US3149672A - Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3149672A
US3149672A US192565A US19256562A US3149672A US 3149672 A US3149672 A US 3149672A US 192565 A US192565 A US 192565A US 19256562 A US19256562 A US 19256562A US 3149672 A US3149672 A US 3149672A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
oil
fractures
transformer
wellbore
formation
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
US192565A
Inventor
Orkiszewski Joseph
James L Hill
Preston S Mcreynolds
Thomas C Boberg
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.)
Jersey Production Research Co
Original Assignee
Jersey Production Research 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 Jersey Production Research Co filed Critical Jersey Production Research Co
Priority to US192565A priority Critical patent/US3149672A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3149672A publication Critical patent/US3149672A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/16Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
    • E21B43/24Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection
    • E21B43/2401Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection by means of electricity

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the production of relatively viscous oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a well bore.
  • a method and apparatus for thermally stimulating the production of oil from such a reservoir by downhole electric heating is provided. More specifically the method of the invention includes the step of passing an electric current between two vertically spaced fractures propped with particles of an electrical conductor.
  • the apparatus includes a downhole transformer and two connection collar assemblies for establishing electrical contact between the propping agent of the fractures and the secondary windings of the downhole transformer.
  • the method of the invention is primarily a process for thermally stimulating oil production. That is, heat is introduced into the oil-bearing formation for the purpose of reducing the viscosity of the oil, thereby facilitating flow of the oil into the wellbore and thence to the earths surface, either from innate pressure or by pumping. In a broad sense it has been recognized in the past that heat facilitates the production of viscous oil.
  • Various downhole heaters have been developed to provide thermal stimulation. However, such methods have been found unsatisfactory because of the extremely slow rate of heat transfer outward from the wellbore.
  • the present invention overcomes this difficulty by supplying heat directly to a relatively large volume of the oil-bearing formation surrounding a wellbore.
  • the invention is applicable not only in solving the problem of viscous oil production, but also in the removal of parafiin wax deposits and other petroleum residues from the pores of the formation surrounding the wellbore. Such deposits are frequently troublesome, even in reservoirs where oil viscosity is not great enough to warrant application of the invention.
  • the method comprises the steps of fracturing the oil-bearing formation in an upper region thereof, preferably at or near its upper boundary, fracturing said formation in a lower region thereof, preferably at or near its lower boundary, propping these fractures with particles of an electrical conductor, passing an electirc current through the oil-bearing formation between the fractures to heat the formation, and withdrawing oil from the well at a stimulated rate.
  • a more limited embodiment of the method includes the steps of forming a substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture at or near the upper boundary of the oil-bearing formation, and forming a second substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture at or near the lower boundary of the oil-bearing formation.
  • the fractures are extended radially a distance of 5-500 feet from the wellbore. Electrical contact is established between the fractures, which serve as electrodes, and a surface source of electric power. The voltage drop between th fractures is increased until the power input ranges from 10 watts to 10 kilowatts, per foot of sand thickness lying between the fractures.
  • alternating current source is preferred, since direct current would cause a rapid deterioration of the propping agent, due to electrolysis. Moreover, the use of alternating current permits the convenient use of a downhole transformer to reduce line losses in transmitting power downhole.
  • the well completion of the invention comprises a first metallic propped fracture extending radially from the wellbore in an upper portion of the oil-bearing formation, and a second metallic propped fracture extending radially from said wellbore in a lower portion of the formation.
  • the completion includes regular steel casing to within two hundred feet of the producing oil sand and non-conductivecasing from this depth through the sand.
  • the metallic propped fractures preferably extend from notched intervals in the borehole wall, where the casing is substantially cut away, as opposed to ordinary perforations in the casing.
  • the non-conductive casing is perforated in the producing interval.
  • the tubing string which extends opposite the producing formation is equipped with a downhole electrical transformer, connection collars, and rubber cups or packers to prevent short-circuiting by borehole fluids.
  • preferred operation includes the use of fractures which are substantially horizontal, or more specifically, fractures which are substantially parallel to the boundaries of the oil-bearing formation, in the event that the boundaries are not horizontal.
  • present fracturing techniques do not always ensure uniform horizontal fracture propagation. Irregular fractures do not pose a severe problem for purposes of the invention, however, especially in thick formations where the fractures are vertically spaced apart a considerable distance.
  • the upper and lower fractures must not be allowed to interconnect at any point, since the resulting short circuit would defeat the basic purpose of the invention.
  • the fractures are vertically spaced a distance of about three feet up to as much as one thousand feet or more, depending upon the thickness of the oil-bearing formation. Usually the spacing is from 10 feet to feet.
  • the successful operation of the invention depends upon the ability of the oil-bearing reservoir to conduct an electric current. It is Well known, however, that oil sands do inherently possess substantial conductivity, due to the presence of at least small amounts of saline connate water.
  • the resistivity of oil-bearing, unconsolidated sands usually ranges from about one to about fifty ohm-meters. Consolidated oil-bearing sandstones are generally less conductive, having a resistivity in the range of about ten to about one thousand ohm-meters.
  • FIGURE 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the oil producing formation and the borehole, including the complete assembly of the invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a top view of the connection collar assembly which is mounted on the tubing string opposite each fracture.
  • FIGURE 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the collar assembly taken along the line A-A of FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 1 a cross-sectional view of the earth is shown which includes oil-bearing formation l1, overburden 12, and underburden 13 penetrated by wellbore 14.
  • the well completion of the invention includes ordinary steel casing 15, plastic or other non-conducting casing 16 having perforations 17 therein, and larger openings or notches l8 and 19 near th upper and lower boundaries, respectively, of the oil-bearing formation.
  • Extending radially from the wellbore into the formations at the level of notched interval 18 is a metallic propped fracture 20.
  • a similar fracture 21 extends radially from the wellbore at the level of notched interval 19.
  • a downhole transformer 23 Suspended within wellbore l4 and mounted on tubing string 22 is an assembly of elements comprising downhole transformer 23, connection collars 2d and 25, input cable 2s, cable 27 which connects collar 24 with the secondary winding of transformer 23, and cable 28 which connects collar with the secondary winding of the transformer.
  • Bristles 2% extend in contact with the metallic propping agent of fracture 2t) completing the electrical connection with the secondary winding of transformer 23.
  • the bristles of collar 25 establish contact with the propping agent of fracture 21, completing th electrical connection between the propping agent and the secondary winding of the transformer.
  • the downhole transformer is employed in order to permit the transmission down the well of a high voltage, low current power supply which is then transformed downhole into a low voltage, high current power supply thereby reducing line losses in transmitting power down the well.
  • connection collar assemblies The purpose of the connection collar assemblies is to establish electrical contact between the metal propping agent of the fractures and the secondary winding of the transformer.
  • the assembly is preferably a radial metallic brush with the bristles connected to the secondary winding and insulated from the tubing string. As the tubing string is lowered into the well the bristles are bent up along the casing wall, and as the assembly passes the notched intervals in the borehole wall opposite the fractures, the bristles spring out, making contact with the propping agent. Slight motions of raising, lowering and rotating the tubing string are sometimes necessary to establish firm contact between the collar bristles and the propping agent in the fractures.
  • Opening 37 is provided within tubing string 22 at a point beneath transformer 23 v hereby crude oil produced from the formation flows through the center of transformer 23 and serves as a cooling medium for said transformer.
  • Conventional packers 32 and 33 are provided in order to seal the borehole and thereby prevent the collection of fluids within the borehole to the extent which would cause short-circuitin g between the respective collar bristles.
  • Packer 34 is also desirable, to prevent formation fluids from entering the wellbore through notched interval 18, and to prevnt wellbore fluids from entering the formation.
  • plastic or other non-conducting casing 16 must extend throughout the producing interval. The reason for this is that ordinary steel casing would cause short-circuiting directly between the connection collars and thus prevent any substantial penetration of the electric current into the formation to stimulate the production of oil.
  • Ordinary perforations 17 are provided throughout the major portion of the producing interval in order to accommodate the influx of oil. Openings 1% and 1% pro vided near the upper and lower extremities of the producing interval are much larger than perforations 17 in order that they may accommodate bristles 29 and 3d of the connection collars. Propped fractures Ztl and 21 are then provided by any conventional techniques, an example of which is disclosed in US. 2,802,531, the details of which are not essential to a complete disclosure of the present invention.
  • the metallic particles may be aluminum spheres, for example. Other metals are also suitable, including iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc. Carbon particles are also suitable.
  • connection collars 29 and 3t and packers 32, 33 and 34 are mounted on tubing string 22, lowered into the wellbore, and positioned opposite the producing interval such that bristles 29 and 39 can be made to establish contact with the propping agent within fractures 20 and 21.
  • the coils of transformer 23 are wrapped on a hollow core which surrounds tubing string 22.
  • the transformer may operate from a 4,160 volt supply source with an approximate primary to secondary turns ratio of 500 to 1 and a power rating of 15 to 30 kilowatts.
  • the transformer utilizes the produced oil as a cooling fluid and thus operates at temperatures below 250 F.
  • Such a transformer has a minimum efiiciency of 90 percent.
  • connection collar 24 which includes bristles 29 extending radially therefrom.
  • the collar is mounted on tubing string 22 with a separation of the collar from the tubing by a band of electrical insulation 41.
  • An opening 42 is provided through which the input cable 26 extends.
  • Bristles 29 are made from a highly conductive, resilient material. As an example each bristle may be a steel strip one inch by one-tenth of an inch and about 12 inches long.
  • Collar 25 and bristles 30 are essentially identical to collar 24 and bristles 29, the only difference being that no opening 42. is required therein. Accordingly, collar 25 is not separately illustrated or described in detail.
  • bristles 29 are connected to collar 24 by means of bolts 44.
  • Collar 24 is in turn connected to tubing 22 by means of bolts 43.
  • Bolts 43 must be non-conducting in order to maintain the electrical insulating of collar 24 from tubing 22.
  • Cable 27 from the secondary winding of transformer 23 is connected to collar 24 by bolts 44.
  • the power requirement for the process ranges from about 10 watts to about 10 kilowatts, per foot of producing sand thickness.
  • the preferred range is from about watts to about 1.0 kilowatt, per foot of producing sand thickness, depending on the degree of heating desired in a given formation.
  • the temperature rise within the heated zone of the reservoir depends primarily upon the power input per foot of sand thickness, and the rate of oil flow, which acts to remove heat from the Zone.
  • the temperature of the heated zone will be raised at least about 25 F., where the initial rate of drainage is 0.80 barrel per day, per foot of sand thickness, and as much as 890 P. where the initial production of oil is is only 0.25 barrel per day, per foot of sand thickness.
  • a method for thermally stimulating the production of oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore which comprises fracturing the oil-bearing formation in an upper region thereof, fracturing said formation in a lower region thereof, propping said fractures with particles of an electrical conductor, connecting said fractures with a source of electric current, passing an electric current between said fractures to heat said formation, and withdrawing oil from said Wellbore at a stimulated rate.
  • Apparatus for electrically heating a subterranean oil-bearing formation penetrated by a wellbore, said formation having two vertically spaced conductor-propped fractures extending radially from said wellbore which comprises a transformer, an electrical input cable connected to the respective terminals of the primary Winding of said transformer, a connection collar assembly at each end of said transformer electrically connected to the respective terminals of the secondary winding of said transformer, said transformer and said collar assemblies being adapted to be mounted on a tubing string and lowered therewith into said wellbore to a position opposite said oil-bearing formation, said collar assemblies being spaced from each other along said tubing string a distance substantially equal to the vertical spacing of said fractures, and said collar assemblies comprising means for establishing electrical contact with the propping material in said fractures.
  • a method for thermally stimulating the production of oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore which comprises forming a substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture near the upper boundary of the oil-bearing formation, forming a substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture near the lower boundary of said formation, establishing electrical contact between said fractures and a surface source of electric power, increasing the voltage applied to said fractures until the power input to the formation falls within the range of 100 watts to 1.0 kilowatts, per foot of oil-bearing formation, and producing oil from said formation at a stimulated rate.
  • a method for thermally stimulating the production of oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore which comprises forming a metallic propped fracture near the upper boundary of the oil-bearing formation, forming a metallic propped fracture near the lower boundary of said formation, establishing electrical contact between said fractures and a surface source of electric power, establishing a voltage drop between said fractures which corresponds to a power input to the formation within the range of 10 watts to 10 kilowatts per foot of oil-bearing formation, and producing oil from said formation at a stimulated rate.

Description

p 1964 J. ORKISZEWSKI ETAL 3,
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING *OF OIL-BEARING FORMATIONS Filed May 4, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 JOSEPH ORKISZEWSKI 25 JAMES L. HILL FIG. 1 PRESTON s. MQREYNOLDS THOMAS c. BOBERG INVENTORS A TORNEY Sept. 22, 1964 J. ORKISZEWSKI ETAL 3,149,672
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL HEATING 0F OIL-BEARING FORMATIONS Flled May 4, 1962 2 Sheets$heet 2 FIG. 2
JOSEPH ORKISZEWSKI JAMES L. HILL PRESTON S. MQREYNOLDS THOMAS C. BOBERG INVENTORS ATT RNEY United States Patent Office angers Patented E'aept. 22, 1964 3,149,672 METHGD AND APPARATUS FGR ELECTRKIAL I-lEATlNG F QTL-EEARTNG FQRMA'HQNS Jioseph Orlriszewshi, Tulsa, Gilda, James L. Hill, Etiennpaign, Hill, and Yreston S. McReynoids and Thomas C.
Bo erg, Tulsa, Okla, assignors to Jersey Production Research Company, a corporation of Delaware Filed May 4, 1%2, Ser. No. 192,565 '7 Claims. (Cl. 166-39) This invention relates to the production of relatively viscous oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a well bore. A method and apparatus for thermally stimulating the production of oil from such a reservoir by downhole electric heating is provided. More specifically the method of the invention includes the step of passing an electric current between two vertically spaced fractures propped with particles of an electrical conductor. The apparatus includes a downhole transformer and two connection collar assemblies for establishing electrical contact between the propping agent of the fractures and the secondary windings of the downhole transformer.
The method of the invention is primarily a process for thermally stimulating oil production. That is, heat is introduced into the oil-bearing formation for the purpose of reducing the viscosity of the oil, thereby facilitating flow of the oil into the wellbore and thence to the earths surface, either from innate pressure or by pumping. In a broad sense it has been recognized in the past that heat facilitates the production of viscous oil. Various downhole heaters have been developed to provide thermal stimulation. However, such methods have been found unsatisfactory because of the extremely slow rate of heat transfer outward from the wellbore. The present invention overcomes this difficulty by supplying heat directly to a relatively large volume of the oil-bearing formation surrounding a wellbore.
The invention is applicable not only in solving the problem of viscous oil production, but also in the removal of parafiin wax deposits and other petroleum residues from the pores of the formation surrounding the wellbore. Such deposits are frequently troublesome, even in reservoirs where oil viscosity is not great enough to warrant application of the invention.
Broadly the method comprises the steps of fracturing the oil-bearing formation in an upper region thereof, preferably at or near its upper boundary, fracturing said formation in a lower region thereof, preferably at or near its lower boundary, propping these fractures with particles of an electrical conductor, passing an electirc current through the oil-bearing formation between the fractures to heat the formation, and withdrawing oil from the well at a stimulated rate.
A more limited embodiment of the method includes the steps of forming a substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture at or near the upper boundary of the oil-bearing formation, and forming a second substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture at or near the lower boundary of the oil-bearing formation. The fractures are extended radially a distance of 5-500 feet from the wellbore. Electrical contact is established between the fractures, which serve as electrodes, and a surface source of electric power. The voltage drop between th fractures is increased until the power input ranges from 10 watts to 10 kilowatts, per foot of sand thickness lying between the fractures.
An alternating current source is preferred, since direct current would cause a rapid deterioration of the propping agent, due to electrolysis. Moreover, the use of alternating current permits the convenient use of a downhole transformer to reduce line losses in transmitting power downhole.
The well completion of the invention comprises a first metallic propped fracture extending radially from the wellbore in an upper portion of the oil-bearing formation, and a second metallic propped fracture extending radially from said wellbore in a lower portion of the formation. The completion includes regular steel casing to within two hundred feet of the producing oil sand and non-conductivecasing from this depth through the sand. The metallic propped fractures preferably extend from notched intervals in the borehole wall, where the casing is substantially cut away, as opposed to ordinary perforations in the casing. Next, the non-conductive casing is perforated in the producing interval. The tubing string which extends opposite the producing formation is equipped with a downhole electrical transformer, connection collars, and rubber cups or packers to prevent short-circuiting by borehole fluids.
It will be readily appreciated that preferred operation includes the use of fractures which are substantially horizontal, or more specifically, fractures which are substantially parallel to the boundaries of the oil-bearing formation, in the event that the boundaries are not horizontal. However, present fracturing techniques do not always ensure uniform horizontal fracture propagation. Irregular fractures do not pose a severe problem for purposes of the invention, however, especially in thick formations where the fractures are vertically spaced apart a considerable distance. Of course, the upper and lower fractures must not be allowed to interconnect at any point, since the resulting short circuit would defeat the basic purpose of the invention. The fractures are vertically spaced a distance of about three feet up to as much as one thousand feet or more, depending upon the thickness of the oil-bearing formation. Usually the spacing is from 10 feet to feet.
The successful operation of the invention depends upon the ability of the oil-bearing reservoir to conduct an electric current. It is Well known, however, that oil sands do inherently possess substantial conductivity, due to the presence of at least small amounts of saline connate water. The resistivity of oil-bearing, unconsolidated sands usually ranges from about one to about fifty ohm-meters. Consolidated oil-bearing sandstones are generally less conductive, having a resistivity in the range of about ten to about one thousand ohm-meters.
FIGURE 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the oil producing formation and the borehole, including the complete assembly of the invention. v
FIGURE 2 is a top view of the connection collar assembly which is mounted on the tubing string opposite each fracture.
FIGURE 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the collar assembly taken along the line A-A of FIGURE 2.
Referring now to FIGURE 1 in detail, a cross-sectional view of the earth is shown which includes oil-bearing formation l1, overburden 12, and underburden 13 penetrated by wellbore 14. The well completion of the invention includes ordinary steel casing 15, plastic or other non-conducting casing 16 having perforations 17 therein, and larger openings or notches l8 and 19 near th upper and lower boundaries, respectively, of the oil-bearing formation. Extending radially from the wellbore into the formations at the level of notched interval 18 is a metallic propped fracture 20. A similar fracture 21 extends radially from the wellbore at the level of notched interval 19.
Suspended within wellbore l4 and mounted on tubing string 22 is an assembly of elements comprising downhole transformer 23, connection collars 2d and 25, input cable 2s, cable 27 which connects collar 24 with the secondary winding of transformer 23, and cable 28 which connects collar with the secondary winding of the transformer. Bristles 2% extend in contact with the metallic propping agent of fracture 2t) completing the electrical connection with the secondary winding of transformer 23. Similarly, the bristles of collar 25 establish contact with the propping agent of fracture 21, completing th electrical connection between the propping agent and the secondary winding of the transformer.
The downhole transformer is employed in order to permit the transmission down the well of a high voltage, low current power supply which is then transformed downhole into a low voltage, high current power supply thereby reducing line losses in transmitting power down the well.
The purpose of the connection collar assemblies is to establish electrical contact between the metal propping agent of the fractures and the secondary winding of the transformer. The assembly is preferably a radial metallic brush with the bristles connected to the secondary winding and insulated from the tubing string. As the tubing string is lowered into the well the bristles are bent up along the casing wall, and as the assembly passes the notched intervals in the borehole wall opposite the fractures, the bristles spring out, making contact with the propping agent. Slight motions of raising, lowering and rotating the tubing string are sometimes necessary to establish firm contact between the collar bristles and the propping agent in the fractures.
Opening 37. is provided within tubing string 22 at a point beneath transformer 23 v hereby crude oil produced from the formation flows through the center of transformer 23 and serves as a cooling medium for said transformer.
Conventional packers 32 and 33 are provided in order to seal the borehole and thereby prevent the collection of fluids within the borehole to the extent which would cause short-circuitin g between the respective collar bristles. Packer 34 is also desirable, to prevent formation fluids from entering the wellbore through notched interval 18, and to prevnt wellbore fluids from entering the formation.
For the purpose of carrying out the invention, plastic or other non-conducting casing 16 must extend throughout the producing interval. The reason for this is that ordinary steel casing would cause short-circuiting directly between the connection collars and thus prevent any substantial penetration of the electric current into the formation to stimulate the production of oil.
Ordinary perforations 17 are provided throughout the major portion of the producing interval in order to accommodate the influx of oil. Openings 1% and 1% pro vided near the upper and lower extremities of the producing interval are much larger than perforations 17 in order that they may accommodate bristles 29 and 3d of the connection collars. Propped fractures Ztl and 21 are then provided by any conventional techniques, an example of which is disclosed in US. 2,802,531, the details of which are not essential to a complete disclosure of the present invention. The metallic particles may be aluminum spheres, for example. Other metals are also suitable, including iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc. Carbon particles are also suitable.
Next, the downhole transformer 23, connection collars 29 and 3t and packers 32, 33 and 34 are mounted on tubing string 22, lowered into the wellbore, and positioned opposite the producing interval such that bristles 29 and 39 can be made to establish contact with the propping agent within fractures 20 and 21.
The coils of transformer 23 are wrapped on a hollow core which surrounds tubing string 22. As an example, the transformer may operate from a 4,160 volt supply source with an approximate primary to secondary turns ratio of 500 to 1 and a power rating of 15 to 30 kilowatts. Preferably, the transformer utilizes the produced oil as a cooling fluid and thus operates at temperatures below 250 F. Such a transformer has a minimum efiiciency of 90 percent.
Referring now to FIGURE 2, a top view of connection collar 24 is shown which includes bristles 29 extending radially therefrom. The collar is mounted on tubing string 22 with a separation of the collar from the tubing by a band of electrical insulation 41. An opening 42 is provided through which the input cable 26 extends. Bristles 29 are made from a highly conductive, resilient material. As an example each bristle may be a steel strip one inch by one-tenth of an inch and about 12 inches long.
Collar 25 and bristles 30 are essentially identical to collar 24 and bristles 29, the only difference being that no opening 42. is required therein. Accordingly, collar 25 is not separately illustrated or described in detail.
Referring now to FIGURE 3 bristles 29 are connected to collar 24 by means of bolts 44. Collar 24 is in turn connected to tubing 22 by means of bolts 43. Bolts 43 must be non-conducting in order to maintain the electrical insulating of collar 24 from tubing 22. Cable 27 from the secondary winding of transformer 23 is connected to collar 24 by bolts 44.
The power requirement for the process ranges from about 10 watts to about 10 kilowatts, per foot of producing sand thickness. The preferred range is from about watts to about 1.0 kilowatt, per foot of producing sand thickness, depending on the degree of heating desired in a given formation.
At equilibrium conditions, the temperature rise within the heated zone of the reservoir depends primarily upon the power input per foot of sand thickness, and the rate of oil flow, which acts to remove heat from the Zone. Within the preferred range of power input, as stated above, the temperature of the heated zone will be raised at least about 25 F., where the initial rate of drainage is 0.80 barrel per day, per foot of sand thickness, and as much as 890 P. where the initial production of oil is is only 0.25 barrel per day, per foot of sand thickness.
As a specific example of the invention, calculations show that a stimulated flow rate of 100 barrels of oil per day is attained from an expenditure of 17.5 kilowatts of efiective power input to a system having the following characteristics:
Well depth ft 2800 Producing sand thickness ft 50 Drainage radius ft 500 Well base radius ft 0.25 Fracture radius ft 60 Volumetric heat capacity, F. B.t.u./ft. 31.25 Initial reservoir temp. F 84 Initial oil viscosity cp 432 Unstimulated flow rate bbls./day 50 What is claimed is:
1. A method for thermally stimulating the production of oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore, which comprises fracturing the oil-bearing formation in an upper region thereof, fracturing said formation in a lower region thereof, propping said fractures with particles of an electrical conductor, connecting said fractures with a source of electric current, passing an electric current between said fractures to heat said formation, and withdrawing oil from said Wellbore at a stimulated rate.
2. A method as defined by claim 1 wherein said fractures are substantially horizontal.
3. Apparatus for electrically heating a subterranean oil-bearing formation penetrated by a wellbore, said formation having two vertically spaced conductor-propped fractures extending radially from said wellbore, which comprises a transformer, an electrical input cable connected to the respective terminals of the primary Winding of said transformer, a connection collar assembly at each end of said transformer electrically connected to the respective terminals of the secondary winding of said transformer, said transformer and said collar assemblies being adapted to be mounted on a tubing string and lowered therewith into said wellbore to a position opposite said oil-bearing formation, said collar assemblies being spaced from each other along said tubing string a distance substantially equal to the vertical spacing of said fractures, and said collar assemblies comprising means for establishing electrical contact with the propping material in said fractures.
4. Apparatus as defined by claim 3, wherein said fractures are substantially horizontal.
5. A method for thermally stimulating the production of oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore, which comprises forming a substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture near the upper boundary of the oil-bearing formation, forming a substantially horizontal, metallic propped fracture near the lower boundary of said formation, establishing electrical contact between said fractures and a surface source of electric power, increasing the voltage applied to said fractures until the power input to the formation falls within the range of 100 watts to 1.0 kilowatts, per foot of oil-bearing formation, and producing oil from said formation at a stimulated rate.
6. A method for thermally stimulating the production of oil from a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore, which comprises forming a metallic propped fracture near the upper boundary of the oil-bearing formation, forming a metallic propped fracture near the lower boundary of said formation, establishing electrical contact between said fractures and a surface source of electric power, establishing a voltage drop between said fractures which corresponds to a power input to the formation within the range of 10 watts to 10 kilowatts per foot of oil-bearing formation, and producing oil from said formation at a stimulated rate.
7. A method as defined by claim 6, wherein said fractures are substantially horizontal.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 849,524 Baker Apr. 9, 1907 2,634,961 Ljungstrom Apr. 14, 1953 2,795,279 Sarapuu June 11, 1957 2,801,090 Hoyer et al. July 30, 1957

Claims (2)

1. A METHOD FOR THERMALLY STIMULATING THE PRODUCTION OF OIL FROM A SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR PENETRATED BY A WELLBORE, WHICH COMPRISES FRACTURING THE OIL-BEARING FORMATION IN AN UPPER REGION THEREOF, FRACTURING SAID FORMATION IN A LOWER REGION THEREOF, PROPPING SAID FRACTURES WITH PAR-F TICLES OF AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR, CONNECTING SAID FRACTURES WITH A SOURCE OF ELECTRIC CURRENT, PASSING AN ELECTRIC CURRENT BETWEEN SAID FRACTURES TO HEAT SAID FORMATION, AND WITHDRAWING OIL FROM SAID WELLBORE AT A STIMULATED RATE.
3. APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICALLY HEATING A SUBTERRANEAN OIL-BEARING FORMATION PENETRATED BY A WELLBORE, SAID FORMATION HAVING TWO VERTICALLY SPACED CONDUCTOR-PROPPED FRACTURES EXTENDING RADIALLY FROM SAID WELLBORE, WHICH COMPRISES A TRANSFORMER, AN ELECTRICAL INPUT CABLE CONNECTED TO THE RESPECTIVE TERMINALS OF THE PRIMARY WINDING OF SAID TRANSFORMER, A CONNECTION COLLAR ASSEMBLY AT EACH END OF SAID TRANSFORMER ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE RESPECTIVE TERMINALS OF THE SECONDARY WINDING OF SAID TRANSFORMER, SAID TRANSFORMER AND SAID COLLAR ASSEMBLIES BEING ADAPTED TO BE MOUNTED ON A TUBING STRING AND LOWERED THEREWITH INTO SAID WELLBORE TO A POSITION OPPOSITE SAID OIL-BEARING FORMATION, SAID COLLAR ASSEMBLIES BEING SPACED FROM EACH OTHER ALONG SAID TUBING STRING A DISTANCE SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO THE VERTICAL SPACING OF SAID FRACTURES, AND SAID COLLAR ASSEMBLIES COMPRISING MEANS FOR ESTABLISHING ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH THE PROPPING MATERIAL IN SAID FRACTURES.
US192565A 1962-05-04 1962-05-04 Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations Expired - Lifetime US3149672A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US192565A US3149672A (en) 1962-05-04 1962-05-04 Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US192565A US3149672A (en) 1962-05-04 1962-05-04 Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3149672A true US3149672A (en) 1964-09-22

Family

ID=22710198

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US192565A Expired - Lifetime US3149672A (en) 1962-05-04 1962-05-04 Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3149672A (en)

Cited By (112)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3417823A (en) * 1966-12-22 1968-12-24 Mobil Oil Corp Well treating process using electroosmosis
US3507330A (en) * 1968-09-30 1970-04-21 Electrothermic Co Method and apparatus for secondary recovery of oil
US3620300A (en) * 1970-04-20 1971-11-16 Electrothermic Co Method and apparatus for electrically heating a subsurface formation
US3642066A (en) * 1969-11-13 1972-02-15 Electrothermic Co Electrical method and apparatus for the recovery of oil
US3862662A (en) * 1973-12-12 1975-01-28 Atlantic Richfield Co Method and apparatus for electrical heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4084639A (en) * 1976-12-16 1978-04-18 Petro Canada Exploration Inc. Electrode well for electrically heating a subterranean formation
US4401162A (en) * 1981-10-13 1983-08-30 Synfuel (An Indiana Limited Partnership) In situ oil shale process
US4495990A (en) * 1982-09-29 1985-01-29 Electro-Petroleum, Inc. Apparatus for passing electrical current through an underground formation
US4524827A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-06-25 Iit Research Institute Single well stimulation for the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
US4567945A (en) * 1983-12-27 1986-02-04 Atlantic Richfield Co. Electrode well method and apparatus
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
US4705108A (en) * 1986-05-27 1987-11-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Method for in situ heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4886118A (en) * 1983-03-21 1989-12-12 Shell Oil Company Conductively heating a subterranean oil shale to create permeability and subsequently produce oil
US5101899A (en) * 1989-12-14 1992-04-07 International Royal & Oil Company Recovery of petroleum by electro-mechanical vibration
US5713415A (en) * 1995-03-01 1998-02-03 Uentech Corporation Low flux leakage cables and cable terminations for A.C. electrical heating of oil deposits
US6199634B1 (en) 1998-08-27 2001-03-13 Viatchelav Ivanovich Selyakov Method and apparatus for controlling the permeability of mineral bearing earth formations
US6328102B1 (en) 1995-12-01 2001-12-11 John C. Dean Method and apparatus for piezoelectric transport
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
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
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
US20030131993A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2003-07-17 Etuan Zhang In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation with a selected property
US20030131995A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2003-07-17 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation to increase permeability of the formation
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
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
US6969123B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2005-11-29 Shell Oil Company Upgrading and mining of coal
US7077198B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-07-18 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation using barriers
US7096953B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-08-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a movable heating element
US20070000662A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2007-01-04 Symington William A Methods of treating a subterranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons
US20080035348A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-02-14 Vitek John M Temperature limited heaters using phase transformation of ferromagnetic material
US20080107577A1 (en) * 2005-10-24 2008-05-08 Vinegar Harold J Varying heating in dawsonite zones in hydrocarbon containing formations
US20080128134A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-06-05 Ramesh Raju Mudunuri Producing drive fluid in situ in tar sands formations
WO2008115359A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
US20090071652A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-03-19 Vinegar Harold J In situ heat treatment from multiple layers of a tar sands formation
US20090189617A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-07-30 David Burns Continuous subsurface heater temperature measurement
US20090260823A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Robert George Prince-Wright 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
US7631691B2 (en) 2003-06-24 2009-12-15 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Methods of treating a subterranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons
US7669657B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2010-03-02 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Enhanced shale oil production by in situ heating using hydraulically fractured producing wells
US20100089586A1 (en) * 2008-10-13 2010-04-15 John Andrew Stanecki Movable heaters for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US7831134B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2010-11-09 Shell Oil Company Grouped exposed metal heaters
US20100282460A1 (en) * 2009-05-05 2010-11-11 Stone Matthew T Converting Organic Matter From A Subterranean Formation Into Producible Hydrocarbons By Controlling Production Operations Based On Availability Of One Or More Production Resources
US7942203B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2011-05-17 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US20110124228A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-05-26 John Matthew Coles Compacted coupling joint for coupling insulated conductors
US20110132661A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-06-09 Patrick Silas Harmason Parallelogram coupling joint for coupling insulated conductors
US20110134958A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-06-09 Dhruv Arora Methods for assessing a temperature in a subsurface formation
US8082995B2 (en) 2007-12-10 2011-12-27 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimization of untreated oil shale geometry to control subsidence
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
US8224164B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Insulated conductor temperature limited heaters
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
WO2012177346A1 (en) * 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Electrically conductive methods for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
US8355623B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2013-01-15 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters with high power factors
US8485256B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2013-07-16 Shell Oil Company Variable thickness insulated conductors
US8586867B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2013-11-19 Shell Oil Company End termination for three-phase insulated conductors
US8596355B2 (en) 2003-06-24 2013-12-03 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimized well spacing for in situ shale oil development
US8616280B2 (en) 2010-08-30 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Wellbore mechanical integrity for in situ pyrolysis
US8616279B2 (en) 2009-02-23 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Water treatment following shale oil production by in situ heating
US8622127B2 (en) 2010-08-30 2014-01-07 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Olefin reduction for in situ pyrolysis oil generation
US8622133B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2014-01-07 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Resistive heater for in situ formation heating
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
US8857051B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2014-10-14 Shell Oil Company System and method for coupling lead-in conductor to insulated conductor
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
US8939207B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-01-27 Shell Oil Company Insulated conductor heaters with semiconductor layers
US8943686B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2015-02-03 Shell Oil Company Compaction of electrical insulation for joining insulated conductors
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
US9048653B2 (en) 2011-04-08 2015-06-02 Shell Oil Company Systems for joining insulated conductors
US9080409B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-07-14 Shell Oil Company Integral splice for insulated conductors
US9080917B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-07-14 Shell Oil Company System and methods for using dielectric properties of an insulated conductor in a subsurface formation to assess properties of the insulated conductor
US9080441B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2015-07-14 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Multiple electrical connections to optimize heating for in situ pyrolysis
US9226341B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-12-29 Shell Oil Company Forming insulated conductors using a final reduction step after heat treating
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
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
US11414984B2 (en) 2020-05-28 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Measuring wellbore cross-sections using downhole caliper tools
US11414963B2 (en) 2020-03-25 2022-08-16 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
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
US11642709B1 (en) 2021-03-04 2023-05-09 Trs Group, Inc. Optimized flux ERH electrode
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
US11727555B2 (en) 2021-02-25 2023-08-15 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Rig power system efficiency optimization through image processing
US11725504B2 (en) 2021-05-24 2023-08-15 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Contactless real-time 3D mapping of surface equipment
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

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US849524A (en) * 1902-06-23 1907-04-09 Delos R Baker Process of extracting and recovering the volatilizable contents of sedimentary mineral strata.
US2634961A (en) * 1946-01-07 1953-04-14 Svensk Skifferolje Aktiebolage Method of electrothermal production of shale oil
US2795279A (en) * 1952-04-17 1957-06-11 Electrotherm Res Corp Method of underground electrolinking and electrocarbonization of mineral fuels
US2801090A (en) * 1956-04-02 1957-07-30 Exxon Research Engineering Co Sulfur mining using heating by electrolysis

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US849524A (en) * 1902-06-23 1907-04-09 Delos R Baker Process of extracting and recovering the volatilizable contents of sedimentary mineral strata.
US2634961A (en) * 1946-01-07 1953-04-14 Svensk Skifferolje Aktiebolage Method of electrothermal production of shale oil
US2795279A (en) * 1952-04-17 1957-06-11 Electrotherm Res Corp Method of underground electrolinking and electrocarbonization of mineral fuels
US2801090A (en) * 1956-04-02 1957-07-30 Exxon Research Engineering Co Sulfur mining using heating by electrolysis

Cited By (347)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3417823A (en) * 1966-12-22 1968-12-24 Mobil Oil Corp Well treating process using electroosmosis
US3507330A (en) * 1968-09-30 1970-04-21 Electrothermic Co Method and apparatus for secondary recovery of oil
US3642066A (en) * 1969-11-13 1972-02-15 Electrothermic Co Electrical method and apparatus for the recovery of oil
US3620300A (en) * 1970-04-20 1971-11-16 Electrothermic Co Method and apparatus for electrically heating a subsurface formation
US3862662A (en) * 1973-12-12 1975-01-28 Atlantic Richfield Co Method and apparatus for electrical heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US4084639A (en) * 1976-12-16 1978-04-18 Petro Canada Exploration Inc. Electrode well for electrically heating a subterranean formation
US4401162A (en) * 1981-10-13 1983-08-30 Synfuel (An Indiana Limited Partnership) In situ oil shale process
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
US4524827A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-06-25 Iit Research Institute Single well stimulation for the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
US4567945A (en) * 1983-12-27 1986-02-04 Atlantic Richfield Co. Electrode well method and apparatus
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
US4705108A (en) * 1986-05-27 1987-11-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Method for in situ heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US5101899A (en) * 1989-12-14 1992-04-07 International Royal & Oil Company Recovery of petroleum by electro-mechanical vibration
US5713415A (en) * 1995-03-01 1998-02-03 Uentech Corporation Low flux leakage cables and cable terminations for A.C. electrical heating of oil deposits
US6328102B1 (en) 1995-12-01 2001-12-11 John C. Dean Method and apparatus for piezoelectric transport
US6199634B1 (en) 1998-08-27 2001-03-13 Viatchelav Ivanovich Selyakov Method and apparatus for controlling the permeability of mineral bearing earth formations
US6994161B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-02-07 Kevin Albert Maher In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected moisture content
US6871707B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-03-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with carbon dioxide sequestration
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
US6591907B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2003-07-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected vitrinite reflectance
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
US7798221B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2010-09-21 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
US6722431B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-20 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of hydrocarbons within a relatively permeable formation
US6722430B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-04-20 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with a selected oxygen content and/or selected O/C ratio
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
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
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
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
US6729401B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-04 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation and ammonia production
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
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
US6732794B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-05-11 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a mixture with a selected hydrogen content
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
US6745832B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2004-06-08 Shell Oil Company Situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to control product composition
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
US8789586B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2014-07-29 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
US6973967B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2005-12-13 Shell Oil Company Situ thermal processing of a coal formation using pressure and/or temperature control
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
US7096953B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-08-29 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a movable heating element
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
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
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
US6997255B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-02-14 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation in a reducing environment
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
US7017661B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2006-03-28 Shell Oil Company Production of synthesis gas from a coal formation
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
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
US20030131993A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2003-07-17 Etuan Zhang In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation with a selected property
US6994169B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2006-02-07 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation with a selected property
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
US20030131995A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2003-07-17 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation to increase permeability of the formation
US20030146002A1 (en) * 2001-04-24 2003-08-07 Vinegar Harold J. Removable 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
US7735935B2 (en) 2001-04-24 2010-06-15 Shell Oil Company In situ thermal processing of an oil shale formation containing carbonate minerals
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
US7077198B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2006-07-18 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation using barriers
US6969123B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2005-11-29 Shell Oil Company Upgrading and mining of coal
US8627887B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2014-01-14 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8224163B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Variable frequency temperature limited heaters
US8238730B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-08-07 Shell Oil Company High voltage temperature limited heaters
US8224164B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Insulated conductor temperature limited heaters
US8579031B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2013-11-12 Shell Oil Company Thermal processes for subsurface formations
US7942203B2 (en) 2003-04-24 2011-05-17 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
US7331385B2 (en) 2003-06-24 2008-02-19 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Methods of treating a subterranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons
US7631691B2 (en) 2003-06-24 2009-12-15 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Methods of treating a subterranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons
US20070000662A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2007-01-04 Symington William A Methods of treating a subterranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons
US20100078169A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2010-04-01 Symington William A Methods of Treating Suberranean Formation To Convert Organic Matter Into Producible Hydrocarbons
US8355623B2 (en) 2004-04-23 2013-01-15 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heaters with high power factors
US7860377B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2010-12-28 Shell Oil Company Subsurface connection methods for subsurface heaters
US8233782B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2012-07-31 Shell Oil Company Grouped exposed metal heaters
US7831134B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2010-11-09 Shell Oil Company Grouped exposed metal heaters
US8070840B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2011-12-06 Shell Oil Company Treatment of gas from 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
US8224165B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2012-07-17 Shell Oil Company Temperature limited heater utilizing non-ferromagnetic conductor
US7942197B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2011-05-17 Shell Oil Company Methods and systems for producing fluid from an in situ conversion process
US8230927B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2012-07-31 Shell Oil Company Methods and systems for producing fluid from an in situ conversion process
US7986869B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2011-07-26 Shell Oil Company Varying properties along lengths of temperature limited heaters
US8151880B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2012-04-10 Shell Oil Company Methods of making transportation fuel
US20080107577A1 (en) * 2005-10-24 2008-05-08 Vinegar Harold J Varying heating in dawsonite zones in hydrocarbon containing formations
US8606091B2 (en) 2005-10-24 2013-12-10 Shell Oil Company Subsurface heaters with low sulfidation rates
US20080174115A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-07-24 Gene Richard Lambirth Power systems utilizing the heat of produced formation fluid
US20080038144A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-02-14 Maziasz Phillip J High strength alloys
US7785427B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-08-31 Shell Oil Company High strength alloys
US20080173450A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-07-24 Bernard Goldberg Time sequenced heating of multiple layers in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US7683296B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-03-23 Shell Oil Company Adjusting alloy compositions for selected properties in temperature limited heaters
US7912358B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2011-03-22 Shell Oil Company Alternate energy source usage for in situ heat treatment processes
US8192682B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2012-06-05 Shell Oil Company High strength alloys
US7673786B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-03-09 Shell Oil Company Welding shield for coupling heaters
US20080173444A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-07-24 Francis Marion Stone Alternate energy source usage for in situ heat treatment processes
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
US20080173442A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-07-24 Vinegar Harold J Sulfur barrier for use with in situ processes for treating formations
US8641150B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2014-02-04 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company In situ co-development of oil shale with mineral recovery
US7793722B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2010-09-14 Shell Oil Company Non-ferromagnetic overburden casing
US20080035346A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-02-14 Vijay Nair Methods of producing transportation fuel
US20080035348A1 (en) * 2006-04-21 2008-02-14 Vitek John M Temperature limited heaters using phase transformation of ferromagnetic material
US8857506B2 (en) 2006-04-21 2014-10-14 Shell Oil Company Alternate energy source usage methods for in situ heat treatment processes
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
US8104537B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2012-01-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method of developing subsurface freeze zone
US7669657B2 (en) 2006-10-13 2010-03-02 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Enhanced shale oil production by in situ heating using hydraulically fractured producing wells
US20080217004A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-09-11 De Rouffignac Eric Pierre Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a checkerboard pattern staged process
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
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
US8191630B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2012-06-05 Shell Oil Company Creating fluid injectivity in tar sands formations
US7703513B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-04-27 Shell Oil Company Wax barrier for use with in situ processes for treating formations
US7673681B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-03-09 Shell Oil Company Treating tar sands formations with karsted zones
US20080142216A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-06-19 Vinegar Harold J Treating tar sands formations with dolomite
US20090014181A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2009-01-15 Vinegar Harold J Creating and maintaining a gas cap in tar sands formations
US7717171B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-05-18 Shell Oil Company Moving hydrocarbons through portions of tar sands formations with a fluid
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
US7730946B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-06-08 Shell Oil Company Treating tar sands formations with dolomite
US7644765B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-01-12 Shell Oil Company Heating tar sands formations while controlling pressure
US8555971B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2013-10-15 Shell Oil Company Treating tar sands formations with dolomite
US7681647B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-03-23 Shell Oil Company Method of producing drive fluid in situ in tar sands formations
US20080128134A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-06-05 Ramesh Raju Mudunuri Producing drive fluid in situ in tar sands formations
US20080135254A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-06-12 Vinegar Harold J In situ heat treatment process utilizing a closed loop heating system
US20090014180A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2009-01-15 George Leo Stegemeier Moving hydrocarbons through portions of tar sands formations with a fluid
US20080135244A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-06-12 David Scott Miller Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a line drive staged process
US20080277113A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-11-13 George Leo Stegemeier Heating tar sands formations while controlling pressure
US7841401B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2010-11-30 Shell Oil Company Gas injection to inhibit migration during an in situ heat treatment process
US20080135253A1 (en) * 2006-10-20 2008-06-12 Vinegar Harold J Treating tar sands formations with karsted zones
CN101641495B (en) * 2007-03-22 2013-10-30 埃克森美孚上游研究公司 Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
WO2008115359A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
US20080271885A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-11-06 Kaminsky Robert D Granular electrical connections 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
US9347302B2 (en) 2007-03-22 2016-05-24 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company 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
AU2008227167B2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2013-08-01 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Granular electrical connections for in situ formation heating
US7798220B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-09-21 Shell Oil Company In situ heat treatment of a tar sands formation after drive process treatment
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
US8327681B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2012-12-11 Shell Oil Company Wellbore manufacturing processes for in situ heat treatment processes
US8381815B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2013-02-26 Shell Oil Company Production from multiple zones of a tar sands formation
US20090071652A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-03-19 Vinegar Harold J In situ heat treatment from multiple layers of a tar sands formation
US9181780B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2015-11-10 Shell Oil Company Controlling and assessing pressure conditions during treatment of tar sands formations
US7950453B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2011-05-31 Shell Oil Company Downhole burner systems and methods for heating subsurface formations
US7931086B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2011-04-26 Shell Oil Company Heating systems for heating subsurface formations
US20090078461A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-03-26 Arthur James Mansure Drilling subsurface wellbores with cutting structures
US7849922B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-12-14 Shell Oil Company In situ recovery from residually heated sections in a hydrocarbon containing formation
US8459359B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2013-06-11 Shell Oil Company Treating nahcolite containing formations and saline zones
US7841408B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-11-30 Shell Oil Company In situ heat treatment from multiple layers of a tar sands formation
US8042610B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2011-10-25 Shell Oil Company Parallel heater system for subsurface formations
US7841425B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-11-30 Shell Oil Company Drilling subsurface wellbores with cutting structures
US7832484B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2010-11-16 Shell Oil Company Molten salt as a heat transfer fluid for heating a subsurface formation
US20090126929A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-05-21 Vinegar Harold J Treating nahcolite containing formations and saline zones
US20090084547A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-04-02 Walter Farman Farmayan Downhole burner systems and methods for heating subsurface formations
US8791396B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2014-07-29 Shell Oil Company Floating insulated conductors for heating subsurface formations
US20090095476A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-04-16 Scott Vinh Nguyen Molten salt as a heat transfer fluid for heating a subsurface formation
US20090095477A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-04-16 Scott Vinh Nguyen Heating systems for heating subsurface formations
US20090095479A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-04-16 John Michael Karanikas Production from multiple zones of a tar sands formation
US20090090509A1 (en) * 2007-04-20 2009-04-09 Vinegar Harold J In situ recovery from residually heated sections in a hydrocarbon containing formation
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
US20090194269A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-06 Vinegar Harold J Three-phase heaters with common overburden sections for heating subsurface formations
US20090194329A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-06 Rosalvina Ramona Guimerans Methods for forming wellbores in heated formations
US8146661B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-04-03 Shell Oil Company Cryogenic treatment of gas
US8113272B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-02-14 Shell Oil Company Three-phase heaters with common overburden sections for heating subsurface formations
US8276661B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-10-02 Shell Oil Company Heating subsurface formations by oxidizing fuel on a fuel carrier
US20090189617A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-07-30 David Burns Continuous subsurface heater temperature measurement
US20090194524A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-06 Dong Sub Kim Methods for forming long subsurface heaters
US8196658B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-06-12 Shell Oil Company Irregular spacing of heat sources for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US20090194282A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-06 Gary Lee Beer In situ oxidation of subsurface formations
US8272455B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-09-25 Shell Oil Company Methods for forming wellbores in heated formations
US8536497B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2013-09-17 Shell Oil Company Methods for forming long subsurface heaters
US8162059B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-04-24 Shell Oil Company Induction heaters used to heat subsurface formations
US20090200031A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-13 David Scott Miller Irregular spacing of heat sources for treating hydrocarbon containing formations
US8011451B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-09-06 Shell Oil Company Ranging methods for developing wellbores in subsurface formations
US8146669B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-04-03 Shell Oil Company Multi-step heater deployment in a subsurface formation
US7866386B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-01-11 Shell Oil Company In situ oxidation of subsurface formations
US20090200854A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-13 Vinegar Harold J Solution mining and in situ treatment of nahcolite beds
US8240774B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2012-08-14 Shell Oil Company Solution mining and in situ treatment of nahcolite beds
US20090200025A1 (en) * 2007-10-19 2009-08-13 Jose Luis Bravo High temperature methods for forming oxidizer fuel
US7866388B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-01-11 Shell Oil Company High temperature methods for forming oxidizer fuel
US8082995B2 (en) 2007-12-10 2011-12-27 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Optimization of untreated oil shale geometry to control subsidence
US20090260823A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Robert George Prince-Wright Mines and tunnels for use in 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
US8636323B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2014-01-28 Shell Oil Company Mines and tunnels for use in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8162405B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2012-04-24 Shell Oil Company Using tunnels for 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
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
US8172335B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2012-05-08 Shell Oil Company Electrical current flow between tunnels for use in heating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US20090272578A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-11-05 Macdonald Duncan Charles 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
US20090260824A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 David Booth Burns Hydrocarbon production from mines and tunnels used in treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US20090272535A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-11-05 David Booth Burns Using tunnels for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US20090272533A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-11-05 David Booth Burns Heated fluid flow in mines and tunnels used in heating 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
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
US8267170B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-18 Shell Oil Company Offset barrier wells in subsurface formations
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
US8881806B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2014-11-11 Shell Oil Company Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation with electrical conductors
US8267185B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-18 Shell Oil Company Circulated heated transfer fluid systems used to treat a subsurface formation
US20100101784A1 (en) * 2008-10-13 2010-04-29 Vinegar Harold J 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
US20100101783A1 (en) * 2008-10-13 2010-04-29 Vinegar Harold J Using self-regulating nuclear reactors in treating a subsurface formation
US8256512B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-09-04 Shell Oil Company Movable heaters for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations
US8353347B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2013-01-15 Shell Oil Company Deployment of insulated conductors for treating subsurface formations
US20100108310A1 (en) * 2008-10-13 2010-05-06 Thomas David Fowler Offset barrier wells in subsurface formations
US20100089586A1 (en) * 2008-10-13 2010-04-15 John Andrew Stanecki Movable heaters for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing 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
US20100096137A1 (en) * 2008-10-13 2010-04-22 Scott Vinh Nguyen Circulated heated transfer fluid heating of subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US9129728B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2015-09-08 Shell Oil Company Systems and methods of forming subsurface wellbores
US8281861B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2012-10-09 Shell Oil Company Circulated heated transfer fluid heating of subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US8616279B2 (en) 2009-02-23 2013-12-31 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Water treatment following shale oil production by in situ heating
US8851170B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2014-10-07 Shell Oil Company Heater assisted fluid treatment of a subsurface formation
US8327932B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2012-12-11 Shell Oil Company Recovering energy from a subsurface formation
US8434555B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2013-05-07 Shell Oil Company Irregular pattern treatment of a subsurface formation
US8448707B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2013-05-28 Shell Oil Company Non-conducting heater casings
US20100282460A1 (en) * 2009-05-05 2010-11-11 Stone Matthew T Converting Organic Matter From A Subterranean Formation Into Producible Hydrocarbons By Controlling Production Operations Based On Availability Of One Or More Production Resources
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
US20110132661A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-06-09 Patrick Silas Harmason Parallelogram coupling joint for coupling insulated conductors
US20110124228A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-05-26 John Matthew Coles Compacted coupling joint for coupling insulated conductors
US20110124223A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-05-26 David Jon Tilley Press-fit coupling joint for joining insulated conductors
US8485847B2 (en) * 2009-10-09 2013-07-16 Shell Oil Company Press-fit coupling joint for joining insulated conductors
US8257112B2 (en) 2009-10-09 2012-09-04 Shell Oil Company Press-fit coupling joint for joining insulated conductors
US20110134958A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-06-09 Dhruv Arora Methods for assessing a temperature in a subsurface formation
US8356935B2 (en) 2009-10-09 2013-01-22 Shell Oil Company Methods for assessing a temperature in a subsurface formation
US9466896B2 (en) 2009-10-09 2016-10-11 Shell Oil Company Parallelogram coupling joint for coupling insulated conductors
US8816203B2 (en) 2009-10-09 2014-08-26 Shell Oil Company Compacted coupling joint for coupling insulated conductors
US8863839B2 (en) 2009-12-17 2014-10-21 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Enhanced convection for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
US8701768B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-22 Shell Oil Company Methods for treating 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
US8701769B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-22 Shell Oil Company Methods for treating hydrocarbon formations based on geology
US8939207B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-01-27 Shell Oil Company Insulated conductor heaters with semiconductor layers
US8739874B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-06-03 Shell Oil Company Methods for heating with slots in hydrocarbon formations
US8859942B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-10-14 Shell Oil Company Insulating blocks and methods for installation in insulated conductor heaters
US8631866B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-01-21 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US8502120B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2013-08-06 Shell Oil Company Insulating blocks and methods for installation in insulated conductor heaters
US9127523B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-09-08 Shell Oil Company Barrier methods for use in subsurface hydrocarbon formations
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
US9033042B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-05-19 Shell Oil Company Forming bitumen barriers in subsurface hydrocarbon formations
US9399905B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2016-07-26 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US8967259B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-03-03 Shell Oil Company Helical winding of insulated conductor heaters for installation
US9127538B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-09-08 Shell Oil Company Methodologies for treatment of hydrocarbon formations using staged pyrolyzation
US9022109B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2015-05-05 Shell Oil Company Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
US8485256B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2013-07-16 Shell Oil Company Variable thickness insulated conductors
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
US9337550B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2016-05-10 Shell Oil Company End termination for three-phase insulated conductors
US8732946B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2014-05-27 Shell Oil Company Mechanical compaction of insulator for insulated conductor splices
US9755415B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2017-09-05 Shell Oil Company End termination for three-phase insulated conductors
US8586866B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2013-11-19 Shell Oil Company Hydroformed splice for insulated conductors
US8586867B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2013-11-19 Shell Oil Company End termination for three-phase insulated conductors
US8857051B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2014-10-14 Shell Oil Company System and method for coupling lead-in conductor to insulated conductor
US8943686B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2015-02-03 Shell Oil Company Compaction of electrical insulation for joining insulated conductors
US9048653B2 (en) 2011-04-08 2015-06-02 Shell Oil Company Systems for joining insulated conductors
US9016370B2 (en) 2011-04-08 2015-04-28 Shell Oil Company Partial solution mining of hydrocarbon containing layers prior to in situ heat treatment
WO2012177346A1 (en) * 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Electrically conductive methods for in situ pyrolysis of organic-rich rock formations
US9080409B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-07-14 Shell Oil Company Integral splice for insulated conductors
US9309755B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2016-04-12 Shell Oil Company Thermal expansion accommodation for circulated fluid systems used to heat subsurface formations
US9226341B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-12-29 Shell Oil Company Forming insulated conductors using a final reduction step after heat treating
US9080917B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-07-14 Shell Oil Company System and methods for using dielectric properties of an insulated conductor in a subsurface formation to assess properties of the insulated conductor
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
US11624251B2 (en) 2018-02-20 2023-04-11 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
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
US11414963B2 (en) 2020-03-25 2022-08-16 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Wellbore fluid level monitoring system
US11125075B1 (en) 2020-03-25 2021-09-21 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
US11631884B2 (en) 2020-06-02 2023-04-18 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electrolyte structure for a high-temperature, high-pressure lithium battery
US11391104B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2022-07-19 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
US11719063B2 (en) 2020-06-03 2023-08-08 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
US11642709B1 (en) 2021-03-04 2023-05-09 Trs Group, Inc. Optimized flux ERH electrode
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
US11739616B1 (en) 2022-06-02 2023-08-29 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Forming perforation tunnels in a subterranean formation

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3149672A (en) Method and apparatus for electrical heating of oil-bearing formations
US4730671A (en) Viscous oil recovery using high electrical conductive layers
US3547193A (en) Method and apparatus for recovery of minerals from sub-surface formations using electricity
US2757738A (en) Radiation heating
CA2049627C (en) Recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon bearing deposits
US3620300A (en) Method and apparatus for electrically heating a subsurface formation
US3862662A (en) Method and apparatus for electrical heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations
US3105545A (en) Method of heating underground formations
US4401162A (en) In situ oil shale process
US4612988A (en) Dual aquafer electrical heating of subsurface hydrocarbons
US3133592A (en) Apparatus for the application of electrical energy to subsurface formations
US4926941A (en) Method of producing tar sand deposits containing conductive layers
US3211220A (en) Single well subsurface electrification process
US2244255A (en) Well clearing system
US4415034A (en) Electrode well completion
US5042579A (en) Method and apparatus for producing tar sand deposits containing conductive layers
US3642066A (en) Electrical method and apparatus for the recovery of oil
AU601866B2 (en) Single well stimulation for the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
US5060726A (en) Method and apparatus for producing tar sand deposits containing conductive layers having little or no vertical communication
US2472445A (en) Apparatus for treating oil and gas bearing strata
US3137347A (en) In situ electrolinking of oil shale
US4412585A (en) Electrothermal process for recovering hydrocarbons
US2244256A (en) Apparatus for clearing wells
US3614986A (en) Method for injecting heated fluids into mineral bearing formations
US4545435A (en) Conduction heating of hydrocarbonaceous formations