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Title: Low temperature barriers for use with in situ processes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:988046

A method of forming and maintaining a low temperature zone around at least a portion of a subsurface treatment area is described. The method includes reducing a temperature of heat transfer fluid with a refrigeration system. The heat transfer fluid is circulated through freeze well canisters and placed in a formation around at least a portion of the subsurface treatment area. An initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid supplied to a first freeze well canister is in a range from about -35 .degree. C. to about -55 .degree. C. At least one of the well canisters includes carbon steel. The heat transfer fluid is returned to the refrigeration system.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
ACO5-00OR22725
Assignee:
Shell Oil Company (Houston, TX)
Patent Number(s):
7,546,873
Application Number:
11/409,566; TRN: US201018%%221
OSTI ID:
988046
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English