Electrokinetic enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from oil shale
US9033033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/2401
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Disclosed herein are 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 utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration. An electric field is generated through at least a portion of the kerogen rich zone to induce electrokinetic migration of the oxidant. A mobile kerogen-based product, that includes reaction products of kerogen conversion, is urged toward a production well utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration, and withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation. An electric field generated through at least a portion of the kerogen rich zone can also be utilized to induce migration of catalysts or catalyst precursors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.