In situ thermal processing of a relatively permeable formation while controlling pressure
US7096942B1 · kind B1 · utility
306Cited by
608References
93Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0391
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for treating a relatively permeable 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, pressure may be controlled to produce a desired property in the produced mixture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.