Apparatus and method for extracting petroleum from underground sites using reformed gases
US7506685B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/70
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for removing oil or natural gas from the ground. In one example, the method may include reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate driver gas, and injecting the driver gas into the oil well. The reforming operation may include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming reaction fuel and water sources, with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into driver gas. In one example, the amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction to proceed. The driver gas may be used to help extract oil from the ground and especially oil from depleted oil wells. It may also be used to drive natural gas trapped underground or in coal beds to the surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.