In-situ Kerogen conversion and product isolation
US8839860B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P30/40
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. In one embodiment, the mobile kerogen-based product is treated such that at least a portion of the organic acids form a separate phase from the mobile kerogen-based product to isolate the acids. The organic acids may further be extracted from the mobile kerogen-based product using an organic extraction fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.