Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon bearing rock via combined treatment of the rock and subsequent waterflooding

US10214683B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
107References
39Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 12, 2016
Grant dateFeb 26, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 12, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K2208/10
  • WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A method for producing hydrocarbons within a reservoir includes (a) injecting an aqueous solution into the reservoir. The aqueous solution includes water and a thermally activated chemical species. The thermally activated chemical species is urea, a urea derivative, or a carbamate. The thermally activated chemical agent is thermally activated at or above a threshold temperature less than 200 C. In addition, the method includes (b) thermally activating the thermally activated chemical species in the aqueous solution during or after (a) at a temperature equal to or greater than the threshold temperature to produce carbon-dioxide and at least one of ammonia, amine, and alkanolamine within the reservoir. Further, the method includes (c) increasing the water wettability of the subterranean formation in response to the thermally activation in (b). Still further, the method includes (d) waterflooding the reservoir with water after (a), (b) and (c).

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.