In situ conversion process utilizing a closed loop heating system
First Claim
1. A method of heating a subsurface formation, comprising:
- heating a heat transfer fluid;
circulating the heat transfer fluid through piping in the formation to heat a portion of the formation below an overburden, wherein the piping comprises U-shaped piping having an entrance into the formation, and an exit from the formation laterally offset from the entrance; and
applying electrical current to at least a portion of the piping to resistively heat the piping.
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Abstract
An in situ conversion system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is described. The system includes a plurality of u-shaped wellbores in the formation. Piping is positioned in at least two of the u-shaped wellbores. A fluid circulation system is coupled to the piping. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate hot heat transfer fluid through at least a portion of the piping to form at least one heated portion of the formation. An electrical power supply is configured to provide electrical current to at least a portion of the piping located below an overburden in the formation to resistively heat at least a portion of the piping. Heat transfers from the piping to the formation.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of heating a subsurface formation, comprising:
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heating a heat transfer fluid; circulating the heat transfer fluid through piping in the formation to heat a portion of the formation below an overburden, wherein the piping comprises U-shaped piping having an entrance into the formation, and an exit from the formation laterally offset from the entrance; and applying electrical current to at least a portion of the piping to resistively heat the piping. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of heating a subsurface formation, comprising:
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heating a heat transfer fluid; and circulating the heat transfer fluid through piping in the formation to heat a portion of the formation below an overburden, wherein the piping comprises U-shaped piping having an entrance into the formation, and an exit from the formation laterally offset from the entrance, and wherein a portion of the piping through which heat transfer fluid is introduced into the formation has a smaller diameter than a portion of the piping below the overburden. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of heating a subsurface formation, comprising:
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heating a heat transfer fluid; circulating the heat transfer fluid through piping in the formation to heat a portion of the formation below an overburden, wherein a portion of the piping through which heat transfer fluid is introduced into the formation has a smaller diameter than a portion of the piping below the overburden; and applying electrical current to at least a portion of the piping to resistively heat the piping. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification