US4415034A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrode well completion
Assignee: Cities Service Co
•
Filing: 1982-05-03
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Granted: 1983-11-15
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Expires: 2002-05-03
Abstract
Abstract The electrode of an electrode well is formed by inserting a heating device into the borehole and heating the surrounding formation to a temperature at which the hydrocarbon-containing material undergoes thermal cracking, resulting in a coke-like residue surrounding the heater. This conductive and permeable carbonized material serves as an electrode of enlarged radius for further electroheating of the formation.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry S. Bouck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:37
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B36/00; E21B36/04; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A process for creating an effective electrode of enlarged radius, said electrode being a carbonaceous, current-carrying deposit in a subterranean, hydrocarbon-bearing formation surrounding the electrode, having the serial steps of: (a) forming a borehole in the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, (b) placing a heating device in said borehole, (c) energizing the device to heat the surrounding formation to a temperature high enough to produce coking of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, and (d) maintaining the temperature of step (c) for a length of time to obtain the current-carrying electrode of desired radius.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A process for creating an effective electrode of enlarged radius, said electrode being a carbonaceous, current-carrying deposit in a subterranean, hydrocarbon-bearing formation surrounding the electrode, having the serial steps of: (a) forming a borehole in the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, (b) placing a heating device in said borehole, (c) energizing the device to heat the surrounding formation to a temperature high enough to produce coking of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, and (d) maintaining the temperature of step (c) for a length of time to obtain the current-carrying electrode of desired radius.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 wherein, further, the enlarged effective electrode radius is energized by electrical means to heat additional surrounding formation, thus raising the temperature of the surrounding formation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the heating device is from about 800° F. (426° C.) to about 1500° F. (815° C.).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1, wherein an electrolyte is placed in the borehole and flows into the effective electrode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the effective electrode of enlarged radius is larger in diameter than the borehole.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
75 words
A carbonaceous, current-carrying electrode, formed in a subterranean, hydrocarbon-bearing formation by the steps of: (a) forming a borehole in the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, (b) placing a heating device in said borehole, (c) energizing the device to heat the surrounding formation to a temperature high enough to produce coking of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, and (d) maintaining the temperature of step (c) for a length of time to obtain the desired electrode radius.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
A carbonaceous, current-carrying electrode, formed in a subterranean, hydrocarbon-bearing formation by the steps of: (a) forming a borehole in the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, (b) placing a heating device in said borehole, (c) energizing the device to heat the surrounding formation to a temperature high enough to produce coking of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon-bearing formation, and (d) maintaining the temperature of step (c) for a length of time to obtain the desired electrode radius.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode of claim 6, having a radius of from about 2 feet to about 10 feet, and having a generally cylindrical shape.
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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) | 1986-11-14 | 1987-05-16 | 1987-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-11-14 | 1991-05-16 | 1991-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-11-14 | 1995-05-16 | 1995-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |