Method for catalytically heating wellbores

Patent · Tue Jan 23 04:00:00 EST 1973

OSTI ID:5377168

Berry, H J; Hardy, W C; Zadow, D W

A catalytic heater is used in supplying heat to well bores and has a catalytic surface open to the well bore for contacting and causing the reaction of a fuel mixture. The preferable catalytic material is platinum supported on a matrix of asbestos, asbestos-burlap, ceramic or other noncombustible material. Air and fuel gas is injected into the well bore to contact the catalyst. Initiation of a catalytic reaction is brought about by use of a fuel gas containing hydrogen which will spontaneously react with air at standard conditions in the presence of the catalyst. Once the hydrogen-air reaction reaches the reaction temperature of a hydrocarbon fuel gas and air, hydrogen injection is terminated. A carrier fluid may be used to transport the heat of reaction of a formation or other appropriate location. (10 claims)

• Assignee: Sun Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3712375
• OSTI ID: 5377168
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ALKANES
ASBESTOS
BOREHOLES
CATALYST SUPPORTS
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
CAVITIES
CERAMICS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DEWAXING
ELEMENTS
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
GAS INJECTION
HEAT TRANSFER
HEATERS
HEATING
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN
METALS
NONMETALS
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
PARAFFIN
PLATINUM
PLATINUM METALS
RECOVERY
REMOVAL
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THERMAL RECOVERY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WAXES
WELLS