US3753594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of producing hydrocarbons from an oil shale formation containing halite
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1970-09-24
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Granted: 1973-08-21
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Expires: 1990-09-24
Abstract
Abstract A method of producing hydrocarbons and optionally halite from a subterranean oil shale formation containing zone(s) of halite, by penetrating said formation with at least one borehole and leaching or dissolving the halite from the formation with a solvent fluid so as to form a cavern(s) and/or interconnected cavities, followed by fracturization and/or rubblization of the oil shale surrounding the caverns or cavities, and thereafter injecting into the fracturized and/or rubblized zones, a pyrolyzing fluid to effect insitu hydrocarbon recovery therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 T Beard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:05
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G1/00; C10G1/006; E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/17; E21B43/28; E21B43/281
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the pyrolyzing fluid comprises steam having a temperature sufficient to thermally fracture oil shale adjacent the leached voids and cavities.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein at least two wells penetrate the formation one of which functions as an injection well and one as a production well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the halite is removed by steam used also to effect hydrocarbon recovery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the halite and hydrocarbon are recovered simultaneously.
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) | 1976-08-20 | 1977-02-19 | 1977-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-20 | 1981-02-19 | 1981-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-20 | 1985-02-19 | 1985-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |