Method of recovering liquefiable components from a subterranean earth formation

Patent · Tue Mar 17 04:00:00 EST 1970

OSTI ID:5371688

Nordgren, R P; Closmann, P J

A method of recovering liquefiable components from a normally impermeable subterranean formation includes extending at least a pair of boreholes into the formation and forming generally vertical fractures extending along generally parallel paths from each of the boreholes. Hot fluid is injected through at least one of the boreholes until flow into at least one of the fractures is thermally closed by the swelling shut of the walls of the fracture. Fluid in at least one borehole in which fractures have been thermally closed is pressurized until at least one new fracture is formed and the steps of injecting hot fluid and pressurizing fluid are repeated at successively higher temperatures and pressures until the resultant fractures form a channel interconnecting the well boreholes through which channel fluid can flow from one well borehole to another. (8 claims)

• Assignee: Shell Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3500913
• OSTI ID: 5371688
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040401* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- In Situ Methods
True & Modified
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
BOREHOLES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMMINUTION
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
EXPANSION
FAILURES
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURES
FRACTURING
FUELS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
HIGH PRESSURE
HYDRAULIC FRACTURES
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
IN-SITU PROCESSING
IN-SITU RETORTING
MATERIALS
MINERAL OILS
OIL SHALES
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PRESSURIZING
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
RETORTING
SHALE OIL
THERMAL EXPANSION