Indirect downhole steam generator with carbon dioxide capture
US9115575B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B36/02
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and systems for enhancing recovery of hydrocarbons below a permafrost layer are provided which use a downhole combustion device to inject a heated fluid into a subterranean formation to enhance hydrocarbon recovery through viscosity reduction. The system is configured to avoid adversely thermally affecting the permafrost, which is highly undesirable. One or more heat exchangers may be used in conjunction with the combustion device to enhance heat transfer of various streams. The heat exchanger(s) mitigate the adverse effects of various streams on the permafrost by lowering the return stream temperatures, which are transported through the wellbore. A carbon dioxide capture system may be provided to recover carbon dioxide from the combustion device exhaust. Certain optional embodiments allow the amount of carbon dioxide introduced into the formation to be independently controlled to further enhance the hydrocarbon recovery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.