US4199025A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for tertiary recovery of oil
Assignee: Electroflood Co
•
Filing: 1977-06-17
•
Granted: 1980-04-22
•
Expires: 1997-06-17
Abstract
Abstract In one exemplar embodiment, method and apparatus include providing an electrode disposed in a plurality of insulated, spaced boreholes penetrating the oil formation. The plurality of electrodes in contact with a water electrolyte in the formation are connected to a source of AC electrical power for establishing a current flow between the spaced electrodes and through the oil bearing formation by means of the electrolyte. The electrodes are insulated from the earth structure surrounding the boreholes for preventing an electrical current path between the electrodes and the earth structure for isolating the electrical current path between the electrodes and the formation. When the AC current passing through the formation surpasses a minimum current density, AC disassociaton of the H 2 O of the electrolyte occurs and generates free hydrogen and oxygen which may be trapped in the formation for increasing the formation pressure, the oxygen gas may combine with carbon molecules to form carbon dioxide which may dissolve in the oil for enhancing the flow characteristics of the oil in the formation. The increased pressure in the formation will aid in driving the oil into producing boreholes spaced from the electrode boreholes.
Inventors
- 👤 Neil L. Carpenter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 00:52
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/30; E21B36/00; E21B36/001; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 128
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of generating gases in situ in a fluid-bearing earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into a subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electrical current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, and electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of generating gases in situ in a fluid-bearing earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into a subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electrical current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, and electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method described in claim 1, further including the step of trapping said free gases in said formation to increase the pressure in said formation acting on the oil therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method described in claim 2, further including the steps of establishing a producing borehole spaced from said at least two electrode boreholes and also extending into said subsurface earth formation, and withdrawing oil from said formation through said producing borehole in response to said increased pressure in said formation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 3, wherein said producing borehole is further spaced from an axis defined by said electrode boreholes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method described in claim 1, wherein said generated free gases include carbon dioxide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as described in claim 5, wherein at least a portion of said free carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the oil formation for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method described in claim 1, wherein said current flow between said electrodes is a flow of single-phase AC current.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method described in claim 1, further including the step of circulating a cooling fluid within each of said boreholes containing said electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method described in claim 1, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said spaced-apart electrode boreholes for aiding in establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes disposed therein and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method described in claim 1, further including the steps of establishing a third borehole extending into said formation and spaced generally triangularly from said at least two spaced-apart boreholes containing said electrodes, disposing a third electrode in said third borehole and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said third electrode from substantially all earth materials adjacent said third borehole and lying above said formation, and interconnecting a three-phase AC current source to said electrodes with each electrode receiving a different phase thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 10, further including the step of circulating a cooling fluid within each of said electrode boreholes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method described in claim 10, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said electrode boreholes for establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method as described in claim 10, comprising the additional steps of completing said at least three electrode wells in substantially a first triangular pattern, establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said first triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time, completing another electrode well to form a second triangular pattern utilizing two of said at least three electrode wells in said first triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said second triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as described in claim 13, further including the steps of completing a series of additional electrode wells where each of said additional electrode wells forms substantially a subsequent triangular pattern in cooperation with at least two electrode wells operating in a prior triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in each of said subsequent triangular patterns for a preselected time period.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as described in claim 14, wherein completing said series of additional electrode wells to form said subsequent triangular patterns includes locating said electrode wells to obtain at least one larger triangular pattern formed by a plurality of said subsequent triangular patterns.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as described in claim 15, further including establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells at each apex of said at least one larger triangular pattern for a preselected time period.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method described in claim 1, wherein said passage of said AC current through said formation electrochemically lowers the viscosity of the oil for enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method described in claim 1, wherein said passage of said AC current through said formation electrochemically causes the breaking of the physical bond of the oil and formation electrolyte from the formation matrix.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
114 words
The method described in claim 1, further including the steps of heating the electrolyte in the pore spaces of said formation matrix for increasing the conductivity of said electrolyte to permit greater current flow and rapidly increase the rate of heating of said electrolyte in said port spaces, boiling the electrolyte within said pore spaces of said formation matrix to form steam and increase the electrical resistivity of the electrolyte in the pore space until substantially all current flow ceases within said pore space, and arcing said AC current across said pore space of said formation matrix to decompose said electrolyte in the form of steam and electrochemically generate at least free hydrogen gas.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of increasing the internal pressure in a fluid-bearing earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into a subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte disposed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electric current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, and trapping said free gases in said formation to increase the pressure in said formation on said oil therein.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of increasing the internal pressure in a fluid-bearing earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into a subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte disposed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electric current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, and trapping said free gases in said formation to increase the pressure in said formation on said oil therein.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method described in claim 20, further including the steps of establishing a producing borehole spaced from said at least two electrode boreholes and also extending into said subsurface earth formation, and withdrawing oil from said formation through said producing borehole in response to said increased pressure in said formation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method described in claim 20, wherein said generated free gases also include carbon dioxide.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as described in claim 22, wherein at least a portion of said free carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the oil in the formation for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method described in claim 20, wherein said current flow between said electrodes is a flow of single-phase AC current.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 20, further including the step of circulating a cooling fluid within each of said electrode boreholes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method described in claim 20, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said spaced-apart electrode boreholes for aiding in establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes disposed therein and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method described in claim 20, further including the steps of establishing a third borehole extending into said formation and spaced generally triangularly from said at least two spaced-apart boreholes containing said electrodes, disposing a third electrode in said third borehole and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said third electrode from substantially all earth materials adjacent said third borehole and lying above said formation, and interconnecting a three-phase AC current source to said electrodes with each electrode receiving a different phase thereof.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 27, further including the step of circulating a cooling fluid within each of said electrode boreholes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method described in claim 27, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said electrode boreholes for aiding in establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes disposed therein and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method as described in claim 27, comprising the additional steps of completing said at least three electrode wells in substantially a first triangular pattern, establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said first triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time, completing another electrode well to form a second triangular pattern utilizing two of said at least three electrode wells in said first triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said second triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as described in claim 30, further including the steps of completing a series of additional electrode wells where each of said additional electrode wells forms substantially a subsequent triangular pattern in cooperation with at least two electrode wells operating in a prior triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in each of said subsequent triangular patterns for each preselected time period.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as described in claim 31, wherein completing said series of additional electrode wells to form said subsequent triangular patterns includes locating said electrode wells to obtain at least one larger triangular pattern formed by a plurality of said subsequent triangular patterns.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as described in claim 32, further including establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells at each apex of said at least one larger triangular pattern for a preselected time period.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
218 words
A method of tertiary recovery of oil from a subsurface earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electrical current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of said electrolyte, electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, trapping said gases in said formation to increase the internal pressure in said formation, establishing a producing borehole spaced from said at least two electrode boreholes and also extending into said subsurface earth formation, and withdrawing oil from said formation through said producing borehole in response to said increased pressure in said formation.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
218 words
A method of tertiary recovery of oil from a subsurface earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electrical current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of said electrolyte, electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, trapping said gases in said formation to increase the internal pressure in said formation, establishing a producing borehole spaced from said at least two electrode boreholes and also extending into said subsurface earth formation, and withdrawing oil from said formation through said producing borehole in response to said increased pressure in said formation.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 34, wherein said producing borehole is further spaced from an axis defined by said electrode boreholes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method described in claim 34, wherein said electrochemically generated free gases include carbon dioxide.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as described in claim 36, wherein at least a portion of said free carbon dioxide gas dissolves in the oil in the formation for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method described in claim 34, wherein said current flow between said electrodes is a flow of singlephase AC current.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method described in claim 34, further including the step of circulating a cooling liquid within each of said boreholes containing said electrodes.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method described in claim 34, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said spaced apart electrode boreholes for aiding in establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes disposed therein and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method described in claim 34, further including the steps of establishing a third borehole extending into said formation and spaced generally triangularly from said at least two spaced-apart boreholes containing said electrodes, disposing a third electrode in said third borehole and into electrical contact with said electrolyte in said formation, insulating said third electrode from substantially all earth materials adjacent said third borehole and lying above said formation, and interconnecting a three-phase AC current source to said electrodes with each electrode receiving a different phase thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 41, further including the step of circulating a cooling liquid within each of said electrode boreholes.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method described in claim 41, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said electrode boreholes for establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method as described in claim 41, comprising the additional steps of completing said at least three electrode wells in substantially a first triangular pattern, establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said first triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time, completing another electrode well to form a second triangular pattern utilizing two of said at least three electrode wells in said first triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said second triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as described in claim 44, further including the steps of completing a series of additional electrode wells where each of said additional electrode wells forms substantially a subsequent triangular pattern in cooperation with at least two electrode wells operating in a prior triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in each of said subsequent triangular patterns for a preselected time period.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method described in claim 36, wherein said passage of said AC current through said formation electrochemically lowers the viscosity of the oil for enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method described in claim 36, wherein said passage of said AC current through said formation electrochemically causes the breaking of the physical bond of the oil and electrolyte from the formation matrix.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
114 words
The method described in claim 34, further including the steps of heating the electrolyte in the pore spaces of said formation matrix for increasing the conductivity of said electrolyte to permit greater current flow and rapidly increase the rate of heating of said electrolyte in said pore spaces, boiling the electrolyte within said pore spaces of said formation matrix to form steam and increase the electrical resistivity of the electrolyte in the pore space until substantially all current flow ceases within said pore space, and arcing said AC current across said pore space of said formation matrix to decompose said electrolyte in the form of steam and electrochemically generate at least free hydrogen gas.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method as described in claim 34, further including the steps of utilizing at least a portion of the oil withdrawn from said formation in a combustion process, collecting the exhaust gases from combustion of said oil, and introducing said exhaust gases into said formation for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as described in claim 49, wherein at least a portion of said exhaust gases introduced into said formation are dissolved in the oil for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing the flow characteristics of the oil in the formation.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as described in claim 49, further including the step of introducing compressed air into said formation for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
257 words
A method of tertiary recovery of oil from a subsurface earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electric current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, trapping said gas in said formation to increase the internal pressure in said formation, establishing a producing borehole spaced from said at least two electrode boreholes and also extending into said subsurface earth formation, withdrawing oil from said formation through said producing borehole in response to said increased pressure in said formation, utilizing at least a portion of the oil withdrawn from said formation in a combustion process, collecting the exhaust gases from the combustion of said oil, and introducing said exhaust gases into said formation for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
257 words
A method of tertiary recovery of oil from a subsurface earth formation, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing an AC electric current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, electrochemically generating free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, trapping said gas in said formation to increase the internal pressure in said formation, establishing a producing borehole spaced from said at least two electrode boreholes and also extending into said subsurface earth formation, withdrawing oil from said formation through said producing borehole in response to said increased pressure in said formation, utilizing at least a portion of the oil withdrawn from said formation in a combustion process, collecting the exhaust gases from the combustion of said oil, and introducing said exhaust gases into said formation for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as described in claim 52, wherein at least a portion of said exhaust gases introduced into said formation are dissolved in the oil for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing the flow characteristics of the oil in the formation.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as described in claim 53, further including the step of introducing compressed air into said formation for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method described in claim 52, wherein said producing borehole is spaced from an axis defined by said electrode boreholes.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method described in claim 52, wherein said electrochemically generated generated free gases and said exhaust gases include carbon dioxide.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method described in claim 56, wherein at least a portion of said carbon dioxide is dissolved in the oil for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing its flow characteristics within the formation.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 52, wherein said current flow between said electrodes is a flow of a singlephase AC current.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method described in claim 52, further including the step of circulating a cooling liquid within each of said boreholes containing said electrodes.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method described in claim 52, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said spaced-apart electrode boreholes for aiding in establishing an electriclal current path between said electrodes disposed therein and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method described in claim 52, further including the steps of establishing a third borehole extending into said formation and spaced generally triangularly from said at least two spaced-apart boreholes containing said electrodes, disposing a third electrode in said third borehole and into electrical contact with said electrolyte in said formation, insulating said third electrode from substantially all earth materials adjacent said third borehole and lying above said formation, and interconnecting a three-phase AC current source to said electrodes with each electrode receiving a different phase thereof.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method described in claim 61, further including the step of circulating a cooling liquid within each of said electrode boreholes.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method described in claim 61, further including the step of introducing a selected electrolyte into each of said electrode boreholes for establishing an electrical current path between said electrodes and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method as described in claim 61, comprising the additional steps of completing said at least three electrode wells in substantially a first triangular pattern, establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said first triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time, completing another electrode well to form a second triangular pattern utilizing two of said at least three electrode wells in said first triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in said second triangular pattern for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as described in claim 64, further including the steps of completing a series of additional electrode wells where each of said additional electrode wells forms substantially a subsequent triangular pattern in cooperation with at least two electrode wells operating in a prior triangular pattern, and establishing said AC current flow in said electrode wells in each of said subsequent triangular patterns for a preselected time period.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method described in claim 52, wherein said passage of said AC current through said formation electrochemically causes the breaking of the physical bond of the oil and electrolyte from the formation matrix.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
114 words
The method described in claim 52, further including the steps of heating the electrolyte in the pore spaces of said formation matrix for increasing the conductivity of said electrolyte to permit greater current flow and rapidly increase the rate of heating of said electrolyte in said pore space, boiling the electrolyte within said pore spaces of said formation matrix to form steam and increase the electrical resistivity of the electrolyte in the pore space until substantially all current flow ceases within said pore space, and arcing said AC current across said pore space of said formation matrix to decompose said electrolyte in the form of steam and electrochemically generate at least free hydrogen gas.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
221 words
Apparatus for increasing the formation pressure of an oil bearing subsurface earth formation, comprising at least two spaced boreholes drilled into the earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, a plurality of electrodes, one each of which is disposed in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said subsurface earth formation, casing of electrically insulating material set into each borehole for insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, a source of an AC electrical current connected to each of said electrodes for establishing an AC current in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween, means cooperating with said source of AC current for establishing an AC current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of said electrolyte and electrochemically generate free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, and means for trapping said generated gasses in said formation for increasing the formation pressure acting on the oil therein.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
221 words
Apparatus for increasing the formation pressure of an oil bearing subsurface earth formation, comprising at least two spaced boreholes drilled into the earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, a plurality of electrodes, one each of which is disposed in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said subsurface earth formation, casing of electrically insulating material set into each borehole for insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, a source of an AC electrical current connected to each of said electrodes for establishing an AC current in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween, means cooperating with said source of AC current for establishing an AC current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of said electrolyte and electrochemically generate free gases, at least one constituent of which is hydrogen, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, and means for trapping said generated gasses in said formation for increasing the formation pressure acting on the oil therein.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 68, further including a producing borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes for removing said oil from said earth formation.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus as described in claim 69, further including means for utilizing at least a portion of said oil withdrawn from said earth formation in a combustion process, means for collecting the exhaust gases from said combustion of said oil, at least one borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing said exhaust gases into said formation through said borehole adjacent said electrodes for enhancing the flow characteristics of said oil and to further increase said formation pressure.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus as described in claim 70, further including at least one additional borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing compressed air into said formation through said borehole for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus as described in claim 69, further including means for utilizing at least a portion of said oil withdrawn from said earth formation in a combustion process, means for collecting the exhaust gases from said combustion of said oil, at least one borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing said exhaust gases into said formation through said borehole adjacent said electrodes for enhancing the flow characteristics of said oil and to further increase said formation pressure.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as described in claim 68, wherein said source of AC electrical current is a source of single-phase AC electrical current.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus as described in claim 73, further comprising casing of electrically conducting material set into each of said boreholes within said subsurface earth formation and having perforations therein to allow said oil and electrolyte to flow into said casing, and a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said electrodes and said electrically conducting casing adjacent the interface of the insulated borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as described in claim 74, wherein said electrodes comprise strings of tubing.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as described in claim 75, further comprising a source of a selected electrolyte, means for introducing said selected electrolyte through said tubing strings into each of said boreholes for enhancing electrical contact between said tubing strings acting as electrodes and said formation electrolyte.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as described in claim 76, further comprising means for cooling said insulating borehole casing adjacent the interface of said borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus as described in claim 77, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes and spaced from said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and the annular space between said borehole casing, said electrode, and said string of tubing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
121 words
The apparatus as described in claim 77, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes concentrically surrounding said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, said tubing having perforations therein adjacent said lower end, a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said strings of tubing and said electrode adjacent the end of said string of tubing and below said perforations, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and said annular space betweens said strings of tubing and said borehole casing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus as described in claim 73, further comprising conventional casing set into each of said boreholes from the surface of the earth to a predetermined depth, electrically insulating casing set into each of said boreholes between said conventional casing and said earth formation, a string of electrically insulating tubing set into each of said boreholes concentrically surrounding each of said electrodes, and a seal disposed into the annular space between said strings of insulating tubing and the lower end of said insulating casing of each borehole.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as described in claim 80, further comprising a volume of insulating fluid introduced into the annular space between said borehole casing and said insulating tubing in each borehole.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus as described in claim 81, further comprising a source of a selected electrolyte, means for introducing said selected electrolyte through said strings of insulating tubing into said strings of insulating tubing into said boreholes in said earth formation for enhancing electrical contact between said electrodes and said electrolyte in the formation.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus as described in claim 80, further including at least one additional borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing compressed air into said formation through said borehole for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system as described in claim 83, further including means for utilizing at least a portion of said oil withdrawn from said earth formation in a combustion process, means for collecting the exhaust gases from said combustion of said oil, at least one borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing said exhaust gases into said formation through said borehole electrodes for enhancing the flow characteristics of said oil and to further increase said formation pressure.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system as described in claim 84, further including at least one additional borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing compressed air into said formation through said borehole for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as described in claim 68, wherein the number of insulated boreholes and electrodes is three and said source of AC electrical current is a source of three-phase AC electrical current, one phase of which is connected to each of said three electrodes.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus as described in claim 86, further comprising casing of electrically conducting material set into each of said boreholes within said subsurface earth formation and having perforations therein to allow said oil and electrolyte to flow into said casing, and a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said electrodes and said electrically conducting casing adjacent the interface of the insulated borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as described in claim 87, wherein said electrodes comprise strings of tubing.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus as described in claim 88, furthere comprising a source of a selected electrolyte, means for introducing said electrolyte through said tubing strings into each of said boreholes in said earth formation for enhancing electrical contact between said tubing strings acting as electrodes and said electrolyte in the formation.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as described in claim 89, further comprising means for cooling said insulating borehole casing adjacent the interface of said insulating borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus as described in claim 90, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes and spaced from said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and the annular space between said borehole casing, said electrode, and said string of tubing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
121 words
The apparatus as described in claim 90, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes concentrically surrounding said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, said tubing having perforations therein adjacent said lower end, a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said strings of tubing and said electrode adjacent the end of said string of tubing and below said perforations, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and said annular space between said strings of tubing and said borehole casing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus as described in claim 68, wherein said electrodes and said insulated casing comprise an insulated cable disposed in said boreholes, said cable having a metal conductor exposed to the subsurface formation, and a supporting material having electrical insulating properties disposed in said borehole above said formation surrounding said insulated cable for supporting said cable in said borehole and further providing electrical insulation between said insulated cable and said overlying earth formations.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
283 words
