Patent · US Active

Pyrolysis to pressurise oil formations

US10400563B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
33References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 23, 2015
Grant dateSep 3, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 11, 2037

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/305
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Methods and systems for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon formation are described herein. In some embodiments, method for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon formation is provide wherein the hydrocarbon formation comprises a kerogen containing formation that is adjacent to a formation containing liquid hydrocarbons and not having a natural recharging system, the method comprising the steps of: providing heat sources in the kerogen containing formation; energizing the heat sources to heat the kerogen containing formation; heating at least a portion of the kerogen containing formation to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to pyrolyze at least some of the kerogen; limiting production of pyrolyzed hydrocarbons so that the pyrolyzed hydrocarbons increase the pressure within the formation containing liquid hydrocarbons; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation containing liquid hydrocarbons.

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