US3920072A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of producing oil from a subterranean formation
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1974-06-24
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Granted: 1975-11-18
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Expires: 1994-06-24
Abstract
Abstract Method of increasing the oil producing rate from a subterranean formation containing solid gas hydrates, characterized by heating the formation by passing electrical current therethrough. Also disclosed are specific apparatus, elements and method steps employed in performing the invention in an oil and hydratecontaining subterranean formation; and particular applications and advantages.
Inventors
- 👤 Loyd R Kern
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:55
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B36/00; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A METHOD OF INCREASING THE OIL PRODUCTION RATE FROM A SUBTERRANEAN OIL BEARING FORMATION WHICH CONTAINS SOLID GAS HYDRATE COMPRISING MELTING SAID HYDRATES IN SAID FORMATION TO FREE NATURAL GAS IS SITU; SAID MELTING OF SAID HYDRATE INCLUDING THE STEP OF HEATING SAID FORMATION AND SAID HYDRATE; SAID HEATING BEING EFFECTED BY ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION COMPRISING PASSING THROUGH SAID FORMATION A ELECTRICAL CURRENT OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO HEAT SAID FORMATION ANDSAID HYDRATES SUFFICIENTLY TO EFFECT MELTING OF SAID HYDRATE IN SITU.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A METHOD OF INCREASING THE OIL PRODUCTION RATE FROM A SUBTERRANEAN OIL BEARING FORMATION WHICH CONTAINS SOLID GAS HYDRATE COMPRISING MELTING SAID HYDRATES IN SAID FORMATION TO FREE NATURAL GAS IS SITU; SAID MELTING OF SAID HYDRATE INCLUDING THE STEP OF HEATING SAID FORMATION AND SAID HYDRATE; SAID HEATING BEING EFFECTED BY ELECTRICAL CONDUCTION COMPRISING PASSING THROUGH SAID FORMATION A ELECTRICAL CURRENT OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO HEAT SAID FORMATION ANDSAID HYDRATES SUFFICIENTLY TO EFFECT MELTING OF SAID HYDRATE IN SITU.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said melting of said hydrate includes the steps of substantially simultaneously: a. producing oil and gas to the surface of the earth to lower the pressure in said subterranean formation below what it would normally be; b. supplying heat to said formation, oil, and hydrate via electrical conduction to raise the temperature thereof to about the equilibrium temperature at which said hydrate melts; and c. supplying by said electrical conduction sufficient heat to melt at least part of said hydrate and thereby free some gas therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said subterranean formation initially has essentially no free connate water and said electrical current initially is primarily conducted through adjacent conductive formations to supply heat thereto, said heat being conducted into said subterranean formation containing said hydrate to melt said hydrate and create some free connate water and render said subterranean formation more electrically conductive.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said subterranean formation has a low electrical conductivity and said electrical current is primarily conducted through adjacent conductive formations to supply heat thereto, said heat being conducted into said subterranean formation containing said hydrate.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of improving the production of oil from at least one subterranean formation comprising the steps of: a. drilling at least two spaced apart wells from the surface of the earth into a subterranean formation that contains hydrate, said hydrate being formed by a combination of water and gas from within said formation; said formation also containing an unsaturated oil; b. melting said hydrate in said subterranean formation to free gas in situ from said hydrate; said melting of said hydrate including the step of heating said subterranean formation and said hydrate by electrical conduction comprising passing from one of said wells to another of said wells an electrical current of sufficient magnitude to heat said formation; and c. producing oil and gas to the earth''s surface.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
128 words
A method of improving the production of oil from at least one subterranean formation comprising the steps of: a. drilling at least two spaced apart wells from the surface of the earth into a subterranean formation that contains hydrate, said hydrate being formed by a combination of water and gas from within said formation; said formation also containing an unsaturated oil; b. melting said hydrate in said subterranean formation to free gas in situ from said hydrate; said melting of said hydrate including the step of heating said subterranean formation and said hydrate by electrical conduction comprising passing from one of said wells to another of said wells an electrical current of sufficient magnitude to heat said formation; and c. producing oil and gas to the earth''s surface.
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) | 1978-11-17 | 1979-05-19 | 1979-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-17 | 1983-05-19 | 1983-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-17 | 1987-05-19 | 1987-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |