2004-02-10 Shell Oil Company Insulating joint for electrically heated pipeline
US7219734B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2007-05-22 Shell Oil Company Inhibiting wellbore deformation during in situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8224163B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Variable frequency temperature limited heaters
US7073578B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2006-07-11 Shell Oil Company Staged and/or patterned heating during in situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8238730B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-08-07 Shell Oil Company High voltage temperature limited heaters
US7121341B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2006-10-17 Shell Oil Company Conductor-in-conduit temperature limited heaters
US8224164B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Insulated conductor temperature limited heaters
US20040100273A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-27 Liney David J. Testing electrical integrity of electrically heated subsea pipelines
US6937030B2 (en) 2002-11-08 2005-08-30 Shell Oil Company Testing electrical integrity of electrically heated subsea pipelines
US7121342B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2006-10-17 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US8579031B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2013-11-12 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US7640980B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2010-01-05 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US7942203B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2011-05-17 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US7360588B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2008-04-22 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US8596355B2 (en) 2003-06-24 2013-12-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimized well spacing for in situ shale oil development
US7370704B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-05-13 Shell Oil Company Triaxial temperature limited heater
US7481274B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2009-01-27 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters with relatively constant current
US7490665B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2009-02-17 Shell Oil Company Variable frequency temperature limited heaters
US7357180B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-04-15 Shell Oil Company Inhibiting effects of sloughing in wellbores
US7510000B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2009-03-31 Shell Oil Company Reducing viscosity of oil for production from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8355623B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2013-01-15 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters with high power factors
US7353872B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-04-08 Shell Oil Company Start-up of temperature limited heaters using direct current (DC)
US7431076B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-10-07 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters using modulated DC power
US7424915B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-09-16 Shell Oil Company Vacuum pumping of conductor-in-conduit heaters
US7383877B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-06-10 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters with thermally conductive fluid used to heat subsurface formations
US7320364B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2008-01-22 Shell Oil Company Inhibiting reflux in a heated well of an in situ conversion system
US7527094B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2009-05-05 Shell Oil Company Double barrier system for an in situ conversion process
US8027571B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2011-09-27 Shell Oil Company In situ conversion process systems utilizing wellbores in at least two regions of a formation
US7831134B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2010-11-09 Shell Oil Company Grouped exposed metal heaters
US7942197B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2011-05-17 Shell Oil Company Methods and systems for producing fluid from an in situ conversion process
US7575052B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2009-08-18 Shell Oil Company In situ conversion process utilizing a closed loop heating system
US7575053B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2009-08-18 Shell Oil Company Low temperature monitoring system for subsurface barriers
US20070137857A1 (en) * 2005-04-22 2007-06-21 Vinegar Harold J Low temperature monitoring system for subsurface barriers
US8230927B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2012-07-31 Shell Oil Company Methods and systems for producing fluid from an in situ conversion process
US7435037B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2008-10-14 Shell Oil Company Low temperature barriers with heat interceptor wells for in situ processes
US7546873B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2009-06-16 Shell Oil Company Low temperature barriers for use with in situ processes
US8070840B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2011-12-06 Shell Oil Company Treatment of gas from an in situ conversion process
US8233782B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2012-07-31 Shell Oil Company Grouped exposed metal heaters
US7860377B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2010-12-28 Shell Oil Company Subsurface connection methods for subsurface heaters
US7500528B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2009-03-10 Shell Oil Company Low temperature barrier wellbores formed using water flushing
US7986869B2 (en) * 2005-04-22 2011-07-26 Shell Oil Company Varying properties along lengths of temperature limited heaters
US8224165B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heater utilizing non-ferromagnetic conductor
EP1770242A1 (de) * 2005-09-29 2007-04-04 Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO Verfahren und elektromagnetische Vorrichtung zur Bewirkung einer Flüssigkeitsströmung durch eine unterirdische durchlässige Formation, und mit einer solchen Vorrichtung versehenes Bohrloch
WO2007037684A1 (en) * 2005-09-29 2007-04-05 Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno Method and electromagnetic device for causing a fluid flow through a subterranean permeable formation, and borehole provided with such a device
US7591310B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-09-22 Shell Oil Company Methods of hydrotreating a liquid stream to remove clogging compounds
US7549470B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-06-23 Shell Oil Company Solution mining and heating by oxidation for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US7559367B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-07-14 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heater with a conduit substantially electrically isolated from the formation
US7556095B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-07-07 Shell Oil Company Solution mining dawsonite from hydrocarbon containing formations with a chelating agent
US7635025B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-12-22 Shell Oil Company Cogeneration systems and processes for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US8606091B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2013-12-10 Shell Oil Company Subsurface heaters with low sulfidation rates
US8151880B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2012-04-10 Shell Oil Company Methods of making transportation fuel
US7556096B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-07-07 Shell Oil Company Varying heating in dawsonite zones in hydrocarbon containing formations
US7559368B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-07-14 Shell Oil Company Solution mining systems and methods for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US7584789B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-09-08 Shell Oil Company Methods of cracking a crude product to produce additional crude products
US7581589B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-09-01 Shell Oil Company Methods of producing alkylated hydrocarbons from an in situ heat treatment process liquid
US7562706B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2009-07-21 Shell Oil Company Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations
US8210256B2 (en) 2006-01-19 2012-07-03 Pyrophase, Inc. Radio frequency technology heater for unconventional resources
US8408294B2 (en) 2006-01-19 2013-04-02 Pyrophase, Inc. Radio frequency technology heater for unconventional resources
WO2007084763A3 (en) * 2006-01-19 2008-02-28 Pyrophase Inc Radio frequency technology heater for unconventional resources
US20070187089A1 (en) * 2006-01-19 2007-08-16 Pyrophase, Inc. Radio frequency technology heater for unconventional resources
US7610962B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2009-11-03 Shell Oil Company Sour gas injection for use with in situ heat treatment
US7631689B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2009-12-15 Shell Oil Company Sulfur barrier for use with in situ processes for treating formations
US7533719B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2009-05-19 Shell Oil Company Wellhead with non-ferromagnetic materials
US8857506B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2014-10-14 Shell Oil Company Alternate energy source usage methods for in situ heat treatment processes
US7673786B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-03-09 Shell Oil Company Welding shield for coupling heaters
US8192682B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2012-06-05 Shell Oil Company High strength alloys
US7635023B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2009-12-22 Shell Oil Company Time sequenced heating of multiple layers in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8641150B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2014-02-04 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company In situ co-development of oil shale with mineral recovery
US7785427B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-08-31 Shell Oil Company High strength alloys
US7683296B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-03-23 Shell Oil Company Adjusting alloy compositions for selected properties in temperature limited heaters
US8083813B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2011-12-27 Shell Oil Company Methods of producing transportation fuel
US7866385B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2011-01-11 Shell Oil Company Power systems utilizing the heat of produced formation fluid
US7793722B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-09-14 Shell Oil Company Non-ferromagnetic overburden casing
US7912358B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2011-03-22 Shell Oil Company Alternate energy source usage for in situ heat treatment processes
US7597147B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2009-10-06 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters using phase transformation of ferromagnetic material
US8104537B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2012-01-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method of developing subsurface freeze zone
US8151884B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2012-04-10 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Combined development of oil shale by in situ heating with a deeper hydrocarbon resource
US7730947B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-06-08 Shell Oil Company Creating fluid injectivity in tar sands formations
US7845411B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-12-07 Shell Oil Company In situ heat treatment process utilizing a closed loop heating system
US7677314B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-03-16 Shell Oil Company Method of condensing vaporized water in situ to treat tar sands formations
US7677310B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-03-16 Shell Oil Company Creating and maintaining a gas cap in tar sands formations
US7681647B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-03-23 Shell Oil Company Method of producing drive fluid in situ in tar sands formations
US8555971B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2013-10-15 Shell Oil Company Treating tar sands formations with dolomite
US7673681B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-03-09 Shell Oil Company Treating tar sands formations with karsted zones
US7644765B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-01-12 Shell Oil Company Heating tar sands formations while controlling pressure
US7540324B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2009-06-02 Shell Oil Company Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a checkerboard pattern staged process
US7635024B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2009-12-22 Shell Oil Company Heating tar sands formations to visbreaking temperatures
US7631690B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2009-12-15 Shell Oil Company Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a spiral startup staged sequence
US8191630B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2012-06-05 Shell Oil Company Creating fluid injectivity in tar sands formations
US7562707B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2009-07-21 Shell Oil Company Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a line drive staged process
US7703513B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-04-27 Shell Oil Company Wax barrier for use with in situ processes for treating formations
US7717171B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-05-18 Shell Oil Company Moving hydrocarbons through portions of tar sands formations with a fluid
US7730945B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-06-08 Shell Oil Company Using geothermal energy to heat a portion of a formation for an in situ heat treatment process
US7841401B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-11-30 Shell Oil Company Gas injection to inhibit migration during an in situ heat treatment process
US7730946B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-06-08 Shell Oil Company Treating tar sands formations with dolomite
US9347302B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2016-05-24 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Resistive heater for in situ formation heating
US20080230219A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Kaminsky Robert D Resistive heater for in situ formation heating
US8622133B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2014-01-07 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Resistive heater for in situ formation heating
US8087460B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2012-01-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
US7832484B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-11-16 Shell Oil Company Molten salt as a heat transfer fluid for heating a subsurface formation
US7841425B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-11-30 Shell Oil Company Drilling subsurface wellbores with cutting structures
US7931086B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2011-04-26 Shell Oil Company Heating systems for heating subsurface formations
US9181780B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2015-11-10 Shell Oil Company Controlling and assessing pressure conditions during treatment of tar sands formations
US8381815B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2013-02-26 Shell Oil Company Production from multiple zones of a tar sands formation
US7841408B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-11-30 Shell Oil Company In situ heat treatment from multiple layers of a tar sands formation
US8459359B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2013-06-11 Shell Oil Company Treating nahcolite containing formations and saline zones
US7798220B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-09-21 Shell Oil Company In situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation after drive process treatment
US8791396B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2014-07-29 Shell Oil Company Floating insulated conductors for heating subsurface formations
US7849922B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-12-14 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from residually heated sections in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8327681B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2012-12-11 Shell Oil Company Wellbore manufacturing processes for in situ heat treatment processes
US7950453B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2011-05-31 Shell Oil Company Downhole burner systems and methods for heating subsurface formations
US8042610B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2011-10-25 Shell Oil Company Parallel heater system for subsurface formations
US8662175B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2014-03-04 Shell Oil Company Varying properties of in situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation based on assessed viscosities
US8151877B2 (en) 2007-05-15 2012-04-10 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Downhole burner wells for in situ conversion of organic-rich rock formations
US8122955B2 (en) 2007-05-15 2012-02-28 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Downhole burners for in situ conversion of organic-rich rock formations
US8146664B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2012-04-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Utilization of low BTU gas generated during in situ heating of organic-rich rock
US8875789B2 (en) 2007-05-25 2014-11-04 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Process for producing hydrocarbon fluids combining in situ heating, a power plant and a gas plant
US8240774B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-08-14 Shell Oil Company Solution mining and in situ treatment of nahcolite beds
US8113272B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-02-14 Shell Oil Company Three-phase heaters with common overburden sections for heating subsurface formations
US8272455B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-09-25 Shell Oil Company Methods for forming wellbores in heated formations
US8276661B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-10-02 Shell Oil Company Heating subsurface formations by oxidizing fuel on a fuel carrier
US7866386B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-01-11 Shell Oil Company In situ oxidation of subsurface formations
US8146669B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-04-03 Shell Oil Company Multi-step heater deployment in a subsurface formation
US7866388B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-01-11 Shell Oil Company High temperature methods for forming oxidizer fuel
US8146661B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-04-03 Shell Oil Company Cryogenic treatment of gas
US8196658B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-06-12 Shell Oil Company Irregular spacing of heat sources for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US8162059B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-04-24 Shell Oil Company Induction heaters used to heat subsurface formations
US8536497B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2013-09-17 Shell Oil Company Methods for forming long subsurface heaters
US8011451B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-09-06 Shell Oil Company Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations
US8082995B2 (en) 2007-12-10 2011-12-27 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimization of untreated oil shale geometry to control subsidence
US20100071904A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2010-03-25 Shell Oil Company Hydrocarbon production from mines and tunnels used in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8151907B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2012-04-10 Shell Oil Company Dual motor systems and non-rotating sensors for use in developing wellbores in subsurface formations
US8162405B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2012-04-24 Shell Oil Company Using tunnels for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8177305B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2012-05-15 Shell Oil Company Heater connections in mines and tunnels for use in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US9528322B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2016-12-27 Shell Oil Company Dual motor systems and non-rotating sensors for use in developing wellbores in subsurface formations
US8562078B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2013-10-22 Shell Oil Company Hydrocarbon production from mines and tunnels used in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8752904B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2014-06-17 Shell Oil Company Heated fluid flow in mines and tunnels used in heating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8172335B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2012-05-08 Shell Oil Company Electrical current flow between tunnels for use in heating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8636323B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2014-01-28 Shell Oil Company Mines and tunnels for use in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US20090283257A1 (en) * 2008-05-18 2009-11-19 Bj Services Company Radio and microwave treatment of oil wells
US8230929B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2012-07-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Methods of producing hydrocarbons for substantially constant composition gas generation
US8267185B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-18 Shell Oil Company Circulated heated transfer fluid systems used to treat a subsurface formation
US8881806B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2014-11-11 Shell Oil Company Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation with electrical conductors
US9129728B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2015-09-08 Shell Oil Company Systems and methods of forming subsurface wellbores
US8220539B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Controlling hydrogen pressure in self-regulating nuclear reactors used to treat a subsurface formation
US9051829B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2015-06-09 Shell Oil Company Perforated electrical conductors for treating subsurface formations
US8267170B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-18 Shell Oil Company Offset barrier wells in subsurface formations
US8256512B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-04 Shell Oil Company Movable heaters for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8281861B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-10-09 Shell Oil Company Circulated heated transfer fluid heating of subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US9022118B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2015-05-05 Shell Oil Company Double insulated heaters for treating subsurface formations
US8261832B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-11 Shell Oil Company Heating subsurface formations with fluids
US8353347B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2013-01-15 Shell Oil Company Deployment of insulated conductors for treating subsurface formations
US8616279B2 (en) 2009-02-23 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Water treatment following shale oil production by in situ heating
US8327932B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2012-12-11 Shell Oil Company Recovering energy from a subsurface formation
US8448707B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2013-05-28 Shell Oil Company Non-conducting heater casings
US8434555B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2013-05-07 Shell Oil Company Irregular pattern treatment of a subsurface formation
US8851170B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2014-10-07 Shell Oil Company Heater assisted fluid treatment of a subsurface formation
US8540020B2 (en) 2009-05-05 2013-09-24 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Converting organic matter from a subterranean formation into producible hydrocarbons by controlling production operations based on availability of one or more production resources
US8863839B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2014-10-21 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
US8739874B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-06-03 Shell Oil Company Methods for heating with slots in hydrocarbon formations
US8833453B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-09-16 Shell Oil Company Electrodes for electrical current flow heating of subsurface formations with tapered copper thickness
US8820406B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-09-02 Shell Oil Company Electrodes for electrical current flow heating of subsurface formations with conductive material in wellbore
US8701769B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-22 Shell Oil Company Methods for treating hydrocarbon formations based on geology
US9399905B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2016-07-26 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US8701768B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-22 Shell Oil Company Methods for treating hydrocarbon formations
US9022109B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-05-05 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US9033042B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-05-19 Shell Oil Company Forming bitumen barriers in subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US8631866B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-01-21 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US9127523B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-09-08 Shell Oil Company Barrier methods for use in subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US9127538B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-09-08 Shell Oil Company Methodologies for treatment of hydrocarbon formations using staged pyrolyzation
US8622127B2 (en) 2010-08-30 2014-01-07 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Olefin reduction for in situ pyrolysis oil generation
US8616280B2 (en) 2010-08-30 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Wellbore mechanical integrity for in situ pyrolysis
US20120085535A1 (en) * 2010-10-08 2012-04-12 Weijian Mo Methods of heating a subsurface formation using electrically conductive particles
US9016370B2 (en) 2011-04-08 2015-04-28 Shell Oil Company Partial solution mining of hydrocarbon containing layers prior to in situ heat treatment
US9309755B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2016-04-12 Shell Oil Company Thermal expansion accommodation for circulated fluid systems used to heat subsurface formations
US9080441B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2015-07-14 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Multiple electrical connections to optimize heating for in situ pyrolysis
US10047594B2 (en) 2012-01-23 2018-08-14 Genie Ip B.V. Heater pattern for in situ thermal processing of a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation
US8770284B2 (en) 2012-05-04 2014-07-08 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Systems and methods of detecting an intersection between a wellbore and a subterranean structure that includes a marker material
US9512699B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2016-12-06 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process
US9394772B2 (en) 2013-11-07 2016-07-19 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Systems and methods for in situ resistive heating of organic matter in a subterranean formation
US9644466B2 (en) 2014-11-21 2017-05-09 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method of recovering hydrocarbons within a subsurface formation using electric current
US9739122B2 (en) 2014-11-21 2017-08-22 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Mitigating the effects of subsurface shunts during bulk heating of a subsurface formation
US10822934B1 (en) 2015-04-03 2020-11-03 Rama Rau YELUNDUR Apparatus and method of focused in-situ electrical heating of hydrocarbon bearing formations
EP3277919A4 (de) * 2015-04-03 2020-03-04 Yelundur, Rama Rau Vorrichtung und verfahren zur fokussierten elektrischen in-situ-erwärmung von kohlenwasserstoffhaltigen formationen
US10697280B2 (en) 2015-04-03 2020-06-30 Rama Rau YELUNDUR Apparatus and method of focused in-situ electrical heating of hydrocarbon bearing formations
US12326056B2 (en) 2018-02-20 2025-06-10 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole well integrity reconstruction in the hydrocarbon industry
US10941644B2 (en) 2018-02-20 2021-03-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole well integrity reconstruction in the hydrocarbon industry
US11624251B2 (en) 2018-02-20 2023-04-11 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole well integrity reconstruction in the hydrocarbon industry
US10641079B2 (en) 2018-05-08 2020-05-05 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Solidifying filler material for well-integrity issues
US11187068B2 (en) 2019-01-31 2021-11-30 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole tools for controlled fracture initiation and stimulation
US11125075B1 (en) 2020-03-25 2021-09-21 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11414963B2 (en) 2020-03-25 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11280178B2 (en) 2020-03-25 2022-03-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11414985B2 (en) 2020-05-28 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools
US11414984B2 (en) 2020-05-28 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools
US12166168B2 (en) 2020-06-02 2024-12-10 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electrolyte structure for a high-temperature, high-pressure lithium battery
US11631884B2 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-04-18 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electrolyte structure for a high-temperature, high-pressure lithium battery
US11719063B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2023-08-08 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore
US11149510B1 (en) 2020-06-03 2021-10-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore
US11421497B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2022-08-23 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore
US11391104B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2022-07-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Freeing a stuck pipe from a wellbore
US11719089B2 (en) 2020-07-15 2023-08-08 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Analysis of drilling slurry solids by image processing
US11255130B2 (en) 2020-07-22 2022-02-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Sensing drill bit wear under downhole conditions
US11506044B2 (en) 2020-07-23 2022-11-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Automatic analysis of drill string dynamics
US11867008B2 (en) 2020-11-05 2024-01-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company System and methods for the measurement of drilling mud flow in real-time
US11434714B2 (en) 2021-01-04 2022-09-06 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Adjustable seal for sealing a fluid flow at a wellhead
US11697991B2 (en) 2021-01-13 2023-07-11 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Rig sensor testing and calibration
US11572752B2 (en) 2021-02-24 2023-02-07 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole cable deployment
US11727555B2 (en) 2021-02-25 2023-08-15 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Rig power system efficiency optimization through image processing
US11846151B2 (en) 2021-03-09 2023-12-19 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Repairing a cased wellbore
US11619097B2 (en) 2021-05-24 2023-04-04 Saudi Arabian Oil Company System and method for laser downhole extended sensing
US11725504B2 (en) 2021-05-24 2023-08-15 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Contactless real-time 3D mapping of surface equipment
US11624265B1 (en) 2021-11-12 2023-04-11 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Cutting pipes in wellbores using downhole autonomous jet cutting tools
US11867012B2 (en) 2021-12-06 2024-01-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Gauge cutter and sampler apparatus
US11954800B2 (en) 2021-12-14 2024-04-09 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Converting borehole images into three dimensional structures for numerical modeling and simulation applications
US11739616B1 (en) 2022-06-02 2023-08-29 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Forming perforation tunnels in a subterranean formation
US12203366B2 (en) 2023-05-02 2025-01-21 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Collecting samples from wellbores
US12215550B2 (en) 2023-05-10 2025-02-04 Madis XL Ltd. Well tool pressure compensating system and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AT297632B (de) 1972-04-10
AU1245270A (en) 1971-09-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3547193A (en) Method and apparatus for recovery of minerals from sub-surface formations using electricity
US4412585A (en) Electrothermal process for recovering hydrocarbons
US4484627A (en) Well completion for electrical power transmission
US3211220A (en) Single well subsurface electrification process
US3642066A (en) Electrical method and apparatus for the recovery of oil
US4730671A (en) Viscous oil recovery using high electrical conductive layers
US3620300A (en) Method and apparatus for electrically heating a subsurface formation
US3614986A (en) Method for injecting heated fluids into mineral bearing formations
US3149672A (en) Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations
US4415034A (en) Electrode well completion
US3605888A (en) Method and apparatus for secondary recovery of oil
US3547192A (en) Method of metal coating and electrically heating a subterranean earth formation
US4401162A (en) In situ oil shale process
US4612988A (en) Dual aquafer electrical heating of subsurface hydrocarbons
US3724543A (en) Electro-thermal process for production of off shore oil through on shore walls
US4037655A (en) Method for secondary recovery of oil
US2217857A (en) Process for the removal of mud sheaths
US2799641A (en) Electrolytically promoting the flow of oil from a well
US4926941A (en) Method of producing tar sand deposits containing conductive layers
US3782465A (en) Electro-thermal process for promoting oil recovery
US4466484A (en) Electrical device for promoting oil recovery
US3507330A (en) Method and apparatus for secondary recovery of oil
US4296969A (en) Thermal recovery of viscous hydrocarbons using arrays of radially spaced horizontal wells
US3417823A (en) Well treating process using electroosmosis
CA2049627C (en) Recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon bearing deposits