Method for in situ combustion

Patent · Tue Dec 13 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6993150

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

This invention relates to an improved in situ combustion method for the recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean earth formations containing carbonaceous material. The method is practiced by penetrating the subterranean earth formation with a borehole projecting into the coal bed along a horizontal plane and extending along a plane disposed perpendicular to the plane of maximum permeability. The subterranean earth formation is also penetrated with a plurality 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 project from the vertical boreholes along the plane of maximum permeability and intersect the horizontal borehole. The combustion is initiated at the horizontal borehole and the products of combustion and fluids displaced from the earth formation by the combustion are removed from the subterranean earth formation via the vertical boreholes. Each of the vertical boreholes are, in turn, provided with suitable flow controls for regulating the flow of fluid from the combustion zone and the earth formation so as to control the configuration and rate of propagation of the combustion zone. The fractures provide a positive communication with the combustion zone so as to facilitate the removal of the products resulting from the combustion of the carbonaceous material.

• Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration
• Patent Number(s): US 4062404
• OSTI ID: 6993150
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
BOREHOLES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
COMBUSTION
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
COMMINUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
REMOVAL