Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
First Claim
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1. A method of treating a subsurface formation, comprising:
- circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons;
producing at least some of the hydrocarbons from the formation;
circulating an inert gas with the at least one molten salt;
assessing a presence of a leak in the at least one conduit by assessing a presence of the inert gas inside walls of the at least one conduit; and
assessing a depth of the leak below a surface of the formation.
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Abstract
A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits.
1120 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of treating a subsurface formation, comprising:
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circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons; producing at least some of the hydrocarbons from the formation; circulating an inert gas with the at least one molten salt; assessing a presence of a leak in the at least one conduit by assessing a presence of the inert gas inside walls of the at least one conduit; and assessing a depth of the leak below a surface of the formation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of treating a subsurface formation, comprising:
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circulating an inert gas with a molten salt to form a mixture; providing the molten salt and inert gas mixture to one or more conduit-in-conduit heaters; circulating the molten salt and inert gas mixture through at least one conduit of at least one conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons; producing at least some of the hydrocarbons from the formation; assessing a presence of a leak in the at least one conduit by assessing a presence of the inert gas inside walls of the at least one conduit; and assessing a depth of the leak below a surface of the formation. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification