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Low temperature barriers with heat interceptor wells for in situ processes

  • US 7,435,037 B2
  • Filed: 04/21/2006
  • Issued: 10/14/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for reducing heat load applied to a frozen barrier by a heated formation, comprising:

  • a plurality of wells in the formation, the plurality of wells configured to heat a treatment area of the formation to form the heated formation;

    one or more barriers at least partially surrounding the treatment area configured to inhibit fluid flow into the treatment area, wherein a first barrier closest to the treatment area comprises a plurality of freeze wells, and wherein the plurality of freeze wells form the frozen barrier;

    heat interceptor wells positioned between the heated formation and the frozen barrier; and

    fluid positioned in the heat interceptor wells, wherein heat transfers from the heated formation to the fluid to reduce the heat load applied to the frozen barrier from the heated formation.

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