In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation to increase permeability of the formation
US6782947B2 · kind B2 · utility
312Cited by
133References
37Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/30
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for treating a relatively low permeability formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In some embodiments, the permeability of a portion of the formation may be increased relative to an initial permeability of the portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.