A system for tertiary recovery of oil from an oil bearing subsurface earth formation, comprising at least two spaced boreholes drilled into the earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, a plurality of electrodes, one each of which is disposed in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said subsurface earth formation, casing of electrically insulating material set into each borehole for insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, a source of an AC electrical current connected to each of said electrodes for establishing an AC current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween, and means cooperating with said source of AC current for establishing an AC current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of said electrolyte and electrochemically generate free gases, including hydrogen and carbon dioxide, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, at least a portion of said carbon dioxide dissolving in said oil in said formation for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation, means for trapping said generated gases in said formation for increasing the formation pressure acting on the oil therein, and a producing borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes for removing said oil from said earth formation in response to said increased pressure and enhanced flow characteristics.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
283 words
A system for tertiary recovery of oil from an oil bearing subsurface earth formation, comprising at least two spaced boreholes drilled into the earth formation containing both oil and an electrolyte dispersed therein, a plurality of electrodes, one each of which is disposed in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said oil and electrolyte in said subsurface earth formation, casing of electrically insulating material set into each borehole for insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, a source of an AC electrical current connected to each of said electrodes for establishing an AC current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween, and means cooperating with said source of AC current for establishing an AC current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of said electrolyte and electrochemically generate free gases, including hydrogen and carbon dioxide, in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density, at least a portion of said carbon dioxide dissolving in said oil in said formation for lowering the viscosity of the oil and enhancing its flow characteristics in the formation, means for trapping said generated gases in said formation for increasing the formation pressure acting on the oil therein, and a producing borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes for removing said oil from said earth formation in response to said increased pressure and enhanced flow characteristics.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus as described in claim 94, wherein said electrodes and said insulated casing comprise an insulated cable disposed in said boreholes, said cable having a metal conductor exposed to the subsurface formation, and a supporting material having electrical insulating properties disposed in said borehole above said formation surrounding said insulated cable for supporting said cable in said borehole and further providing electrical insulation between said insulated cable and said overlying earth formations.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as described in claim 94, wherein said source of the AC electrical current is a source of single-phase AC electrical current.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
71 words
The system as described in claim 96, further comprising casing of electrically conducting material set into each of said boreholes within said subsurface earth formation and having perforations therein to allow said oil and electrolyte to flow into said casing, and a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said electrodes and said electrically conducting casing adjacent the interface of the insulated borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as described in claim 97, wherein said electrodes comprise strings of tubing.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system as described in claim 98, further comprising a source of a selected electrolyte, means for introducing said electrolyte through said tubing strings into each of said boreholes for enhancing electrical contact between said tubing strings acting as electrodes and said electrolyte in said formation.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system as described in claim 99, further comprising means for cooling said insulating borehole casing adjacent the interface of said borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system as described in claim 100, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes and spaced from said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and the annular space between said borehole casing, said electrode, and said string of tubing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
121 words
The system as described in claim 100, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes concentrically surrounding said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, said tubing having perforations therein adjacent said lower end, a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said strings of tubing and said electrode adjacent the end of said string of tubing and below said perforations, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and said annular space between said strings of tubing and said borehole casing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
87 words
The system as described in claim 96, further comprising conventional casing set into each of said boreholes from the surface of the earth to a predetermined depth, electrically insulating casing set into each of said boreholes between said conventional casing and said earth formation, a string of electrically insulating tubing set into each of said boreholes concentrically surrounding each of said electrodes, and a seal disposed into the annular space between said strings of insulating tubing and the lower end of said insulating casing of each borehole.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system as described in claim 103, further comprising insulating fluid introduced into the annular space between said borehole casing and said insulating tubing in each borehole.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system as described in claim 104, further comprising a source of a selected electrolyte, means for introducing said electrolyte through said strings of insulating tubing into said boreholes in said earth formation for enhancing electrical contact between said electrodes and said electrolyte in the formation.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system as described in claim 94, wherein the number of insulated boreholes and electrodes is three and said source of AC electrical current is a source of three-phase AC electrical current, one phase of which is connected to each of said three electrodes.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
71 words
The system as described in claim 106, further comprising casing of electrically conducting material set into each of said boreholes within said subsurface earth formation and having perforations therein to allow said oil and electrolyte to flow into said casing, and a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said electrodes and said electrically conducting casing adjacent the interface of the insulated borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as described in claim 107, wherein said electrodes comprise strings of tubing.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system as described in claim 108, further comprising a source of a selected electrolyte, means for introducing said electrolyte through said tubing strings into each of said boreholes in said earth formation for enhancing electrical contact between said tubing strings acting as electrodes and said electrolyte in the formation.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as described in claim 109, further comprising means for cooling said insulating borehole casing adjacent the interface of said insulating borehole casing and said electrically conducting casing.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system as described in claim 110, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes and spaced from said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and the annular space between said borehole casing, said electrode, and said string of tubing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
120 words
The system as described in claim 110, wherein said cooling means comprises a string of tubing disposed into each of said insulated boreholes concentrically surrounding said electrode, the lower end of said string of tubing terminating adjacent said seal between said casing of each borehole and said electrode, said tubing having perforations therein adjacent said lower end, a seal disposed into the annular space between each of said strings of tubing and said electrode adjacent the end of said string of tubing and below perforations, a source of cooling fluid, and means for circulating said cooling fluid through said strings of tubing and said annular space between said strings of tubing and said borehole casing for cooling said insulating casing.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system as described in claim 94, further including means for utilizing at least a portion of said oil withdrawn from said earth formation in a combustion process, means for collecting the exhaust gases from said combustion of said oil, at least one borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing said exhaust gases into said formation through said borehole adjacent said electrodes for enhancing the flow characteristics of said oil and to further increase said formation pressure.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system as described in claim 113, further including at least one additional borehole drilled into said earth formation and spaced from said electrode boreholes, and means for introducing compressed air into said formation through said borehole for further increasing said formation pressure.
Claim 121
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of generating gases in-situ and treating a subsurface fossilized mineral fuel bearing formation containing an electrolyte dispersed therein, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface formation, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with the fossilized mineral fuel and the electrolyte in the formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing a preselected level of an AC electrical current in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, and electrochemically generating free gases in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density for treating said fossilized mineral fuel material and forming recoverable fluid hydrocarbon products.
Claim 122
Independent Claim
176 words
A method of generating gases in-situ and treating a subsurface fossilized mineral fuel bearing formation containing an electrolyte dispersed therein, comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface formation, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with the fossilized mineral fuel and the electrolyte in the formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all earth materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte, establishing a preselected level of an AC electrical current in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said formation electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, and electrochemically generating free gases in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density for treating said fossilized mineral fuel material and forming recoverable fluid hydrocarbon products.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method described in claim 115, wherein said generated free gases include hydrogen and oxygen.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method described in claim 115, wherein said generated free gases include carbon dioxide.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of generating gases in-situ and treating a subsurface fossilized mineral fuel bearing formation comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface formation, introducing a selected electrolyte into the subsurface formation for establishing an electrically conductive path between each of said boreholes and the formation and between said boreholes, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said fossilized mineral fuel and said electrolyte in the formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all each materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said electrolyte, establishing an AC electrical current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, and electrochemically generating free gases in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density for treating said fossilized mineral fuel material and forming recoverable fluid hydrocarbon products.
Claim 126
Independent Claim
192 words
A method of generating gases in-situ and treating a subsurface fossilized mineral fuel bearing formation comprising the steps of establishing at least two spaced-apart boreholes extending into the subsurface formation, introducing a selected electrolyte into the subsurface formation for establishing an electrically conductive path between each of said boreholes and the formation and between said boreholes, disposing a separate electrode in each of said boreholes and into electrical contact with said fossilized mineral fuel and said electrolyte in the formation, insulating said electrodes from substantially all each materials adjacent said boreholes and lying above said subsurface earth formation to establish an electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said electrolyte, establishing an AC electrical current flow in said electrical circuit composed of said insulated electrodes and said electrolyte lying therebetween for establishing a current density in the formation exceeding the minimum current density required to cause AC disassociation of the electrolyte, and electrochemically generating free gases in said subsurface earth formation between said boreholes as a function of current density in said formation exceeding said minimum current density for treating said fossilized mineral fuel material and forming recoverable fluid hydrocarbon products.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method described in claim 118, wherein said generated free gases include hydrogen and oxygen.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method in claim 118, wherein said generated free gases include carbon dioxide.
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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) | 1983-04-22 | 1983-10-22 | 1984-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-04-22 | 1987-10-22 | 1988-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-04-22 | 1991-10-22 | 1992-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |