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Methods of treating a subterranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons

  • US 7,631,691 B2
  • Filed: 01/25/2008
  • Issued: 12/15/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of treating a subterranean formation that contains solid organic matter, said method comprising:

  • (a) providing one or more wells that penetrate a treatment interval within the subterranean formation;

    (b) establishing at least one fracture from at least one of said wells, whereby said fracture intersects at least one of said wells;

    (c) placing electrically conductive material in said fracture, wherein said electrically conductive material is comprised of a mixture of at least a first material and a second material, wherein the first material comprises substantially non-electrically conductive cement;

    (d) placing two electrodes in contact with the electrically conductive material; and

    (e) applying a voltage across the two electrodes causing an electric current to pass through said fracture such that said current passes through at least a portion of said electrically conductive material and sufficient heat is generated by electrical resistivity within said portion of said electrically conductive material to pyrolyze at least a portion of said solid organic matter into producible hydrocarbons.

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