US2874777A - Producing petroleum by underground combustion - Google Patents

Producing petroleum by underground combustion Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US2874777A
US2874777A US522011A US52201155A US2874777A US 2874777 A US2874777 A US 2874777A US 522011 A US522011 A US 522011A US 52201155 A US52201155 A US 52201155A US 2874777 A US2874777 A US 2874777A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
oil
combustion
formation
well
bearing formation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US522011A
Inventor
Harco J Tadema
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Shell Development Co
Original Assignee
Shell Development Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shell Development Co filed Critical Shell Development Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2874777A publication Critical patent/US2874777A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/16—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
    • E21B43/24—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection
    • E21B43/243—Combustion in situ
    • E21B43/247—Combustion in situ in association with fracturing processes or crevice forming processes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the production of oil and pertains more particularly to a process and apparatus for carrying out underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation for the purpose of producing petroleum, in which a part of the combustible material (oil, oil residue, tarry substances, etc.) originally present in the oil-bearing formation is burnt.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a method wherein underground combustion is conducted in such a way that the combustion zone progresses upwards through the formation or a part thereof in a more or less vertical direction from below.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for carryingout underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation, wherein a single Well is employed for introducing air to the combustion zone while simultaneously removing produced fluids from the well.
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in cross section of the lower portion of a well provided with equipment for V an oil field, showing an apparatus by which the method,
  • a particularly suitable em bodimentof the invention is that in which the gases giving off oxygen which is required for the combustion (hereinafter referred to as air) are led into a given well and introduced at the bottom of the oil-bearing formation, while gases from the combustion zone are withdrawn separately through the same well at the top of the oil-bearing formation, as shown in Figure 1.
  • air gases giving off oxygen which is required for the combustion
  • the process may also be carried out by means of two wells situated near each other, as illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the air is led into one well 20 and injected at the bottom 2,874,777 Patented Feb. 24, 1 9 59 of the oil-bearing formation 21, while gases originating from the combustion zone are removed from the other well 22 at or near the top of the formation.
  • a number of inpu wells and/or a number of output wells e. g., an input well surrounded by a number of output wells.
  • the distance from an input well to an output well must preferably not be too-great (taking into account the depth of the oil-bearing formation) if the combustion is to. proceed as desired mainly in a vertical direction.
  • the greatest distance is approximately 2 to 3 times the depth of the oil-bearing layer. Preferably, however, this distance is not to exceed the depth of the layer.
  • the desired movement of the combustion zone in a vertical direction may be obtained by causing the com bustionto start (by introducing air) at a well which penetrates the oil-bearing formation at a lower level (preferably as low as possible) and by removing the combustion gases from one or more wells penetrating the formation at a higher level. In this case it is not always necessary (although highly advisable) to inject air only at the bottom of the formation and/or to remove the combustion gases only at the top of the formation.
  • the present process is preferably carried out with one or more wells in which, at the top and/or at the bottom of the oil-bearing formation, one or more holes or passages are provided in a lateral direction, e. g., by drilling or shooting.
  • a system of passages 23 and 24 ( Figure 3) is used for each well (e. g., a number of radial passages or holes) at the top and/or at the bottom of the formation.
  • the combustionaccording to the invention can then be carried out in the space between these systems, the latter being situated directly or. obliquely above each other in a vertical direction. 2
  • the same well as the injection well and also as the output well; however, a number of separate injection and output wells may also beused.
  • the wells need not be situated close to each other, provided the passages extend suificiently in a lateral direction.
  • the passages may be drilled orshot horizontally, although this is not essential.
  • the holes are preferably provided parallel to this layer.
  • Part of the oil present in situ is cracked and/or evaporated by the combustion occurring in the formation, whilethe hot combustion gasesincreasethe temperature of the formation in the neighborhoodof the combustion zone and consequently reduce the viscosity of the oil.
  • the combustion front moves through 'theformation in a more or less vertical direction from below to above, thus making it possible'to produce a part of the oil present in the formation.
  • the oil generally flowsfinto the well at the top of the formation and in this way it is possible to produce it in any suitable manner, as by pumping.
  • the oil will often not only flow to the top of the output well but also (sometimes exclusively, as'may occur, for instance, in carrying outthe process in a sloping formation) to the bottom otthe output well.
  • the oil which collects there can-then alsobe produced, e. g., by pumping up.
  • This liner is provided with openings (e. g., slots in the wall only at the top and the bottom; a packer with at least one opening, to which a hollow tube can be connected, is provided internally between the top .and the bottom openings.
  • This tube mayserveto supply the air required for the combustion when the liner is used in an injection well. If the liner is used in a production well (when working with separate injection and production wells) the oil which collects at the bottom of the well can be pumped up via this tube.
  • a liner 1 is shown which is provided with openings 2 (at the top) and 3 (at the bottom). Between these openings a packer 4 is arranged through which a hollow tubing string 5 passes.
  • Figure 1 also shows a well casing 6, as well as an oil-bearing formation .7 and a combustion front 8 adjacent the well.
  • the air required for the combustion is supplied from the surface through the'hollow tubing string 5 and is forced into the formation via the openings 3.
  • the combustion gases are withdrawn, e. g., by suction, through the openings 2 on the top of the liner.
  • the stream of air and gas is shown in the drawing by means of arrows.
  • the combustion front 8 slowly moves in a vertical direction, thereby expelling oil before it. This oil will also flow through the'openings 2 into the space above the packer 4 and can be removed therefrom, e. g., by pumping.
  • the combustion front can be further extended laterally by injecting at some place between the combustion zone and the top of the formation a substance which more or less seals off the formation at the place, or hinders or prevents the combustion at this place.
  • This substance may consist, for example, of a cement slurry, a drilling mud or water.
  • Such an injection can be generally made When it is desired to make the combustion zone progress in a certain direction.
  • Figure 2 shows another construction of the liner.
  • packer 4 has a number of openings (two in the drawing) to which the tubes"5' areconnected, through whichthe combustion air is supplied.
  • the combustion gases and the oil produced can be withdrawn via a central tubing string 10.
  • the liner is sealed at the top by means of a second packer 9 through which the tubes 5 and the tube 10 are passed. .
  • the pumping installation for lifting the oil can now be conveniently arranged in a central position within the tubing string 10, if desired.
  • the liner shownin Figure 1 can also be used in a production well in'the processwith separate injection and production wells.
  • the oil collected at the bottom of the well can be lifted or pumped out via the hollow tube 5, while the combustion gases are separately removed via the'openings 2.
  • a method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least one well for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom the steps of establishing communication'between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first conduit, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second conduit, forcing under pressure an oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first conduit, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second conduit.
  • a method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least one well for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first conduit, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second conduit forming a first series of lateral channels radially extending from said well near the top of said oil-bearing formation, forminga second series of lateral channels radially extending from said well near the bottom of said oil-bearing formation, closing the well around said conduits at a point intermediate the top and bottom of said oilbearing formation, forcing under pressure an oxygencontaining gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first conduit, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation
  • a method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least two wells for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through one well, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second well, forcing under pressure an oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first well, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oilbearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components said oil in a substantially vertical direcg e i w tion toward the top of said formation, a part of the com bustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second well.
  • a method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-hearing formation which is penetrated by at least two wells for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first well, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second well forming a first series of lateral channels radially extending into said formation near the bottom of said first well, forming a second series of lateral channels radially extending into the formation near the bottom of said second well, forcing under pressurean oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first well, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the
  • a method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least one well for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first conduit establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second conduit, forcing under pressure an oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first conduit, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, injecting a non-combustible material radially into said formation at a point intermediate the top and bottom thereof to .hinder combnstion adjacent the well, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second conduit.

Description

' Feb; 24, 1959 H.'J.'TADEMA f I H 2,8744'777- PRODUCING PETROLEUM BY UNDERGROUNb COMBUSTION L Filed July 14. 1955- *LIQUIDS INVENTOR GASES on: PRODUCING FORMATION FIG.|
FIG. 3
HARCO J. TADEMA. H wcuzg.
HIS AGENT United States Patent PRODUCING PETROLEUM BY UNDERGROUND COMBUSTION Harco J. Tadema, Amsterdam, Netherlands, assignor to Shell Development Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application July 14, 1955, Serial No. 522,011 Claims priority, application Netherlands July 19,1954
5 Claims. (Cl. 166-11) The invention relates to the production of oil and pertains more particularly to a process and apparatus for carrying out underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation for the purpose of producing petroleum, in which a part of the combustible material (oil, oil residue, tarry substances, etc.) originally present in the oil-bearing formation is burnt.
It has previously been proposed to produce oil, in particular highly viscous oil, by the use of a method commonly known as underground combustion. One of the great difiiculties arising in this method of production is the maintenance of a regular displacement of the combustion front in the oil-bearing formation. It was only rarely possible to cause the combustion front to travel over more than a short distance in a horizontal direction without it being necessary time and againto re-start the combustion. v 7
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method of causing combustion in an oil-bearing formation to proceed more uniformly, thus reducing the risk of untimely interruption of the combustion.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method wherein underground combustion is conducted in such a way that the combustion zone progresses upwards through the formation or a part thereof in a more or less vertical direction from below. A further object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for carryingout underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation, wherein a single Well is employed for introducing air to the combustion zone while simultaneously removing produced fluids from the well.
These and other objects of this invention will be understood from the. following description taken with reference to the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in cross section of the lower portion of a well provided with equipment for V an oil field, showing an apparatus by which the method,
of invention is practiced.
A particularly suitable em bodimentof the invention is that in which the gases giving off oxygen which is required for the combustion (hereinafter referred to as air) are led into a given well and introduced at the bottom of the oil-bearing formation, while gases from the combustion zone are withdrawn separately through the same well at the top of the oil-bearing formation, as shown in Figure 1. Thus, inthis process only a part of the formation is generally worked .per well.
The process may also be carried out by means of two wells situated near each other, as illustrated in Figure 3. The air is led into one well 20 and injected at the bottom 2,874,777 Patented Feb. 24, 1 9 59 of the oil-bearing formation 21, while gases originating from the combustion zone are removed from the other well 22 at or near the top of the formation. In carrying out this process it is possible to use a number of inpu wells and/or a number of output wells, e. g., an input well surrounded by a number of output wells. The distance from an input well to an output well must preferably not be too-great (taking into account the depth of the oil-bearing formation) if the combustion is to. proceed as desired mainly in a vertical direction. The greatest distance is approximately 2 to 3 times the depth of the oil-bearing layer. Preferably, however, this distance is not to exceed the depth of the layer.
If the Oil-bearing formation shows a steep slope (approximately 20 or more), the desired movement of the combustion zone in a vertical direction may be obtained by causing the com bustionto start (by introducing air) at a well which penetrates the oil-bearing formation at a lower level (preferably as low as possible) and by removing the combustion gases from one or more wells penetrating the formation at a higher level. In this case it is not always necessary (although highly advisable) to inject air only at the bottom of the formation and/or to remove the combustion gases only at the top of the formation.
The present process is preferably carried out with one or more wells in which, at the top and/or at the bottom of the oil-bearing formation, one or more holes or passages are provided in a lateral direction, e. g., by drilling or shooting. I i
Preferably a system of passages 23 and 24 (Figure 3) is used for each well (e. g., a number of radial passages or holes) at the top and/or at the bottom of the formation. The combustionaccording to the invention can then be carried out in the space between these systems, the latter being situated directly or. obliquely above each other in a vertical direction. 2 In this case it is possible to use the same well as the injection well and also as the output well; however, a number of separate injection and output wells may also beused. In the latter case the wells need not be situated close to each other, provided the passages extend suificiently in a lateral direction.
By providing the, lateral holes or passages, the starting and maintenance of an underground combustion front through the formation in a substantially vertical direction from below to above is greatly facilitated. The passages may be drilled orshot horizontally, although this is not essential. In a sloping layer the holes are preferably provided parallel to this layer.
The difficulties which occur in the conventional process of underground combustion, in which the combustion zone moves solely or chiefly in a horizontal direction, are probably due to the oil (the viscosity of which is reduced as a result of the temperature increase occurring) settling in the formation. Owing to the settling of the oil, the combustible material disappears from the combustion site within the formation, and the combustion In the present process, however, a more or less uniform supply of oil to the combustion zone will be obtained. If, for example, oil should entirely evaporate at any place" asa result of the combustion heat, the vapors will rise, condense in' a colder layer situated higher up, and subsequently part of the condensed oil will flow back again to the combustion. zone. This tends to set up an equilibrium condition in'which there is just suflicient fuel in the combustion zone for the combustion. Formations with relatively volatile oil which formerly caused the greatest difiiculties', can be successfully opened up forced into the injection well, although it is also possible to use other gases,- such as-oxygen itself, oxygen-containing gases, nitrogen dioxide,-etc.
The use of the present process with a single well, which is particularly suitable if the oil-bearing formation has a considerable layer thickness (approximately m. or more), also has the advantage'that each injection well also functions as aproduction well, so that it is notnecessary to drill additional production wells.
Part of the oil present in situ is cracked and/or evaporated by the combustion occurring in the formation, whilethe hot combustion gasesincreasethe temperature of the formation in the neighborhoodof the combustion zone and consequently reduce the viscosity of the oil.
Asa result of the differencebetween the pressure of the air injected and thepressure at the place where the combustion gases are withdrawn 1 (preferably by suction), the combustion front moves through 'theformation in a more or less vertical direction from below to above, thus making it possible'to produce a part of the oil present in the formation.
If the same well is used as injection well for the air and also as output wellfor the combustion gases, the oil generally flowsfinto the well at the top of the formation and in this way it is possible to produce it in any suitable manner, as by pumping.
When different wells are used for supplying the air and removing the combustion gases, the oil will often not only flow to the top of the output well but also (sometimes exclusively, as'may occur, for instance, in carrying outthe process in a sloping formation) to the bottom otthe output well. The oil which collects there can-then alsobe produced, e. g., by pumping up.
In practicing the present production method on a single wella special well liner is employed. This liner is provided with openings (e. g., slots in the wall only at the top and the bottom; a packer with at least one opening, to which a hollow tube can be connected, is provided internally between the top .and the bottom openings. This tube mayserveto supply the air required for the combustion when the liner is used in an injection well. If the liner is used in a production well (when working with separate injection and production wells) the oil which collects at the bottom of the well can be pumped up via this tube.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawing, a liner 1 is shown which is provided with openings 2 (at the top) and 3 (at the bottom). Between these openings a packer 4 is arranged through which a hollow tubing string 5 passes. Figure 1 also shows a well casing 6, as well as an oil-bearing formation .7 and a combustion front 8 adjacent the well. i
The air required for the combustion is supplied from the surface through the'hollow tubing string 5 and is forced into the formation via the openings 3. The combustion gases are withdrawn, e. g., by suction, through the openings 2 on the top of the liner. The stream of air and gas is shown in the drawing by means of arrows. The combustion front 8 slowly moves in a vertical direction, thereby expelling oil before it. This oil will also flow through the'openings 2 into the space above the packer 4 and can be removed therefrom, e. g., by pumping.
If the combustion shows a tendency to limit itself to a small zone around the liner, the combustion front can be further extended laterally by injecting at some place between the combustion zone and the top of the formation a substance which more or less seals off the formation at the place, or hinders or prevents the combustion at this place. This substance may consist, for example, ofa cement slurry, a drilling mud or water.
Such an injection can be generally made When it is desired to make the combustion zone progress in a certain direction.
Figure 2 shows another construction of the liner. The
packer 4 has a number of openings (two in the drawing) to which the tubes"5' areconnected, through whichthe combustion air is supplied. The combustion gases and the oil produced can be withdrawn via a central tubing string 10. The liner is sealed at the top by means of a second packer 9 through which the tubes 5 and the tube 10 are passed. .The pumping installation for lifting the oil can now be conveniently arranged in a central position within the tubing string 10, if desired.
The liner shownin Figure 1 can also be used in a production well in'the processwith separate injection and production wells. In this casethe oil collected at the bottom of the well can be lifted or pumped out via the hollow tube 5, while the combustion gases are separately removed via the'openings 2.
I claim as my invention:
1. A method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least one well for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom, the steps of establishing communication'between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first conduit, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second conduit, forcing under pressure an oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first conduit, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second conduit.
2. A method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least one well for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom, the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first conduit, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second conduit forming a first series of lateral channels radially extending from said well near the top of said oil-bearing formation, forminga second series of lateral channels radially extending from said well near the bottom of said oil-bearing formation, closing the well around said conduits at a point intermediate the top and bottom of said oilbearing formation, forcing under pressure an oxygencontaining gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first conduit, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second conduit.
3. A method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least two wells for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom, the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through one well, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second well, forcing under pressure an oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first well, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oilbearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components said oil in a substantially vertical direcg e i w tion toward the top of said formation, a part of the com bustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second well.
4. A method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-hearing formation which is penetrated by at least two wells for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom, the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first well, establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second well forming a first series of lateral channels radially extending into said formation near the bottom of said first well, forming a second series of lateral channels radially extending into the formation near the bottom of said second well, forcing under pressurean oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first well, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second well.
5. A method for carrying out an underground combustion in an oil-bearing formation which is penetrated by at least one well for the purpose of producing fluids therefrom, the steps of establishing communication between the bottom of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a first conduit establishing communication between the top of said oil-bearing formation and the ground surface through a second conduit, forcing under pressure an oxygen-containing gas into the bottom portion of said oil-bearing formation through the first conduit, initiating and maintaining combustion at the bottom of said oil-bearing formation to heat the oil therein and drive the components of said oil in a substantially vertical direction toward the top of said formation, a part of the combustible material originally in said oil-bearing formation being burned as the combustion zone moves in a substantially vertical direction, injecting a non-combustible material radially into said formation at a point intermediate the top and bottom thereof to .hinder combnstion adjacent the well, and withdrawing the volatile unburned components of the oil from the top of said formation through the second conduit.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,457,479 Wolcott June 5, 1923 2,390,770 Barton et al. Dec. 11, 1945 2,434,239 Zublin Ian. 6, 1948 2,548,059 Ramsey Apr. 10, 1951 2,584,605 Merriam et al. Feb. 5, 1952 2,630,307 Martin Mar. 3, 1953 2,642,943 Smith June 23, 1953

Claims (1)

1. A METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT AN UNDERGROUND COMBUSTION IN AN OIL-BEARING FORMATION WHICH IS PENETRATED BY AT LEAST ONE WELL FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING FLUIDS THEREFROM, THE STEPS OF ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE BOTTOM OF SAID OIL-BEARING FORMATION AND THE GROUND SURFACE THROUGH A FIRST CONDUIT, ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TOP OF SAID OIL-BEARING FORMATION AND THE GROUND SURFACE THROUGH A SECOND CONDUIT, FORCING UNDER PRESSURE AN OXYGEN-CONTAINING GAS INTO THE BOTTOM PORTION OF SAID OIL-BEARING FORMATION THROUGH THE FIRST CONDUIT, INITIATING AND MAINTAING COMBUSTION AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID OIL-BEARING FORMATION TO HEAT THE OIL THERIN AND DRIVE THE COMPONETS OF SAID OIL IN A SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL DIRECTION TOWARD THE TOP OF SAID FORMATION, A PART OF THE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL ORIGINALLY IN SAID
US522011A 1954-07-19 1955-07-14 Producing petroleum by underground combustion Expired - Lifetime US2874777A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2874777X 1954-07-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2874777A true US2874777A (en) 1959-02-24

Family

ID=19876127

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US522011A Expired - Lifetime US2874777A (en) 1954-07-19 1955-07-14 Producing petroleum by underground combustion

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US2874777A (en)

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2930598A (en) * 1957-08-26 1960-03-29 Phillips Petroleum Co In situ combustion of carbonaceous deposits
US2970826A (en) * 1958-11-21 1961-02-07 Texaco Inc Recovery of oil from oil shale
US2973813A (en) * 1958-09-15 1961-03-07 Phillips Petroleum Co Process for controlling path in situ combustion front
US2980184A (en) * 1958-09-22 1961-04-18 Shell Oil Co Method and apparatus for producing wells
US3001775A (en) * 1958-12-08 1961-09-26 Ohio Oil Company Vertical flow process for in situ retorting of oil shale
US3004600A (en) * 1957-06-17 1961-10-17 Gulf Research Development Co Single well in-situ combustion process for production of oil
US3017168A (en) * 1959-01-26 1962-01-16 Phillips Petroleum Co In situ retorting of oil shale
US3018827A (en) * 1957-06-17 1962-01-30 Gulf Research Development Co Single well vertical drive in-situ combustion process
US3024013A (en) * 1958-04-24 1962-03-06 Phillips Petroleum Co Recovery of hydrocarbons by in situ combustion
US3044546A (en) * 1959-05-25 1962-07-17 Phillips Petroleum Co Production of unconsolidated sands by in situ combustion
US3055423A (en) * 1959-05-04 1962-09-25 Phillips Petroleum Co Controlling selective plugging of carbonaceous strata for controlled production of thermal drive
US3072191A (en) * 1961-04-10 1963-01-08 Pure Oil Co Heat transfer petroleum recovery process
US3073386A (en) * 1956-07-27 1963-01-15 Phillips Petroleum Co Method of oil production by vertical gas drive
US3120264A (en) * 1956-07-09 1964-02-04 Texaco Development Corp Recovery of oil by in situ combustion
US3120265A (en) * 1958-07-02 1964-02-04 Texaco Inc Producing petroleum from a subsurface formation
US3120263A (en) * 1958-07-02 1964-02-04 Texaco Inc Producing petroleum from a subsurface formation
US3138202A (en) * 1960-11-17 1964-06-23 Jersey Prod Res Co Thermal oil recovery process
US3138203A (en) * 1961-03-06 1964-06-23 Jersey Prod Res Co Method of underground burning
US3170515A (en) * 1961-06-12 1965-02-23 Jersey Prod Res Co In-situ combustion process
US3172470A (en) * 1960-11-21 1965-03-09 Gulf Research Development Co Single well secondary recovery process
US3193008A (en) * 1961-11-29 1965-07-06 Exxon Production Research Co Underground combustion method for producing heavy oil
US3195632A (en) * 1957-06-17 1965-07-20 Gulf Res & Developement Compan Radial burning in-situ combustion process utilizing a single well
US3223158A (en) * 1962-12-10 1965-12-14 Socony Mobil Oil Co Inc In situ retorting of oil shale
US3242989A (en) * 1961-08-08 1966-03-29 Deutsche Erdoel Ag Apparatus for the extraction of underground bituminous deposits
US3291215A (en) * 1964-06-15 1966-12-13 Mobil Oil Corp Canopy method for hydrocarbon recovery
US3371711A (en) * 1966-05-16 1968-03-05 Mobil Oil Corp Vertical flooding method of oil recovery
US3385362A (en) * 1966-10-26 1968-05-28 Mobil Oil Corp Thermal recovery of viscous oil with selectively spaced fractures
US3474862A (en) * 1968-07-23 1969-10-28 Shell Oil Co Reverse combustion method of recovering oil from steeply dipping reservoir interval
US3960213A (en) * 1975-06-06 1976-06-01 Atlantic Richfield Company Production of bitumen by steam injection
US3960214A (en) * 1975-06-06 1976-06-01 Atlantic Richfield Company Recovery of bitumen by steam injection
US4148359A (en) * 1978-01-30 1979-04-10 Shell Oil Company Pressure-balanced oil recovery process for water productive oil shale
US4228856A (en) * 1979-02-26 1980-10-21 Reale Lucio V Process for recovering viscous, combustible material
US6684948B1 (en) 2002-01-15 2004-02-03 Marshall T. Savage Apparatus and method for heating subterranean formations using fuel cells
US20050016729A1 (en) * 2002-01-15 2005-01-27 Savage Marshall T. Linearly scalable geothermic fuel cells

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1457479A (en) * 1920-01-12 1923-06-05 Edson R Wolcott Method of increasing the yield of oil wells
US2390770A (en) * 1942-10-10 1945-12-11 Sun Oil Co Method of producing petroleum
US2434239A (en) * 1944-06-15 1948-01-06 John A Zublin Method of producing oil
US2548059A (en) * 1947-10-08 1951-04-10 Ralph H Ramsey Rearrangement of oil and gas deposits in sealed domes and like natural formations
US2584605A (en) * 1948-04-14 1952-02-05 Edmund S Merriam Thermal drive method for recovery of oil
US2630307A (en) * 1948-12-09 1953-03-03 Carbonic Products Inc Method of recovering oil from oil shale
US2642943A (en) * 1949-05-20 1953-06-23 Sinclair Oil & Gas Co Oil recovery process

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1457479A (en) * 1920-01-12 1923-06-05 Edson R Wolcott Method of increasing the yield of oil wells
US2390770A (en) * 1942-10-10 1945-12-11 Sun Oil Co Method of producing petroleum
US2434239A (en) * 1944-06-15 1948-01-06 John A Zublin Method of producing oil
US2548059A (en) * 1947-10-08 1951-04-10 Ralph H Ramsey Rearrangement of oil and gas deposits in sealed domes and like natural formations
US2584605A (en) * 1948-04-14 1952-02-05 Edmund S Merriam Thermal drive method for recovery of oil
US2630307A (en) * 1948-12-09 1953-03-03 Carbonic Products Inc Method of recovering oil from oil shale
US2642943A (en) * 1949-05-20 1953-06-23 Sinclair Oil & Gas Co Oil recovery process

Cited By (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3120264A (en) * 1956-07-09 1964-02-04 Texaco Development Corp Recovery of oil by in situ combustion
US3073386A (en) * 1956-07-27 1963-01-15 Phillips Petroleum Co Method of oil production by vertical gas drive
US3018827A (en) * 1957-06-17 1962-01-30 Gulf Research Development Co Single well vertical drive in-situ combustion process
US3195632A (en) * 1957-06-17 1965-07-20 Gulf Res & Developement Compan Radial burning in-situ combustion process utilizing a single well
US3004600A (en) * 1957-06-17 1961-10-17 Gulf Research Development Co Single well in-situ combustion process for production of oil
US2930598A (en) * 1957-08-26 1960-03-29 Phillips Petroleum Co In situ combustion of carbonaceous deposits
US3024013A (en) * 1958-04-24 1962-03-06 Phillips Petroleum Co Recovery of hydrocarbons by in situ combustion
US3120265A (en) * 1958-07-02 1964-02-04 Texaco Inc Producing petroleum from a subsurface formation
US3120263A (en) * 1958-07-02 1964-02-04 Texaco Inc Producing petroleum from a subsurface formation
US2973813A (en) * 1958-09-15 1961-03-07 Phillips Petroleum Co Process for controlling path in situ combustion front
US2980184A (en) * 1958-09-22 1961-04-18 Shell Oil Co Method and apparatus for producing wells
US2970826A (en) * 1958-11-21 1961-02-07 Texaco Inc Recovery of oil from oil shale
US3001775A (en) * 1958-12-08 1961-09-26 Ohio Oil Company Vertical flow process for in situ retorting of oil shale
US3017168A (en) * 1959-01-26 1962-01-16 Phillips Petroleum Co In situ retorting of oil shale
US3055423A (en) * 1959-05-04 1962-09-25 Phillips Petroleum Co Controlling selective plugging of carbonaceous strata for controlled production of thermal drive
US3044546A (en) * 1959-05-25 1962-07-17 Phillips Petroleum Co Production of unconsolidated sands by in situ combustion
US3138202A (en) * 1960-11-17 1964-06-23 Jersey Prod Res Co Thermal oil recovery process
US3172470A (en) * 1960-11-21 1965-03-09 Gulf Research Development Co Single well secondary recovery process
US3138203A (en) * 1961-03-06 1964-06-23 Jersey Prod Res Co Method of underground burning
US3072191A (en) * 1961-04-10 1963-01-08 Pure Oil Co Heat transfer petroleum recovery process
US3170515A (en) * 1961-06-12 1965-02-23 Jersey Prod Res Co In-situ combustion process
US3242989A (en) * 1961-08-08 1966-03-29 Deutsche Erdoel Ag Apparatus for the extraction of underground bituminous deposits
US3193008A (en) * 1961-11-29 1965-07-06 Exxon Production Research Co Underground combustion method for producing heavy oil
US3223158A (en) * 1962-12-10 1965-12-14 Socony Mobil Oil Co Inc In situ retorting of oil shale
US3291215A (en) * 1964-06-15 1966-12-13 Mobil Oil Corp Canopy method for hydrocarbon recovery
US3371711A (en) * 1966-05-16 1968-03-05 Mobil Oil Corp Vertical flooding method of oil recovery
US3385362A (en) * 1966-10-26 1968-05-28 Mobil Oil Corp Thermal recovery of viscous oil with selectively spaced fractures
US3474862A (en) * 1968-07-23 1969-10-28 Shell Oil Co Reverse combustion method of recovering oil from steeply dipping reservoir interval
US3960213A (en) * 1975-06-06 1976-06-01 Atlantic Richfield Company Production of bitumen by steam injection
US3960214A (en) * 1975-06-06 1976-06-01 Atlantic Richfield Company Recovery of bitumen by steam injection
US4148359A (en) * 1978-01-30 1979-04-10 Shell Oil Company Pressure-balanced oil recovery process for water productive oil shale
US4228856A (en) * 1979-02-26 1980-10-21 Reale Lucio V Process for recovering viscous, combustible material
US6684948B1 (en) 2002-01-15 2004-02-03 Marshall T. Savage Apparatus and method for heating subterranean formations using fuel cells
US20050016729A1 (en) * 2002-01-15 2005-01-27 Savage Marshall T. Linearly scalable geothermic fuel cells
US7182132B2 (en) 2002-01-15 2007-02-27 Independant Energy Partners, Inc. Linearly scalable geothermic fuel cells

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US2874777A (en) Producing petroleum by underground combustion
US3116792A (en) In situ combustion process
US2584605A (en) Thermal drive method for recovery of oil
US2970826A (en) Recovery of oil from oil shale
US3024013A (en) Recovery of hydrocarbons by in situ combustion
US3599714A (en) Method of recovering hydrocarbons by in situ combustion
US3017168A (en) In situ retorting of oil shale
US3120264A (en) Recovery of oil by in situ combustion
US3004594A (en) Process for producing oil
US3454958A (en) Producing oil from nuclear-produced chimneys in oil shale
RU2287677C1 (en) Method for extracting oil-bitumen deposit
US3775073A (en) In situ gasification of coal by gas fracturing
US3001776A (en) Method of preparation for and performance of in situ retorting
US3084919A (en) Recovery of oil from oil shale by underground hydrogenation
US4366864A (en) Method for recovery of hydrocarbons from oil-bearing limestone or dolomite
US4356866A (en) Process of underground coal gasification
US3004596A (en) Process for recovery of hydrocarbons by in situ combustion
US3467191A (en) Oil production by dual fluid injection
US2188737A (en) Apparatus for recovering oil from subterranean oil pockets
US3001775A (en) Vertical flow process for in situ retorting of oil shale
CA1197455A (en) Use of recycled combustion gas during termination of an enriched air combustion recovery method
RU2582529C1 (en) Development method of layer-by-zonal heterogeneous superviscous oil or bitumen
RU2567918C1 (en) Development method of multilayer non-homogeneous oil deposit
CN108026766A (en) Mobile injection gravity drainage for heavy oil production
US3232345A (en) Thermal recovery of heavy crude oil