In-situ kerogen conversion and recycling
US9133398B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P30/40
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations 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. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. These organic acids are valuable as hydrocarbon products for creating commercial products and a portion of these organic acids can also be used in the process for extracting the kerogen-based product from the subsurface shale formation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.