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U.S. Department of Energy
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Production of oil from a nuclear chimney in an oil shale by in situ combustion

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5466565

A nuclear chimney in an oil shale is produced by direct drive in situ combustion from one or more wells outside and adjacent the chimney by providing passageways from the wells into the chimney, optionally, at different levels, igniting the shale through the wells, driving the resulting combustion zones through the shale, and recovering oil in liquid and vapor form by a production well communicating with the bottom of the chimney. This displaces cool gases from the upper portion of the chimney with hot gases from the combustion zone, thereby retorting the shale in the chimney above the combustion zones. (7 claims)

Assignee:
Phillips Petroleum Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3490529
OSTI ID:
5466565
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English