Systems and methods for in situ resistive heating of organic matter in a subterranean formation
US9394772B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B36/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for pyrolyzing organic matter in a subterranean formation includes powering a first generation in situ resistive heating element within an aggregate electrically conductive zone at least partially in a first region of the subterranean formation by transmitting an electrical current between a first electrode pair in electrical contact with the first generation in situ resistive heating element to pyrolyze a second region of the subterranean formation, adjacent the first region, to expand the aggregate electrically conductive zone into the second region, wherein the expanding creates a second generation in situ resistive heating element within the second region and powering the second generation in situ resistive heating element by transmitting an electrical current between a second electrode pair in electrical contact with the second generation in situ resistive heating element to generate heat with the second generation in situ resistive heating element within the second region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.