In-situ retorting of oil shale
US4483398A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1983 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/247
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Fluid, such as liquid water, is injected into the rock surrounding an in situ oil shale retort at sufficient pressure and flow rate so that the injected fluid flows toward the retort to block the path of hot liquid and gaseous kerogen decomposition products escaping from the retort and to return heat to the retort. The successful conduct of an oil shale retorting operation usually requires that the retort temperature be maintained at a temperature sufficient to decompose efficiently the kerogen contained in the oil shale. By reducing the heat loss from an active retort, the amount of energy required to maintain a desired temperature therein is reduced. The fluid injection method also maintains pressure in an in-situ oil shale retort, allowing in-situ oil shale retorting to be efficiently conducted at a desired pressure. The method also reduces the danger to mineworkers who may be engaged in adjacent mining operations due to the escape of hazardous gases from an active retort. The method allows a series of sequential in-situ oil shale retorts in an oil shale formation to be placed more closely together than previously practical by reducing hot fluid leakage from each active retort t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.