Method and apparatus for heating a subsurface formation

Patent · Tue Jan 07 00:00:00 EST 1969

OSTI ID:5603152

Todd, J C

Hydrocarbon materials can be recovered from a hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation by a method which involves combustion of a portion of the hydrocarbons within the formation. In this method, a combustion supporting gas such as air is injected into the formation through an input well and combustion of hydrocarbon within the formation is initiated by suitable means. In a method of and an apparatus for heating a formation within a borehole, a catalytic heater is lowered to the formation, and a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas are passed through it. The catalytic heater is heated by an electric heater to a temperature above the temperature of oxidation of the fuel gas-oxidation gas mixture and below the temperature of oxidation of the heater. The borehole can be closed by a heat shield. (7 claims)

• Assignee: Sinclair Research Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 3420300
• OSTI ID: 5603152
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 27 Oct 1966
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
OIL WELLS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
AIR
BOREHOLES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
GAS INJECTION
HEATERS
HEATING
IGNITION
PETROLEUM
CAVITIES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASES
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production