US4089372A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods of fluidized production of coal in situ
Assignee: In Situ Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1976-11-23
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Granted: 1978-05-16
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Expires: 1996-11-23
Abstract
Abstract A method of producing combustible gases, synthetic crude oils, coal chemicals and heat from coal in situ utilizes the combined teachings of in situ gasification, liquefaction and pyrolysis.
Inventors
- 👤 Ruel C. Terry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:49
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/003; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/243; E21B43/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of producing coal in situ comprising the steps of: drilling injection and removal wells into a coal formation, igniting the coal formation, injecting an oxidizer into the coal formation at a rate to maintain an oxidizing environment in the coal formation, producing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter until the coal formation is approximately half consumed, and then injecting water into the formation to form producer gas, wherein the water is cool relative to the temperature of the coal formation so that the water functions to cool the formation, further including the step of injecting a coal solvent into the formation after the formation had been cooled from its burning temperature by the injection of water.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of producing coal in situ comprising the steps of: drilling injection and removal wells into a coal formation, igniting the coal formation, injecting an oxidizer into the coal formation at a rate to maintain an oxidizing environment in the coal formation, producing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter until the coal formation is approximately half consumed, and then injecting water into the formation to form producer gas, wherein the water is cool relative to the temperature of the coal formation so that the water functions to cool the formation, further including the step of injecting a coal solvent into the formation after the formation had been cooled from its burning temperature by the injection of water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the said injection of water is accomplished by reducing the pressure within the formation to permit encroachment of water into the formation.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of producing coal in situ comprising the steps of: drilling injection and removal wells into a coal formation, igniting the coal formation injecting an oxidizer into the coal formation at a rate to maintain an oxidizing environment in the coal formation, producing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter until the coal formation is approximately half consumed, and then injecting water into the formation to form pruducer gas, wherein the water is cool relative to the temperature of the coal formation so that the water functions to cool the formation, further including the step of injecting a coal solvent into the formation after the formation had been cooled from its burning temperature by the injection of water, wherein said coal solvent is injected after the formation has been cooled down to a temperature of 800° F or less.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of producing coal in situ comprising the steps of: drilling injection and removal wells into a coal formation, igniting the coal formation injecting an oxidizer into the coal formation at a rate to maintain an oxidizing environment in the coal formation, producing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter until the coal formation is approximately half consumed, and then injecting water into the formation to form pruducer gas, wherein the water is cool relative to the temperature of the coal formation so that the water functions to cool the formation, further including the step of injecting a coal solvent into the formation after the formation had been cooled from its burning temperature by the injection of water, wherein said coal solvent is injected after the formation has been cooled down to a temperature of 800° F or less.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3 further including the step of injecting producer gas into the coal formation, the said producer gas percolating through the said solvent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 4 further including the step of conveying the liquified coal from the coal formation to the surface of the ground.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 5 further including the step of separating the excess solvent from the said liquified coal, and capturing the said excess solvent apart from the said liquified coal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 5 further including the step of separating the excess producer gas from the said liquified coal, and capturing the said excess producer gas apart from the said liquified coal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-05-15 | 1981-11-14 | 1982-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-15 | 1985-11-14 | 1986-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-15 | 1989-11-14 | 1990-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |