Apparatus and method for extracting petroleum from underground sites using reformed gases
US8602095B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/70
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Provided are methods and apparatus for removing oil or natural gas from the ground. In one example, the method includes reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate driver gas, and injecting the driver gas into the oil well. The reforming operation can 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 is used to help extract oil from the ground and especially oil from depleted oil wells. The driver gas is also 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.