Methods and systems for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation in situ with an opening contacting the earth's surface at two locations
US7063145B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0391
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In an embodiment, a method for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat from one or more heaters to an opening in the formation. A first end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a first location and a second end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a second location. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the opening to at least a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In certain embodiments, providing the heat to the opening may include providing heat, heated materials, and/or oxidation products from at least one heater to the opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.