US3645551A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conversion of underground sulfur deposits
Assignee: BP America Production Co
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Filing: 1970-06-08
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1990-06-08
Abstract
Abstract Sulfur in underground deposits can be readily converted to hydrogen sulfide, and the latter produced, by bringing a suitable hydrocarbon into contact with the sulfur at a temperature of at least 200* F. Where necessary, the formation may be heated to the desired temperature either by means of a bottomhole heater or by combustion. Production of the resulting hydrogen sulfide may be accomplished either through a single-well or multiwell system. The resulting gaseous product can then be processed in a known manner to produce free sulfur.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert R Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:07
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/28; E21B43/281
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 wherein one well is employed, said hydrocarbon displaced into said deposit, shutting in said well for a period of at least from about several days to 1 month and thereafter recovering the produced hydrogen sulfide via said well.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 2 wherein a temperature of from about 400* to about 900* F. is employed and liquid sulfur is produced via said well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the hydrocarbon component employed is unsaturated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the hydrocarbon component employed is a styrEne residue stream.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the hydrocarbon employed is a crude oil.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said deposit is penetrated by an injection well and a production well, heating at least a portion of said sulfur between said wells to a temperature of from about 400* to about 900* F., thereafter displacing hydrocarbon into said portion, permitting said hydrocarbon and sulfur to remain in contact with one another at a temperature of from about 400* to about 900* F. and recovering hydrogen sulfide thus formed via said production well.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein a fracture is placed between said wells prior to conducting said reaction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |