Heat energy extraction system from underground in situ combustion of hydrocarbon reservoirs
US8915084B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method to extract heat energy from underground heat sources, then transport that heat to the surface in the form of a high temperature liquid or gas, and deliver the contaminant-free heat energy to a surface user of heat. The heat captured in the working fluid of the system is gained by heat transfers and can be extracted from the in situ combustion of any oil sands, heavy oil, conventional or unconventional oil, bitumen, coal, conventional or unconventional natural gas, methane or oil shales, or from various other sources. The invention creates a closed circulation system, in which the working fluid and steam circulating in the system are protected from any direct contact with the hydrocarbon reservoir, and gases produced by the in situ combustion are sequestered in the reservoir by the overlying overburden.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.