Wells – Processes – Placing fluid into the formation
Reexamination Certificate
2004-07-30
2008-10-28
Bates, Zakiya W. (Department: 3676)
Wells
Processes
Placing fluid into the formation
C166S266000, C166S267000, C166S272200, C166S303000, C166S371000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07441603
ABSTRACT:
An economic method for in situ maturing and production of oil shale or other deep-lying, impermeable resources containing immobile hydrocarbons. Vertical fractures are created using horizontal or vertical wells. The same or other wells are used to inject pressurized fluids heated to less than approximately 370° C., and to return the cooled fluid for reheating and recycling. The heat transferred to the oil shale gradually matures the kerogen to oil and gas as the temperature in the shale is brought up, and also promotes permeability within the shale in the form of small fractures sufficient to allow the shale to flow into the well fractures where the product is collected commingled with the heating fluid and separated out before the heating fluid is recycled.
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Kaminsky Robert D.
Symington William A.
Bates Zakiya W.
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
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