In situ co-development of oil shale with mineral recovery
US8641150B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02C20/40
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in which the oil shale formation contains water-soluble minerals, for example nahcolite, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. Optionally, this heating step may be performed prior to any substantial removal of water-soluble minerals from the organic-rich rock formation. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation both pyrolyzes at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids, and converts at least a portion of the water-soluble minerals, for example, converts nahcolite to soda ash. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.