Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for low emission hydrocarbon recovery

US8627886B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
11References
34Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateDec 19, 2008
Grant dateJan 14, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 8, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P90/70
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO2 and steam, is injected at pressure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, where steam condenses out of the compound heat medium releasing heat to the reservoir. The condensate is produced with the hydrocarbon as a hydrocarbon/water mixture or emulsion. Non-condensable gases, primarily CO2, from the compound heat medium may remains in the reservoir through void replacement, leakage to adjacent geological strata. Beneficially, any CO2 produced is recovered at pressure, for use in other processes, or for disposal by sequestration. Produced water is recovered and recycled as a moderator and steam generating medium.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.