| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080217016 | Creating fluid injectivity in tar sands formations - Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods for treating a tar sands may include heating a portion of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from one or more heaters located in the portion. The heat may be controlled to increase the permeability of at least part of the portion to create an injection zone in the portion with an average permeability sufficient to allow injection of a fluid through the injection zone. A drive fluid and/or an oxidizing fluid may be provided into the injection zone. At least some hydrocarbons are produced from the portion. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20090008096 | Treating Subterranean Zones - A system for treating a subterranean zone includes a combustion driven compressor in communication with a supply of a component of a combustion mixture. The compressor is configured to compress the component of the combustion mixture and has a combustion exhaust. A source of treatment fluid for treating the subterranean zone is coupled to the combustion exhaust to supply the treatment fluid in heat transfer communication with the combustion exhaust. In certain instances, compressor is driven by combusting the combustion mixture. In certain instances, the combustion mixture is combusted in separate combustor. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090044943 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM OIL SHALE - A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil shale using nuclear energy sources for energy to fracture the oil shale formations and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Embodiments of the present invention also disclose steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products from the oil shale formations. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090071652 | IN SITU HEAT TREATMENT FROM MULTIPLE LAYERS OF A TAR SANDS FORMATION - A method for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. The method includes providing a drive fluid to a first hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the first layer. At least some of the mobilized hydrocarbons are allowed to flow into a second hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. Heat is provided to the second layer from one or more heaters located in the second layer. At least some hydrocarbons are produced from the second layer of the formation. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090090509 | IN SITU RECOVERY FROM RESIDUALLY HEATED SECTIONS IN A HYDROCARBON CONTAINING FORMATION - Methods of treating a tar sands formation is described herein. The methods may include providing heat to a first section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the first section of the formation. Heat is transferred from the heaters so that at least a first section of the formation reaches a selected temperature. At least a portion of residual heat from the first section transfers from the first section to a second section of the formation. At least a portion of hydrocarbons in the second section are mobilized by providing a solvation fluid and/or a pressurizing fluid to the second section of the formation. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090095478 | VARYING PROPERTIES OF IN SITU HEAT TREATMENT OF A TAR SANDS FORMATION BASED ON ASSESSED VISCOSITIES - A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. A viscosity of one or more zones of the hydrocarbon layer is assessed. The heating rates in the zones are varied based on the assessed viscosities. The heating rate in a first zone of the formation is greater than the heating rate in a second zone of the formation if the viscosity in the first zone is greater than the viscosity in the second zone. Fluids are produced from the formation through the production wells. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090095479 | PRODUCTION FROM MULTIPLE ZONES OF A TAR SANDS FORMATION - A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. The heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation. Fluids are produced from the formation through at least one production well that is located in at least two zones in the formation. The first zone has an initial permeability of at least 1 darcy. The second zone has an initial of at most 0.1 darcy. The two zones are separated by a substantially impermeable barrier. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090095480 | IN SITU HEAT TREATMENT OF A TAR SANDS FORMATION AFTER DRIVE PROCESS TREATMENT - A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing a drive fluid to a hydrocarbon containing layer of the tar sands formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the layer. At least some first hydrocarbons from the layer are produced. Heat is provided to the layer from one or more heaters located in the formation. At least some second hydrocarbons are produced from the layer of the formation. The second hydrocarbons include at least some hydrocarbons that are upgraded compared to the first hydrocarbons produced by using the drive fluid. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090145606 | Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery By Steam Injection of Oil Sand FOrmations - The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The bitumen softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, exposing fresh surface of bitumen for the process to progressively soften and mobilize the bitumen in a predominantly circumferential, i.e. orthogonal to the propped fracture, diffusion direction at a nearly uniform rate into the oil sand deposit. The produced product of oil and dissolved solvent is pumped to the surface where the solvent can be recycled for further injection. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090218099 | Method for Enhancing Heavy Hydrocarbon Recovery - Amines or ammonia and amines may be used to enhance recovery of heavy hydrocarbons. The amines or ammonia and amines alone or with water, steam or an oil solvent are combined with the heavy hydrocarbons to promote the transport of the heavy hydrocarbons. The amines or ammonia and amines may be injected downhole or admixed with heavy hydrocarbon containing ore on the surface, optionally with water or steam. Ammonia may be used alone with high quality steam. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090260825 | METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONS FROM A SUBSURFACE HYDROCARBON CONTAINING FORMATION - Methods for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. A comprising hydrogen sulfide is combusted in one or more surface facilities exterior to the hydrocarbon containing formation to produce a sulfur oxides stream. At least a portion of the sulfur oxides stream is provided to a hydrocarbon containing formation. Steam may be provided to the hydrocarbon containing formation. Mixing of the steam and/or water in the formation with the sulfur oxides generates heat of solution in the hydrocarbon containing formation for mobilizing formation fluids. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090266545 | Method and Device for Producing a Gaseous Medium Comprising Steam - The invention relates to a method for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam, said steam being produced from a first fluid medium, energy for heating the first fluid medium being provided by burning a fuel, comprising the steps of mixing the steam with exhaust gas from combustion of said fuel characterised by the steps of prior to mixing the steam with exhaust gas, injecting fluid into the steam. The invention further relates to a device for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam. The invention also relates to a further method for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam The invention still further relates to a further device for producing a gaseous medium comprising steam. The invention finally relates to a turbine configuration. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090301724 | METHODS OF PRODUCING ALKYLATED HYDROCARBONS FROM AN IN SITU HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS LIQUID - A method for producing alkylated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce at least a second gas stream including hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are introduced into an alkylation unit to produce alkylated hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the olefins in the first gas stream enhance alkylation. The alkylated hydrocarbons may be blended with one or more components to produce transportation fuel. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100051280 | INTELLIGENT COMPLETION DESIGN FOR A RESERVOIR - The invention relates to a method of performing intelligent completion design for a reservoir within a field having at least one wellsite with a steam injection well penetrating a subterranean formation of the field for extracting fluid from the reservoir therein. The method involves obtaining measurement data of the subterranean formation associated with the steam injection well, generating, using a processor of a computer, a reservoir model based on the measurement data, determining, using the processor, a geological profile adjacent to the steam injection well using the reservoir model, identifying, using the processor, a location along the steam injection well based on the geological profile according to a pre-determined criteria, and defining and storing, using the processor, a steam injection configuration based on the location. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100089586 | MOVABLE HEATERS FOR TREATING SUBSURFACE HYDROCARBON CONTAINING FORMATIONS - A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation includes providing heat to a first portion of the formation using a heater. The heating section of the heater is at least partially located in a substantially horizontal or inclined portion of a wellbore and is located in or proximate to a hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. The heating section has a length that is at most 1/2 the length of the horizontal or inclined portion of the wellbore. At least a portion of the heating section in the wellbore is moved such that heat is provided to a second portion of the formation. The second portion is horizontally displaced from the first portion of the formation. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100101794 | HEATING SUBSURFACE FORMATIONS WITH FLUIDS - A method of treating a hydrocarbon formation includes providing heat to the hydrocarbon formation from a plurality of heaters. The heat transfers from the heaters so that at least a section the formation reaches a selected temperature. The section includes hydrocarbons having an API gravity below 10°. A solution including water is provided to the section. A temperature of the solution is at least 250° C. A pressure of the formation is maintained such that the water remains a liquid at 250° C. At least a some of the hydrocarbons in the section having an API gravity below 10° are contacted to produce hydrocarbon fluids. The hydrocarbon fluids in the section are mobilized. The hydrocarbon fluids include hydrocarbons having an API gravity of at least 10°. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100139922 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HEAVY OIL - A process for emulsifying and burning a portion of heavy oil extracted from an underground reservoir is disclosed, wherein the emulsified heavy oil is burned to generate steam and a caustic is used to aid in emulsifying the heavy oil. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100206570 | CIRCULATED HEATED TRANSFER FLUID SYSTEMS USED TO TREAT A SUBSURFACE FORMATION - A method for heating a subsurface formation includes applying heat from a plurality of heaters to at least a portion of the subsurface formation. A portion of one or more of the heaters are allowed to move relative to the heaters respective wellhead using sliding seals to accommodate thermal expansion of the heaters. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212904 | IN SITU FLUID RESERVOIR STIMULATION PROCESS - Methods and processes for in-situ stimulation of hydrocarbon containing formations using energy to expand in-situ liquid hydrocarbons, thus rejuvenating naturally occurring fractures. In some embodiments, the energy is supplied as heat from injection of an oxygen containing fluid. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100224369 | Method for recovering energy in-situ from underground resources and upgrading such energy resources above ground - A method for recovering energy in-situ from underground resources such as coal and upgrading such energy above ground, comprising a first step consisting of injecting a hot recycling gas through said resource to devolatilize it to produce a raw hydrogen rich gas and an in-situ residual hot char wherein said hydrogen rich gas is brought above ground and is treated to become a cleaned, upgraded hydrogen rich gas serving as a feedstock to make a chemical and/or transportation fuel, and a second step consisting of injecting a waste greenhouse gas like carbon dioxide (CO | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100224370 | METHOD OF HEATING HYDROCARBONS - The present invention relates generally to a method and means of injecting hot fluids into a hydrocarbon formation using a combustion and steam generating device installed at or near the well-head of an injector well. The various embodiments are directed generally to substantially increasing energy efficiency of thermal recovery operations by efficiently utilizing the energy of the combustion products and waste heat from the generator. The generator apparatuses can be installed at the well-head which, in turn, can be located close to the producing formation. The combustion products may be injected into a well along with steam or sequestered at another location. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100258315 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR THE RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONACEOUS AND ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS FROM OIL/ TAR SANDS - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil/tar sands. The method includes the steps of forming a hole in a body of oil or tar sand, positioning an apertured sleeve within the hole to minimize fill-in of the sand, positioning a gas inlet conduit into the apertured sleeve, and introducing a heated, pressurized processing gas into the sleeve through the gas inlet conduit, such that the heated, pressurized processing gas penetrates into the sand through the apertures, thereby converting bitumen within the sand into hydrocarbonaceous products. The processing gas and hydrocarbonaceous products are withdrawn as effluent gas through the hole under relative negative pressure. The apertured sleeve may be installed in sections into the hole as the hole is formed. The apertures in the sleeve may be holes with a circular or other geometry or elongate cuts. In particular, the apertures in the sleeve are elongate cuts oriented more vertically than horizontally; that is, more aligned with the axis of the sleeve. A mesh screen may be supported between the apertured sleeve and the body of oil or tar sand. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100258316 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS TO RECOVER HYDROCARBONACEOUS AND ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS FROM OIL SHALE AND SANDS - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. The effluent gas is maintained under a negative pressure from the hole and through the initial and subsequent condensation steps. This provides numerous advantages, including the adjustment of various physical parameters during the extraction process. Such adjustment allows the ratio of oils types to be varied, the ratio of hydrocarbonaceous products to non-crude products to be varied, contamination control, and other disclosed advantages. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100258317 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR THE RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONACEOUS AND ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS FROM OIL SHALE AND OIL SANDS - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from a combustor may be routed through a heat exchanger to produce the processing gas, the composition of which may be adjusted so that it contains approximately 1% oxygen or less. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products. Various physical parameters may be adjusted to vary the recovery of crude oil or other products or contaminants from the effluent gas. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100276147 | Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery By Steam Injection of Oil Sand FOrmations - The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The bitumen softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, exposing fresh surface of bitumen for the process to progressively soften and mobilize the bitumen in a predominantly circumferential, i.e. orthogonal to the propped fracture, diffusion direction at a nearly uniform rate into the oil sand deposit. The produced product of oil and dissolved solvent is pumped to the surface where the solvent can be recycled for further injection. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276148 | HOT FLUID RECOVERY OF HEAVY OIL WITH STEAM AND CARBON DIOXIDE - Combustion gases with relatively high levels of carbon dioxide (CO | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100288497 | IN SITU METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF OIL FROM SHALE - A system and process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden. The system comprises an energy delivery subsystem to heat the body of oil shale and a hydrocarbon gathering subsystem for gathering hydrocarbons retorted from the body of oil shale. The energy delivery subsystem comprises at least one energy delivery well drilled from the surface of the earth through the overburden to a depth proximate a bottom of the body of oil shale, the energy delivery well extending generally downward from a surface location above a proximal end of the body of oil shale to be retorted and continuing proximate the bottom of the body of oil shale. The energy delivery well may extend into the body of oil shale at an angle. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20110017455 | HYDROCARBON RECOVERY METHOD - A process for increasing the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery from an underground formation containing viscous hydrocarbons through the use of both gravity drainage and mobile water drive. The process comprises a pair of vertically-spaced horizontal wells and a laterally offset horizontal well. A heated fluid is injected into the formation via a first well pair, and an adjacent horizontal well creates a pressure sink to draw the heated fluid laterally to assist growth of the formation drainage area for hydrocarbon recovery improvement. Injected fluids recovered from both producers are collected for recycling. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110036576 | HEATED FLUID INJECTION USING MULTILATERAL WELLS - A well system includes a main wellbore extending from a terranean surface toward a subterranean zone. A first lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A second lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A liner junction device resides in the main wellbore and has a first leg extending into the first lateral wellbore and a second leg extending downhole in the main wellbore. A treatment fluid injection string extends from in the main wellbore through the liner junction and into the first lateral wellbore and terminates in the first lateral wellbore. A seal in the first lateral wellbore seals against flow toward the main wellbore in an annulus adjacent an outer surface of the treatment fluid injection string. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110127036 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A DOWNHOLE GAS GENERATOR - A downhole steam generation apparatus and method of use are provided. The apparatus may include an injection section, a combustion section, and an evaporation section. The injection section may include a housing, injector elements, and injector plate. The combustion section may include a liner having channels disposed therethrough. The evaporation section may include conduits in fluid communication with the channels and the combustion chamber, and a nozzle operable to inject a fluid from the channels to the combustion chamber in droplet form. A method of use may include supplying fuel, oxidant, and fluid to the apparatus; combusting fuel and oxidant in a chamber while flowing the fluid through a plurality of channels disposed through a liner, thereby heating the fluid and cooling the liner; and injecting droplets of the heated fluid into the chamber and evaporating the droplets by combustion of the fuel and the oxidant to produce steam. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110146991 | Integrated Hydrogen Production and Hydrocarbon Extraction - Reformer and method for producing hydrogen and steam where steam is used for steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. Steam is injected into a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir along with produced water. Hydrogen is produced in a catalytic steam hydrocarbon reformer. Combustion product gas from the reformer is used to generate wet steam in a once-through steam generator from produced water recycled from the reservoir. The wet steam is used for the steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. The reformer has a heat exchanger section where a heat exchanger is suitable for processing the produced water by once-through steam generation and is suitable for mechanical cleaning. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110168394 | METHODS OF PRODUCING ALKYLATED HYDROCARBONS FROM AN IN SITU HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS LIQUID - A method for producing alkylated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce at least a second gas stream including hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are introduced into an alkylation unit to produce alkylated hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the olefins in the first gas stream enhance alkylation. The alkylated hydrocarbons may be blended with one or more components to produce transportation fuel. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110180262 | METHOD OF LIQUEFACTION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL TO LIQUID HYDROCARBON - The present invention provides a method of liquefying a carbonaceous material in situ to produce liquid hydrocarbon comprising applying an aqueous solution to the carbonaceous material to facilitate a liquefaction reaction in a reaction zone in the carbonaceous material that liquefies the carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbon, wherein the aqueous solution comprises components selected from the group consisting of water, hydrogen peroxide at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 70%, methanol at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 30%, and a catalyst. The aqueous solution may be a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the reaction zone is heated to a desired temperature by applying a first aqueous solution prior to applying a second aqueous solution that is a super-heated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110198084 | GROUNDWATER ISOLATION BARRIERS FOR MINING AND OTHER SUBSURFACE OPERATIONS - To protect an underground aquifer from pollution due to the extraction of subsurface products from a recovery well or other subsurface mining operation, a plurality of barrier injection wells are formed around the recovery well/subsurface operation, each barrier injection well terminating in a groundwater layer to be protected. A polymer matrix material is then into the injection wells such that the material exiting each injection well expands and overlaps with material exiting from adjacent wells prior to solidification, thereby forming an isolation barrier within the groundwater layer. In the preferred embodiment, the polymer matrix material is a cellulose polymer hydrogel matrix material which is injected in gel form. Following recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products from the recovery well(s), the injected polymer matrix material may be reheated and subsequently liquefied allowing full groundwater flow to occur. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198085 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM OIL SANDS - A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil sands using nuclear energy sources for power to decrease the viscosity of bitumen in oil sands deposits and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products form the oil sands deposits are disclosed. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20120037370 | Well completion and related methods for enhanced recovery of heavy oil - A well completion for use in enhanced recovery of heavy oil includes a compressor for pressurizing natural gas captured from a heavy oil formation to a specified pressure while maintaining the pressurized gas at a specified temperature by controlling conduction from the pressurized gas of adiabatic heat produced in its pressurization. The pressurized and heated natural gas is then reintroduced to the heavy oil formation to enhance production therefrom. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120061081 | RF FRACTURING TO IMPROVE SAGD PERFORMANCE - A method of producing heavy oil from a heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage. The method begins by drilling a borehole into a heavy oil formation comprising a steam barrier between a first pay zone and a second pay zone, wherein the steam barrier prevents a steam chamber to be formed between the first pay zone and the second pay zone. The steam barrier is then heated with a radio frequency. The steam barrier is then fractured to permit a steam chamber to be formed within the first pay zone and the second pay zone. Heavy oil is then produced from the heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120145398 | CONTROLLING FLOW OF STEAM INTO AND/OR OUT OF A WELLBORE - A method of producing from a subterranean formation can include injecting steam into the formation, and then automatically opening at least one valve in response to the steam condensing. A well system can include a tubular string disposed in a wellbore, the tubular string including at least one valve, steam which flows from the wellbore into a formation surrounding the wellbore, and alternately flows from the formation into the wellbore as liquid water, and the valve opening automatically in response to presence of the liquid water in the wellbore. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145399 | RESTRICTING PRODUCTION OF GAS OR GAS CONDENSATE INTO A WELLBORE - A method of producing liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the liquid hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a bubble point curve from a liquid phase side thereof. A method of producing gaseous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the gaseous hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a hydrocarbon gas condensate saturation curve from a gaseous phase side thereof. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120160494 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONS FROM WELLS - A method of enhancing recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon formation, includes heating the hydrocarbon formation by injecting heated gas into a borehole; generating a series of pressure pulses in the borehole by flashing a liquid into a gas; and directing the pressure pulses into the hydrocarbon formation. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160495 | THERMAL RECOVERY OF SHALLOW BITUMEN THROUGH INCREASED PERMEABILITY INCLUSIONS - Systems and methods for thermal recovery of shallow bitumen using increased permeability inclusions. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes the steps of: propagating at least one generally planar inclusion outward from a wellbore into the formation; injecting a fluid into the inclusion, thereby heating the hydrocarbons; and during the injecting step, producing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore. A well system includes at least one generally planar inclusion extending outward from a wellbore into a formation; a fluid injected into the inclusion, hydrocarbons being heated as a result of the injected fluid; and a tubular string through which the hydrocarbons are produced, the tubular string extending to a location in the wellbore below the inclusion, and the hydrocarbons being received into the tubular string at that location. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120261128 | Oil Shale Processing - A method of in-situ processing of a subterranean oil shale formation to produce hydrocarbons comprising contacting the oil shale with (i) a carbon monoxide/water mixture or (ii) a carbon monoxide/water/hydrogen mixture together with at least one liquefaction promoter, under pressure and heat to produce hydrocarbons. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120267110 | Heating An Organic-Rich Rock Formation In Situ To Produce Products With Improved Properties - A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids with improved hydrocarbon compound properties from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, such as an oil shale formation, is provided. The method may include the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation may pyrolyze at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids with improved hydrocarbon compound properties are also provided. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120279713 | PULSE FRACTURING DEVICE AND METHOD - A method of inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure includes inducing acoustic waves into a fluid medium present in a borehole extending at least partially into the structure. Embodiments may include preheating or pressurizing the fluid medium prior to inducing the acoustic wave therein. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20130075098 | METHODS FOR TREATMENT AND USE OF PRODUCED WATER - Produced water is treated by raising the pH to a level that significantly increases silica solubility and breaks emulsions. So treated water is then de-oiled, filtered, and subjected to ion exchange chromatography to reduce water hardness prior to feeding into a steam generator to form an intermediate quality steam. If desired, the intermediate quality steam is directly used in SAGD, or separated into a high quality steam and condensate, which is further treated to obtain additional water that can then be used in the steam generator. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130087337 | THERMAL EXPANSION ACCOMMODATION FOR CIRCULATED FLUID SYSTEMS USED TO HEAT SUBSURFACE FORMATIONS - A method for accommodating thermal expansion of a heater in a formation includes flowing a heat transfer fluid through a conduit to provide heat to the formation and providing substantially constant tension to an end portion of the conduit that extends outside the formation. At least a portion of the end portion of the conduit is wound around a movable wheel used to apply tension to the conduit. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130126171 | Heat Dissipation in Downhole Equipment - A downhole assembly may include a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface adapted for contact with a downhole fluid, the inner surface defining an interior volume. One or more heat producing components may be disposed within the interior volume and in thermal contact with a structural component (e.g., chassis). One or more thermal dissipation members may be disposed within the housing, the one or more thermal dissipation members in thermal contact with the chassis and in thermal contact with the inner surface of the housing. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130153228 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING OIL - The present invention provides a system and method for producing oil in which an ether-containing formulation is injected into a formation containing oil and an oil-immiscible formulation is injected into the formation, and oil is produced from the formation. The oil-immiscible formulation has a salt content of at most 5 wt. % and is comprised of water having a salt content of at most 5 wt. %. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130153229 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING WELLBORE TREATMENT FLUID FLEXIBILITY - A method includes performing a chemical process to create a chemical product and an amount of heat, and transferring the heat to a first fluid. The method further includes hydrating a polymer in the first fluid, and adding the chemical product from the chemical process to the first fluid to create a treatment fluid. The method further includes diluting the treatment fluid with respect to at least one constituent of the treatment fluid. The method includes treating a formation of interest in a wellbore with the treatment fluid. The method includes changing a formulation of the treatment fluid during the treating. The method also includes extending the treating beyond a design amount, or ending the treatment before the design amount and preserving some reagents of the chemical process. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130161009 | STEAM GENERATOR AND METHOD FOR GENERATING STEAM - A method for generating steam from a feedwater inlet stream including impurities is disclosed. The method involves receiving the feedwater inlet stream at an inlet of a steam generator and causing the feedwater stream to flow through a tubing circuit to an outlet of the tubing circuit, the tubing circuit having a substantially un-rifled bore defined by a metal wall. The method also involves delivering a heat flux to the feedwater stream through the metal wall of the tubing circuit to generate steam by causing evaporation of feedwater within the tubing circuit, and controlling at least one of a flow rate of the feedwater stream and the heat flux to cause generation of an outlet stream at the outlet includes a steam portion and liquid phase portion, the steam portion being greater than about 80% of the outlet stream by mass. The steam portion provides sufficient cooling of the metal wall to maintain a wall temperature at less than a threshold temperature. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130168093 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OIL SAND EXPLOITATION - A downhole apparatus for oil sand exploitation, including at least a casing for housing a water conduit for receiving water, at least one steam generation chamber being in fluid communication with said water conduit and having at least one steam outlet, at least one electrical heater, being thermally connected to said steam generation chamber, at least one crude oil conduit for recovering crude oil. A method including injecting steam from at least one steam generation chamber coupled to an oil recovery conduit into a reserve; and removing oil from the reserve through the conduit, wherein the least one steam generation chamber is disposed on the oil recovery conduit, and the steam generation chamber includes a plurality of heating conduits each including a heating element and a thermally conductive material therein, and at least one reservoir surrounding the plurality of heating conduits from which the steam is produced. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130168094 | ENHANCED HEAVY OIL RECOVERY USING DOWNHOLE BITUMEN UPGRADING WITH STEAM ASSISTED GRAVITY DRAINAGE - Methods for recovery of heavy oils use selective catalytic downhole upgrading with SAGD technology. Certain embodiments include extracting heavy oil using a SAGD process and upgrading the heavy oil in a production well with a cracking catalyst. The cracking catalyst is introduced into the production well, allowing the extracted hydrocarbons to interface with the cracking catalyst to upgrade the hydrocarbons. The upgraded hydrocarbons are then separated from the cracking catalyst. This upgraded stream has a lower molecular weight, significantly reducing the viscosity of the produced hydrocarbons. A gasifier is provided to gasify a portion of the slurry containing unconverted heavy oil and cracking catalyst to produce syngas. The syngas may then be used to produce steam for use in the SAGD extraction process, improving energy efficiency of the process. Further, formation catalyst losses are avoided as the catalyst injected into the well is recovered and available for reuse. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130186627 | ADDITIVES FOR IMPROVING HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - Processes for recovering hydrocarbons from subterranean formations are disclosed. The hydrocarbon can be contacted with water or steam and one or more additives, and subsequently recovered. The hydrocarbon can be selected from the group consisting of heavy or light crude oil, bitumen, an oil sand ore, a tar sand ore and combinations thereof. The additive can be, for example, a fluorinated hydrocarbon, one or more alcohols, combinations of alcohols, and combinations of one or more alcohols and one or more fluorinated hydrocarbons. Compositions or mixtures including hydrocarbons, water or steam, and additives are also disclosed. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130264058 | TREATMENT METHODS FOR NAHCOLITIC OIL SHALE FORMATIONS WITH FRACTURES - A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing layer in a subsurface formation includes forming a plurality of substantially vertical fractures in the formation at selected intervals along a length of at least one production wellbore positioned substantially horizontally in the hydrocarbon containing layer. Heat is provided from a plurality of heaters to the hydrocarbon containing layer such that at least some hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing layer are mobilized. At least some of the plurality of heaters are positioned substantially horizontally in the hydrocarbon containing layer. At least some mobilized hydrocarbons are produced through at least one production wellbore. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130269943 | Method of Recovering Oil and Producing Produced Water That is Concentrated and Dried by a Double Drum Dryer - A method of treating concentrated produced water derived from a steam assisted gravity discharge oil recovery process is described. The method includes utilizing a double drum dryer to dry a concentrated slurry and produce a dried concentrate for deposition in a landfill. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20140048268 | Method for Hydraulically Fracturing a Well Using An Oil-Fired Frac Water Heater - The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an oil-fired heat exchange system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. The present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the oil-fired heat exchanger system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel/air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140076566 | Use of Underground Access to Improve Steam Distribution in SAGD Operations - A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation with steam-assisted gravity drainage comprises a subterranean access tunnel extending through the formation. In addition, the system comprises a steam injection well extending through the formation above a portion of the tunnel. Further, the system comprises a production well extending through the formation above the portion of the tunnel. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced bores extending upward from the access tunnel through the formation. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140124203 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE DOWNHOLE INJECTION OF SUPERHEATED STEAM - Superheated steam from a generator ( | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140124204 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOW EMISSION HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140144640 | METHOD OF GAS AND OIL PRODUCTION FROM SHALE, OIL SANDS AND BIOMASS USING PROPPANTS AND WELL SAFETY OPTIONS - This process describes method to recover over 95 percent recovery of Oil and gas from Shale fracking, Oil Sands, Biomass, and hydrates and from deep water wells by novel invention. The disclosure describes using CO | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144641 | FRAC WATER HEATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYDRAULICALLY FRACTURING A WELL - The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing an improved frac water heating system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. In another embodiment, the present invention includes multiple, single-pass heat exchanger units arranged in a vertically stacked configuration. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the improved frac water heating system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel/air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140151047 | Method for Hydraulically Fracturing a Well Using A Frac Water Heater - The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art mobile oil field heat exchange systems by providing a portable heat exchange system. The present invention is a self-contained unit which is easily transported to remote locations. The present invention includes a single-pass tubular coil heat exchanger contained within a closed-bottom firebox having a forced-air combustion and cooling system. The rig also includes integral fuel tanks, hydraulic and pneumatic systems for operating the rig at remote operations in all weather environments. In a preferred embodiment, the portable heat exchanger system is used to heat water on-the-fly (i.e., directly from the supply source to the well head) to complete hydraulic fracturing operations. The present invention also includes systems for regulating and adjusting the fuel/air mixture within the firebox to maximize the combustion efficiency. The system includes a novel hood opening mechanism attached to the exhaust stack of the firebox. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140174744 | Systems and Methods For Pressure-Cycled Stimulation During Gravity Drainage Operations - Systems and methods for pressure-cycled stimulation during gravity drainage operations. These systems and methods include increasing a pressure within a stimulation well that extends within a subterranean formation and subsequently decreasing the pressure within the stimulation well to increase production of viscous hydrocarbons from a production well. The systems and methods include repeating the increasing and the decreasing for a plurality of stimulation cycles and producing viscous hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation during the increasing, the decreasing, and the repeating. The increasing may include increasing a reservoir pressure within the subterranean formation to a pressure that is greater than a bubble point pressure of the viscous hydrocarbons, and the decreasing may include decreasing the reservoir pressure to a pressure that is less than the bubble point pressure of the viscous hydrocarbons. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140190698 | STEAM GENERATOR AND METHOD FOR GENERATING STEAM - A method for producing steam includes combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate heat in a combustion stream, and injecting impure water into the combustion stream such that the heat produces a steam stream including particulate matter precipitated from the impure water. A steam generator includes a combustion chamber that has an initial section including an oxidant feed that is substantially free of nitrogen and a fuel feed, and downstream from the initial section at least one liquid water feed | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140209310 | DOWNHOLE STEAM GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USE - A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140238681 | System and Method for Controlling and Optimizing the Hydrothermal Upgrading of Heavy Crude Oil and Bitumen - A system and method is provided for upgrading a continuously flowing process stream including heavy crude oil (HCO). A reactor receives the process stream in combination with water, at an inlet temperature within a range of about 60° C. to about 200° C. The reactor includes one or more process flow tubes having a combined length of about 30 times their aggregated transverse cross-sectional dimension, and progressively heats the process stream to an outlet temperature T(max) | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140262279 | MODULAR SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTING HYDROCARBONS FROM SUBTERRANEAN VOLUMES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Modular systems for extracting hydrocarbons from subterranean volumes and associated methods are generally described. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140305644 | Method and apparatus for reducing costs and emissions from extracting and processing gas and oil from underground resources - This invention relates to improvements in the current recovery of gases and oil liquids from an underground resource such as shale by means of hydraulic fracturing “Fracking.” The main improvements consist of increasing the yield of gases and oil liquids from drilled wells as well as eliminating the use of water which is a major problem. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140305645 | REDUCED BLOWDOWN STEAM GENERATION - Steam is generated using high total dissolved solids (TDS) boiler feedwater while still maintaining relatively low boiler blowdown rates. In one embodiment, a boiler is adapted to generate low quality steam from the high TDS feedwater to maintain wet conditions in the boiler tubes to mitigate against fouling/scaling problems. The low quality steam is then separated into a vapor fraction and a liquid blowdown stream. The vapor fraction is superheated to superheated steam. The liquid blowdown stream is allowed to exchange heat with the thus-created superheated steam to vaporize a portion of the blowdown to form a finished steam and a waste stream. This reduces the blowdown to waste and creates more end user steam. The finished steam is routed to its end use, e.g., a hydrocarbon thermal recovery process. Advantages include lower cost, higher efficiency, and less equipment complexity. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140311744 | WATER HEATING APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS HEATED WATER FLOW AND METHOD FOR USE IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. The method contemplates heating the water up to a temperature of about 200° F. (93.3 ° C.). A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed. From the mixing tanks, the water with proppant and optional chemicals is injected into the well for part of the hydraulic fracturing operation. The mixer preferably employs lateral fittings that enable heated water to enter the mixer bore at an acute angle. The mixer can also provide a lateral fitting that exits the mixer bore upstream of the first lateral fitting, the second lateral fitting transmitting water via a conduit such as a hose to the heater. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140360726 | STEAM GENERATOR AND CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE - Methods and systems generate steam for injection into a formation in order to facilitate oil recovery and also capture carbon dioxide in a recovery unit that receives flue gas exhaust from such steam generation. The methods and systems integrate various process streams from and to the carbon dioxide recovery unit. Such integration provides resulting benefits associated with efficiency and/or carbon dioxide avoidance. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140374102 | Enzyme Assisted Well Treatment - A solid chemical delivery system for delivering chemicals to an underground formation. The solid chemical is formed by dehydrating a silicate to form anhydrous silicate. Well chemicals are then introduced to the silica and form a tablet or pelletized chemical. The pelletized solid chemical is then delivered to the underground formation through the well bore with a proppant and fracturing fluid. This allows the well treatment chemicals to be released over time. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150013986 | WATER HEATING APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS HEATED WATER FLOW AND METHOD FOR USE IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. The method contemplates heating the water up to a temperature of about 200° F. (93.3° C.). A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed. From the mixing tanks, the water with proppant and optional chemicals is injected into the well for part of the hydraulic fracturing operation. The mixer preferably employs lateral fittings that enable heated water to enter the mixer bore at an acute angle. The mixer can also provide a lateral fitting that exits the mixer bore upstream of the first lateral fitting, the second lateral fitting transmitting water via a conduit such as a hose to the heater. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150021031 | ELECTRIC AND FIRED STEAM GENERATION SYSTEMS - Methods and systems relate to steam assisted oil recovery utilizing a fired boiler and an electric boiler, which may be disposed closer to an injection well than the fired boiler. A gas turbine produces electricity supplied to the electric boiler and flue gas exhaust that may input into the fired boiler. The electric boiler may vaporize condensate that forms from the steam generated in the fired boiler prior to being introduced into the injection well. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150047847 | Apparatus and Methods for Stimulating Reservoirs Using Fluids Containing Nano/Micro Heat Transfer Elements - In one aspect, a method of stimulating flow of a fluid present in a subsurface reservoir to a wellbore is provided, which method, in one non-limiting embodiment, may include providing a working fluid that includes a heated base fluid and heated nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticle have a core and a shell; supplying the working fluid into a selected section of the subsurface reservoir; allowing the heated nanoparticles to transfer heat to the fluid in the subsurface reservoir to stimulate flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the wellbore. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150053407 | MICROBIAL ENHANCED TREATMENT OF CARBONATE RESERVOIRS FOR IN SITU HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - Techniques for hydrocarbon recovery from a carbonate reservoir include injecting a microbial stimulation fluid including H | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150060073 | METHOD OF USING CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER (CSP) FOR THERMAL GAS WELL DELIQUIFICATION - A concentrated solar power (CSP) deliquification system for discouraging the accumulation of liquids in a wellbore includes a CSP heating subsystem, and an injection and recirculation subsystem. A working fluid is heated by the CSP heating subsystem and conveyed down-hole into the wellbore by the injection and recirculation subsystem. Heat is transferred from the working fluid to a production fluid within the wellbore, which facilitates maintenance of the production fluid in a gaseous or phase while in the wellbore. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150068750 | Recovery From A Hydrocarbon Reservoir - Methods and apparatus for recovering heavy oil from subterranean reservoirs. A steam-utilizing heavy oil recovery process may be used to recover the heavy oil while employing a steam-solvent mixture. The solvent may be a tailored hydrocarbon solvent obtained from a precursor mixture of hydrocarbon compounds from which light end hydrocarbon compounds have been removed. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150090455 | Natural Gas Hydrate Reservoir Heating - A heating system for heating a natural gas hydrate reservoir. The heating system includes a fully enclosed wellbore extending through a portion of the natural gas hydrate reservoir. A heating fluid is passed through the wellbore to heat the portion of the natural gas hydrate reservoir. Additionally, a production system includes a perforated wellbore that is used to extract the natural gas hydrate water after heating. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150096754 | INDIRECT BOILING FOR WATER TREATMENT - Systems and methods relate to vaporizing water into steam, which may be utilized in applications such as bitumen production. Initial indirect vaporization of the water at a first pressure for treatment precedes a steam generator boiling the water at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. The indirect vaporization of the water occurs in a vessel upon contact of the water with a substance such as solid particulate heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Impurities in the water deposit on the solid particulate and/or combust limiting pass through of the impurities to the steam generator given that a vapor output of the vessel from the initial indirect vaporization condenses and is pressurized before being supplied to the steam generator. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150101815 | FORMULATIONS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING HYDROCARBONS FROM SURFACES - The invention provides formulations for facilitating the removal of oil from a surface using a chisel composition, wherein the chisel composition includes a polymer having one or more binding points with a high affinity for the surface, and one or more hydrophilic segments that form a hydrophilic coating on the surface, rendering the surface water-wet and thereby facilitating the removal of oil from the surface. The invention also provides for methods of use of such formulations. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150136400 | Oil Recovery Process with Composition-Adjustable Multi-Component Thermal Fluid (MCTF) - The present invention relates to an oil recovery process with composition-adjustable multi-component thermal fluid, the process comprises: adding oxygen produced by air together with fuel and water into a reactor, in which the oxygen and the fuel combust to produce flue gas and heat, the heat heats water to generate hot water/steam, and then the flue gas and the hot water/steam are mixed to form multi-component thermal fluid, wherein the purity of oxygen added into the reactor is controlled so as to produce the multi-component thermal fluid with various mass ratios of flue gas to hot water/steam; then the obtained multi-component thermal fluid with various mass ratios of flue gas to hot water/steam are injected into various types of oil reservoirs for oil recovery. The oil recovery process of the present invention is applicable for various types of crude oil reservoirs. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150136401 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLD CRACKING - Method to enhance the recovery of oil from an oil field, comprising: applying heat to a colloidal hydrocarbonic medium that comprises hydrocarbon chains; and applying pressure waves having a predetermined frequency and intensity to hydrocarbon chains, in order to crack hydrocarbon chains into relatively shorter hydrocarbon chains. Optionally: applying heat may comprise applying steam; the pressure waves may be applied directly or indirectly to hydrocarbon chains to be cracked; applying pressure waves may be performed within the oil field, by use of an Activator within or outside of the oil field; applying pressure waves may be performed within the oil field; applying pressure waves may be performed by use of a rotor situated in a housing pervaded by the colloidal hydrocarbonic medium. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150308231 | LIQUID BASED BOILER - Methods and systems generate steam for oil recovery operations. The systems may limit feedwater pretreatment expenses and fouling issues. In the method, dirty feedwater introduced into a vessel containing a hot liquid hydrocarbon, e.g., an already hot produced hydrocarbon, contacts the hydrocarbon and is vaporized into steam. The steam collects in a top of the vessel and may be conveyed to the wellhead for downhole injection. The hydrocarbon remains heated by a closed circulation loop passing back and forth through a lower half of the vessel containing the hydrocarbon. The fluid in this loop remains isolated from contaminates in the water to limit fouling in tubes, which form the loop and can employ normal metallurgy to save on capital costs. The hydrocarbon can be treated as needed to remove accumulating salts and/or entrained water and recycled. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150322744 | HIGH TEMPERATURE VISCOSIFIER FOR INSULATING PACKER FLUIDS - An insulating packer fluid including an oleaginous fluid and a styrenic thermoplastic block copolymer and methods of preparing the packer fluid are provided. Also provided are methods of using the insulating packer fluid that include pumping an insulating packer fluid into an annulus formed between two concentric strings of pipe extending into a wellbore. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150369025 | DIRECT STEAM GENERATOR DEGASSING - Systems and methods generate steam mixed with desired non-condensable gas concentrations using a direct steam generator. Injecting the steam into a reservoir may facilitate recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir. Cooling an output of the direct steam generator produces water condensate, which is then separated from the non-condensable gas, such as carbon dioxide. Reducing pressure of the condensate subsequently heated by cross-exchange with effluent of the direct steam generator regenerates the steam with the carbon dioxide removed for the injection. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150369026 | USING LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS IN A HOT CIRCULATING FLUID HEATER FOR IN-SITU OIL SHALE RETORTING - Devices, systems, and processes are provided for retorting and extracting hydrocarbons from oil shale. A heat transfer fluid includes at least one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) component such as, for example, propane or butane. The heat transfer fluid moves through a heat delivery loop to retort oil shale, thereby facilitating the production of recoverable hydrocarbons. While the heat transfer fluid moves through the heat delivery loop, cracking of a portion of the heat transfer fluid may produce various hydrocarbon materials that may be provided to a product stream. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160032175 | Method For Coating A Well Treatment Chemical - A solid chemical delivery system for delivering chemicals to an underground. formation. The solid chemical is formed by dehydrating a silica to form anhydrous silica. Well chemicals are then introduced to the silica and form a tablet or pelletized chemical. The pelletized chemical is coated to further time-release the introduction of the chemical. The pelletized solid chemical is then delivered to the underground formation through the well bore with a proppant and fracturing fluid. This allows the well treatment chemicals to be released over time. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160032699 | TIGHT-SHALE OIL PRODUCTION TOOL - A tight-shale oil production tool includes a combustor operable to generate an aqueous-phase nitric acid, combustion products. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160053580 | Wellhead Gas Heater - Systems and methods are disclosed that may include providing a wellhead gas burner to burn wellhead gas produced from a wellhead to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The wellhead gas burner may include a pressure regulator and an expansion chamber that permit the wellhead gas burner to continuously operate and accommodate wellhead gas pressure fluctuations. The wellhead gas burner may also be configured as a primary heat source and integrated with a traditional propane/diesel gas burner system configured as a supplemental heat source. The wellhead gas burner may also be mounted to a mobile superheater truck. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160053581 | Wellhead Gas Separator System - Systems and methods are disclosed that may include producing wellhead gas from a wellbore, removing hydrocarbons and/or other particulates from the wellhead gas produced from the wellbore to maximize and/or provide a consistent BTU level to the wellhead gas, and burning the wellhead gas in a wellhead gas burner to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The wellhead gas burner may also be configured as a primary heat source and integrated with a traditional gas burner system configured as a supplemental heat source. The wellhead gas burner and the traditional gas burner may also be operated simultaneously. The wellhead gas burner may also be mounted to a mobile superheater truck. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160053991 | Dual Fuel Burner - Systems and methods are disclosed that may include providing a dual fuel burner in a superheater truck to burn wellhead gas produced from a wellhead in a first fuel burner and burn at least one of methane, ethane, propane, butane, gasoline, diesel, liquified natural gas (LNG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), and wellhead gas in a second fuel burner to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The first fuel burner may be integrated with the second fuel burner such that fuel rail fingers of the first fuel burner are interstitially spaced with fuel rail fingers of the second fuel burner. The first fuel burner and the second fuel burner may be operated independently from each other. The first fuel burner and the second fuel burner may alternatively be operated simultaneously with each other. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160076345 | PRODUCED WATER STEAM GENERATION PROCESS USING PRODUCED WATER BOILER WITH GAS TURBINE - A method and system for producing steam for use in heavy hydrocarbon recovery operations. Water, containing impurities, produced from the well is separated from hydrocarbons and other materials, and subsequently directly passed to a produced water boiler with online pigging. The boiler is indirectly heated by means of a hot flue gas, such as a gas turbine exhaust, which produces electricity (for powering a central processing facility, or alternatively a burner to heat the boiler) and exhaust heat for heating the boiler. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160115372 | METHODS OF RECOVERING A HYDROCARBON MATERIAL CONTAINED WITHIN A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION, AND RELATED WORKING FLUIDS - A method of recovering a hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation comprises forming a working fluid comprising substantially solid particles and an at least partially gaseous base material, the substantially solid particles exhibiting a greater heat capacity than the at least partially gaseous base material. The working fluid is introduced into a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon material to heat and remove the hydrocarbon material from the subterranean formation. An additional method of recovering a hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation, and a working fluid are also described. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160138378 | System and Method to Initiate Permeability in Bore Holes Without Perforating Tools - A shockwave generator pre-treats one or more production zones within a well to facilitate recovery of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons from the well. The well may be heated to a particular temperature, w here after a cooling agent is introduced through the shockwave generator which effects a cooling action in the walls of the well and induces cracking which is propagated by the tremors or shocks of the cooling agent as it exits the generator. The initiated cracks may be further propagated using one or more additional stimulation methods, including a freeze-thaw method which is implemented through a subsystem having overlapping components with the shockwave generator subsystem. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160186541 | METHOD OF USING SCALE FORMATION ON A SLOTTED LINER TO REDUCE WATER PRODUCTION - A method for reducing undesired water production from a hydrocarbon reservoir, wherein scale formation/deposition in a wellbore from localized water cut increases is used for zonal isolation. Slots or other aperture types are provided in a casing length such as a slotted liner, to encourage scale formation/deposition adjacent water-producing zones, thus isolating such zones and preferentially producing from hydrocarbon-producing zones. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20220136377 | INVERTED SHROUD FOR STEAM ASSISTED GRAVITY DRAINAGE SYSTEM - Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for increasing production performance in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage system. In one implementation, an upper mating unit of an inverted shroud assembly is received with a lower mating unit of the inverted should assembly in a slidable relationship. The upper mating unit is coupled to a pump-intake assembly. The lower mating unit is coupled to a motor-seal assembly. The slidable relationship secures the pump-intake assembly to the motor-seal assembly. A motor of the motor-seal assembly is directly cooled by opening the motor to a production well based on an exterior attachment of the motor-seal assembly relative to an inverted shroud. | 05-05-2022 |
