Method for in situ combustion

Patent · Tue Dec 13 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6892430

III, Pasini J; Shuck, L Z; Overbey, Jr, W K

An in situ combustion method is described for the recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean earth formations containing carbonaceous material. A borehole is drilled into the formation along a horizontal plane and extends along a plane disposed perpendicular to the plane of maximum permeability. The formation also is penetrated with a number of spaced-apart vertical boreholes disposed along a plane spaced from and generally parallel to that of the horizontal borehole. Fractures are then induced at each of the vertical boreholes, which fractures project from the vertical boreholes along the plane of maximum permeability and intersect the horizontal borehole. Combustion is initiated at the horizontal borehole, and the products of combustion and gasified fluids displayed from the earth formation by the combustion are removed via the vertical boreholes. Each of the vertical boreholes is, in turn, provided with suitable flow controls for regulating the flow of fluid from the combustion zone so as to control the configuration and rate of propagation of the combustion zone. The fractures provide communication with the combustion zone so as to facilitate the removal of the products resulting from the combustion of the carbonaceous material. (4 claims)

• Assignee: Energy Res and Develop Adm
• Patent Number(s): US 4062404
• OSTI ID: 6892430
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
COMMINUTION
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FRACTURING
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
OIL WELLS
OXIDATION
PERMEABILITY
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS