US 2004/0069486 A1 · IN SITU THERMAL PROCESSING OF A COAL FORMATION AND TUNING PRODUCTION

Abstract

A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture may be produced from the formation through production wells. A spacing between production wells, and operating conditions of production wells and heat injection wells, may allow the produced mixture to have a desired ratio of condensable hydrocarbons to non-condensable hydrocarbons.

Claims4067

Dependent claims

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least one portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
controlling the heat from the one or more heat sources such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation:
allowing the heat to transfer from at least the portion to a selected section of the formation substantially by conduction of heat;
pyrolyzing at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
heating the selected section such that a thermal conductivity of at least a portion of the selected section is greater than about 0.5 W/(m ° C.).

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
controlling the heat from the one or more heat sources such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation is less than about 370° C. such that production of a substantial amount of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 is inhibited;
controlling a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the controlled pressure is at least 2.0 bar;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein about 0.1% by weight of the produced mixture to about 15% by weight of the produced mixture are olefins, and wherein an average carbon number of the produced mixture ranges from 1-25.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
controlling a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the controlled pressure is at least about 2.0 bar absolute;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
controlling a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the controlled pressure is at least about 2.0 bar absolute;
controlling the heat from the one or more heat sources such that an average temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation is less than about 375° C.;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

4 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein at least a portion of the mixture is produced during the pyrolysis and the mixture moves through the formation in a vapor phase;
and
maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section above about 2.0 bar absolute.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation above 2.0 bar absolute;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons having an API gravity higher than an API gravity of condensable hydrocarbons in a mixture producible from the formation at the same temperature and at atmospheric pressure.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation to above 2.0 bar absolute;
and
producing a fluid from the formation, wherein condensable hydrocarbons within the fluid comprise an atomic hydrogen to atomic carbon ratio of greater than about 1.75.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
maintaining a pressure within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation to above 2.0 bar absolute;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises a higher amount of non-condensable components as compared to non-condensable components producible from the formation under the same temperature conditions and at atmospheric pressure.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least about 20% by weight of hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that superimposed heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least about 20% of hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the mixture comprises a condensable component having an API gravity of at least about 25°.

1 more element

A method of treating a layer of a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the layer, wherein the one or more heat sources are positioned proximate an edge of the layer;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the layer such that superimposed heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
controlling a pressure and a temperature within at least a majority of the selected section of the formation, wherein the pressure is controlled as a function of temperature, or the temperature is controlled as a function of pressure;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
controlling API gravity of the produced mixture to be greater than about 25 degrees API by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
p=e[−44000/T+67]
where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

4 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat to at least a portion of a coal formation such that a temperature (T) in a substantial part of the heated portion exceeds 270° C. and hydrocarbons are pyrolyzed within the heated portion of the formation;
controlling a pressure (p) within at least a substantial part of the heated portion of the formation;
wherein pbar>e[(−A/T)+B−2.6744];
wherein p is the pressure in bar absolute and T is the temperature in degrees K, and A and B are parameters that are larger than 10 and are selected in relation to the characteristics and composition of the coal formation and on the required olefin content and carbon number of the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon fluids;
and
producing pyrolyzed hydrocarbon fluids from the heated portion of the formation.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
controlling a weight percentage of olefins of the produced mixture to be less than about 20% by weight by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
p=e[−57000/T+83]
where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

4 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
controlling hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 of the produced mixture to be less than about 25% by weight by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
p=e[−14000/T+25]
where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

4 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
controlling an atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio of the produced mixture to be greater than about 1.7 by controlling average pressure and average temperature in the selected section such that the average pressure in the selected section is greater than the pressure (p) set forth in the following equation for an assessed average temperature (T) in the selected section:
p=e[−38000/T+61]
where p is measured in psia and T is measured in ° Kelvin.

4 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least one portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
controlling a pressure-temperature relationship within at least the selected section of the formation by selected energy input into the one or more heat sources and by pressure release from the selected section through wellbores of the one or more heat sources;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a selected volume (V) of the coal formation, wherein formation has an average heat capacity (Cv), and wherein the heating pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the selected volume of the formation;
and
wherein heating energy/day provided to the volume is equal to or less than Pwr, wherein Pwr is calculated by the equation:
Pwr=h*V*Cv*ρB
wherein Pwr is the heating energy/day, h is an average heating rate of the formation, ρB is formation bulk density, and wherein the heating rate is less than about 10° C./day.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation to raise an average temperature within the selected section to, or above, a temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
controlling heat output from the one or more heat sources such that an average heating rate of the selected section rises by less than about 3° C. per day when the average temperature of the selected section is at, or above, the temperature that will pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
to heat a selected section of the formation to an average temperature above about 270° C.;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to the selected section of the formation;
controlling the heat from the one or more heat sources such that an average heating rate of the selected section is less than about 3° C. per day during pyrolysis;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation through at least one production well;
monitoring a temperature at or in the production well;
and
controlling heat input to raise the monitored temperature at a rate of less than about 3° C. per day.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support oxidation of hydrocarbons within the portion, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to a wellbore;
flowing an oxidant through a conduit positioned within the wellbore to a heat source zone within the portion, wherein the heat source zone supports an oxidation reaction between hydrocarbons and the oxidant;
reacting a portion of the oxidant with hydrocarbons to generate heat;
and
transferring generated heat substantially by conduction to a pyrolysis zone of the formation to pyrolyze at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within the pyrolysis zone.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidant;
flowing the oxidant into a conduit, and wherein the conduit is connected such that the oxidant can flow from the conduit to the hydrocarbons;
allowing the oxidant and the hydrocarbons to react to produce heat in a heat source zone;
allowing heat to transfer from the heat source zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation to pyrolyze at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within the pyrolysis zone;
and
removing reaction products such that the reaction products are inhibited from flowing from the heat source zone to the pyrolysis zone.

3 more elements

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to an opening in the formation;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a heat source zone in the formation:
allowing the oxidizing gas to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the heat source zone to generate heat in the heat source zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the heat source zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
maintaining an average temperature within the selected section above a minimum pyrolysis temperature and below a vaporization temperature of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 to inhibit production of a substantial amount of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers greater than 25 in the mixture.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
controlling a pressure within the formation to inhibit production of hydrocarbons from the formation having carbon numbers greater than 25;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight of the condensable hydrocarbons are olefins.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a section of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature from at least a first heat source, a second heat source and a third heat source, and wherein the first heat source, the second heat source and the third heat source are located along a perimeter of the section;
controlling heat input to the first heat source, the second heat source and the third heat source to limit a heating rate of the section to a rate configured to produce a mixture from the formation with an olefin content of less than about 15% by weight of condensable fluids (on a dry basis) within the produced mixture;
and
producing the mixture from the formation through a production well.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons is nitrogen.

1 more element

The method of claim 1211, wherein the partial pressure of H2 is measured when the mixture is at a production well.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons is oxygen.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons, and wherein less than about 1% by weight, when calculated on an atomic basis, of the condensable hydrocarbons is sulfur.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

raising a temperature of a first section of the formation with one or more heat sources to a first pyrolysis temperature;
heating the first section to an upper pyrolysis temperature, wherein heat is supplied to the first section at a rate configured to inhibit olefin production;
producing a first mixture from the formation, wherein the first mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons and H2;
creating a second mixture from the first mixture, wherein the second mixture comprises a higher concentration of H2 than the first mixture;
raising a temperature of a second section of the formation with one or more heat sources to a second pyrolysis temperature;
providing a portion of the second mixture to the second section;
heating the second section to an upper pyrolysis temperature, wherein heat is supplied to the second section at a rate configured to inhibit olefin production;
and
producing a third mixture from the second section.

6 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
hydrogenating a portion of the produced mixture with H2 produced from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a first section of the formation;
producing H2 from the first section of formation;
heating a second section of the formation;
and
recirculating a portion of the H2 from the first section into the second section of the formation to provide a reducing environment within the second section of the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation;
and
controlling formation conditions such that the mixture produced from the formation comprises condensable hydrocarbons including H2, wherein the partial pressure of H2 within the mixture is greater than about 0.5 bar.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
maintaining a pressure of the selected section above atmospheric pressure to increase a partial pressure of H2, as compared to the partial pressure of H2 at atmospheric pressure, in at least a majority of the selected section;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein the produced mixture comprises condensable hydrocarbons having an API gravity of at least about 25°.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
providing H2 to the formation to produce a reducing environment in at least some of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
providing H2 to the selected section to hydrogenate hydrocarbons within the selected section and to heat a portion of the section with heat from the hydrogenation;
and
controlling heating of the selected section by controlling amounts of H2 provided to the selected section.

2 more elements

An in situ method for producing H2 from a coal formation, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation, wherein a H2 partial pressure within the mixture is greater than about 0.5 bar.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic hydrogen weight percentage of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, and wherein at least the portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic hydrogen weight percentage, when measured on a dry, ash-free basis, of greater than about 4.0%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic hydrogen weight percentage of greater than about 4.0%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation:
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation:
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using vitrinite reflectance of at least some hydrocarbons in the selected section, and wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises a vitrinite reflectance of greater than about 0.3%;
wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises a vitrinite reflectance of less than about 4.5%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using a total organic matter weight percentage of at least a portion of the selected section, and wherein at least the portion of the selected section comprises a total organic matter weight percentage of at least about 5.0%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial total organic matter weight percentage of at least about 5.0%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic oxygen weight percentage of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, and wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic oxygen weight percentage of less than about 15% when measured on a dry, ash free basis;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to the selected section of the formation to pyrolyze hydrocarbon within the selected section;
wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic oxygen weight percentage of less than about 15%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.70, and wherein the atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio is less than about 1.65;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation:
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to the selected section of the formation to pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic hydrogen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.70;
wherein the initial atomic hydrogen to carbon ration is less than about 1.65;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation:
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation:
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using an atomic oxygen to carbon ratio of at least a portion of hydrocarbons in the selected section, wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section comprises an atomic oxygen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.025, and wherein the atomic oxygen to carbon ratio of at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the selected section is less than about 0.15 and
producing a mixture from the formation.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising

providing heat from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to the selected section of the formation to pyrolyze hydrocarbons within the selected section;
wherein at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section have an initial atomic oxygen to carbon ratio greater than about 0.025;
wherein the initial atomic oxygen to carbon ratio is less than about 0.15;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

3 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation:
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein the selected section has been selected for heating using a moisture content in the selected section, and wherein at least a portion of the selected section comprises a moisture content of less than about 15%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to the selected section of the formation;
wherein at least a portion of the selected section has an initial moisture content of less than about 15%;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
wherein the selected section is heated in a reducing environment during at least a portion of the time that the selected section is being heated;
and
producing a mixture from the formation.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a first section of the formation to produce a mixture from the formation;
heating a second section of the formation;
and
recirculating a portion of the produced mixture from the first section into the second section of the formation to provide a reducing environment within the second section of the formation.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that a permeability of at least a portion of the selected section increases to greater than about 100 millidarcy.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that a permeability of a majority of at least a portion of the selected section increases substantially uniformly.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation such that a porosity of a majority of at least a portion of the selected section increases substantially uniformly.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
controlling the heat to yield at least about 15% by weight of a total organic carbon content of at least some of the coal formation into condensable hydrocarbons.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
controlling the heat to yield greater than about 60% by weight of condensable hydrocarbons, as measured by Fischer Assay.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a first section of the formation to pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the first section and produce a first mixture from the formation;
heating a second section of the formation to pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the second section and produce a second mixture from the formation;
and
leaving an unpyrolyzed section between the first section and the second section to inhibit subsidence of the formation.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation through one or more production wells, wherein the heating is controlled such that the mixture can be produced from the formation as a vapor, and wherein at least about 7 heat sources are disposed in the formation for each production well.

1 more element

The method of claim 2452, wherein the partial pressure of H2 within the mixture is measured when the mixture is at a production well.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the one or more heat sources are disposed within one or more first wells;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation through one or more second wells, wherein one or more of the first or second wells are initially used for a first purpose and are then used for one or more other purposes.

1 more element

A method for forming heater wells in a coal formation, comprising:

forming a first wellbore in the formation;
forming a second wellbore in the formation using magnetic tracking such that the second wellbore is arranged substantially parallel to the first wellbore;
and
providing at least one heating mechanism within the first wellbore and at least one heating mechanism within the second wellbore such that the heating mechanisms can provide heat to at least a portion of the formation.

1 more element

A method for installing a heater well into a coal formation, comprising:

forming a bore in the ground using a steerable motor and an accelerometer;
and
providing a heating mechanism within the bore such that the heating mechanism can transfer heat to at least a portion of the formation.

A method for installing of wells in a coal formation, comprising:

forming a wellbore in the formation by geosteered drilling;
and
providing a heating mechanism within the wellbore such that the heating mechanism can transfer heat to at least a portion of the formation.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

heating a selected section of the formation with a heating element placed within a wellbore, wherein at least one end of the heating element is free to move axially within the wellbore to allow for thermal expansion of the heating element.

The method of claim 2647, wherein the partial pressure of H2 within the mixture is measured when the mixture is at a production well.

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
and
producing a mixture from the formation through a production well, wherein the production well is located such that a majority of the mixture produced from the formation comprises non-condensable hydrocarbons and a non-condensable component comprising hydrogen.

1 more element

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat to at least a portion of the formation from one or more first heat sources placed within a pattern in the formation;
allowing the heat to transfer from the one or more first heat sources to a first section of the formation:
heating a second section of the formation with at least one second heat source, wherein the second section is located within the first section, and wherein at least the one second heat source is configured to raise an average temperature of a portion of the second section to a higher temperature than an average temperature of the first section;
and
producing a mixture from the formation through a production well positioned within the second section, wherein a majority of the produced mixture comprises non-condensable hydrocarbons and a non-condensable component comprising H2 components.

2 more elements

A method of treating a coal formation in situ, comprising:

providing heat into the formation from a plurality of heat sources placed in a pattern within the formation, wherein a spacing between heat sources is greater than about 6 m;
allowing the heat to transfer from the plurality of heat sources to a selected section of the formation;
producing a mixture from the formation from a plurality of production wells, wherein the plurality of production wells are positioned within the pattern, and wherein a spacing between production wells is greater than about 12 m.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a heater disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source;
a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a heater configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

2 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a heater disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source;
a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone, and wherein the conduit is further configured to remove an oxidation product from the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a heater configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone, and wherein the conduit is further configurable to remove an oxidation product from the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to an opening in the formation;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing gas to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat in the reaction zone;
removing at least a portion of an oxidation product through the opening;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

3 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an electric heater disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the electric heater is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source;
a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an electric heater configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the electric heater is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use, and wherein at least the portion is located substantially adjacent to the opening;
a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a conductor disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is disposed in an opening in the formation, and wherein the conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source:
a second conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the second conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a conductor configurable to be disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, and wherein the conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
a second conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the second conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to a conductor disposed in a first conduit to provide heat to the portion, and wherein the first conduit is disposed within the opening;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

2 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an insulated conductor disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source;
a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an insulated conductor configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from an oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to an insulated conductor to provide heat to the portion, and wherein the insulated conductor is disposed within the opening;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

2 more elements

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to an opening in the formation, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to an insulated conductor to provide heat to the portion, wherein the insulated conductor is coupled to a conduit, wherein the conduit comprises critical flow orifices, and wherein the conduit is disposed within the opening;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

2 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one elongated member disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source;
a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one elongated member configurable to be disposed in an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to a reaction zone in the formation during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at the reaction zone during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises applying an electrical current to at least one elongated member to provide heat to the portion, and wherein at least the one elongated member is disposed within the opening;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

2 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a heat exchanger disposed external to the formation, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to heat an oxidizing fluid during use;
a conduit disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide the heated oxidizing fluid from the heat exchanger to at least a portion of the formation during use, wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the heated oxidizing fluid to at least the portion of the formation during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at a reaction zone in the formation during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a heat exchanger configurable to be disposed external to the formation, wherein the heat exchanger is further configurable to heat an oxidizing fluid during use;
a conduit configurable to be disposed in the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide the heated oxidizing fluid from the heat exchanger to at least a portion of the formation during use, wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the heated oxidizing fluid to at least the portion of the formation during use, and wherein the system is further configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to oxidize at least some hydrocarbons at a reaction zone in the formation during use such that heat is generated at the reaction zone;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises:
heating the oxidizing fluid with a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed external to the formation;
providing the heated oxidizing fluid from the heat exchanger to the portion of the formation;
and
allowing heat to transfer from the heated oxidizing fluid to the portion of the formation;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

6 more elements

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support reaction of hydrocarbons within the portion of the formation with an oxidizing fluid, wherein heating comprises:
oxidizing a fuel gas in a heater, wherein the heater is disposed external to the formation;
a providing the oxidized fuel gas from the heater to the portion of the formation;
and
allowing heat to transfer from the oxidized fuel gas to the portion of the formation;
providing the oxidizing fluid to a reaction zone in the formation;
allowing the oxidizing fluid to react with at least a portion of the hydrocarbons at the reaction zone to generate heat at the reaction zone;
and
transferring the generated heat substantially by conduction from the reaction zone to a pyrolysis zone in the formation.

6 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an insulated conductor disposed within an open wellbore in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is configured to provide radiant heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a selected section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an insulated conductor configurable to be disposed within an open wellbore in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is further configurable to provide radiant heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a selected section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to an insulated conductor to provide radiant heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is disposed within an open wellbore in the formation;
and
allowing the radiant heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a selected section of the formation.

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to an insulated conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is disposed within an opening in the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an insulated conductor disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use, wherein the insulated conductor comprises a copper-nickel alloy, and wherein the copper-nickel alloy comprises approximately 7% nickel by weight to approximately 12% nickel by weight;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a selected section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

an insulated conductor configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use, wherein the insulated conductor comprises a copper-nickel alloy, and wherein the copper-nickel alloy comprises approximately 7% nickel by weight to approximately 12% nickel by weight;
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a selected section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to an insulated conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the insulated conductor is disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein the insulated conductor comprises a copper-nickel alloy of approximately 7% nickel by weight to approximately 12% nickel by weight;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the insulated conductor to a selected section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least three insulated conductors disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the three insulated conductors are electrically coupled in a 3-phase Y configuration, and wherein at least the three insulated conductors are configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from at least the three insulated conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least three insulated conductors configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the three insulated conductors are electrically coupled in a 3-phase Y configuration, and wherein at least the three insulated conductors are further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from at least the three insulated conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to at least three insulated conductors to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein at least the three insulated conductors are disposed within an opening in the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from at least the three insulated conductors to a selected section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a first conductor disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein the first conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the first conductor to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a first conductor configurable to be disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein the first conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the first conductor to a section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to a first conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the first conductor is disposed in a first conduit, and wherein the first conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the first conductor to a section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a first conductor disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is disposed within a first opening in the formation;
a second conductor disposed in a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is disposed within a second opening in the formation;
a third conductor disposed in a third conduit, wherein the third conduit is disposed within a third opening in the formation, wherein the first, second, and third conductors are electrically coupled in a 3-phase Y configuration, and wherein the first, second, and third conductors are configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the first, second, and third conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a first conductor configurable to be disposed in a first conduit, wherein the first conduit is configurable to be disposed within a first opening in the formation;
a second conductor configurable to be disposed in a second conduit, wherein the second conduit is configurable to be disposed within a second opening in the formation;
a third conductor configurable to be disposed in a third conduit, wherein the third conduit is configurable to be disposed within a third opening in the formation, wherein the first, second, and third conductors are further configurable to be electrically coupled in a 3-phase Y configuration, and wherein the first, second, and third conductors are further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the first, second, and third conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

2 more elements

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to a first conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the first conductor is disposed in a first conduit, and wherein the first conduit is disposed within a first opening in the formation;
applying an electrical current to a second conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the second conductor is disposed in a second conduit, and wherein the second conduit is disposed within a second opening in the formation;
applying an electrical current to a third conductor to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein the third conductor is disposed in a third conduit, and wherein the third conduit is disposed within a third opening in the formation;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from the first, second, and third conductors to a selected section of the formation.

2 more elements

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a first conductor disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation;
and
a second conductor disposed in the conduit, wherein the second conductor is electrically coupled to the first conductor with a connector, and wherein the first and second conductors are configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from the first and second conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

a first conductor configurable to be disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation;
and
a second conductor configurable to be disposed in the conduit, wherein the second conductor is configurable to be electrically coupled to the first conductor with a connector, and wherein the first and second conductors are further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from the first and second conductors to a selected section of the formation during use.

2 more elements

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to at least two conductors to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein at least the two conductors are disposed within a conduit, wherein the conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein at least the two conductors are electrically coupled with a connector;
and
allowing heat to transfer from at least the two conductors to a selected section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one conductor disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein at least the one conductor is configured to provide heat to at least a first portion of the formation during use;
at least one sliding connector, wherein at least the one sliding connector is coupled to at least the one conductor, wherein at least the one sliding connector is configured to provide heat during use, and wherein heat provided by at least the one sliding connector is substantially less than the heat provided by at least the one conductor during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from at least the one conductor to a section of the formation during use.

1 more element

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one conductor configurable to be disposed in a conduit, wherein the conduit is configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, and wherein at least the one conductor is further configurable to provide heat to at least a first portion of the formation during use;
at least one sliding connector, wherein at least the one sliding connector is configurable to be coupled to at least the one conductor, wherein at least the one sliding connector is further configurable to provide heat during use, and wherein heat provided by at least the one sliding connector is substantially less than the heat provided by at least the one conductor during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from at least the one conductor to a section of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to at least one conductor and at least one sliding connector to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein at least the one conductor and at least the one sliding connector are disposed within a conduit, and wherein heat provided by at least the one conductor is substantially greater than heat provided by at least the one sliding connector;
and
allowing the heat to transfer from at least the one conductor and at least the one sliding connector to a section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one elongated member disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation during use.

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one elongated member configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
and
wherein the system is configurable to allow heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation during use.

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to at least one elongated member to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is disposed within an opening of the formation;
and
allowing heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation.

A system configured to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one elongated member disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is configured to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
an oxidizing fluid source;
a conduit disposed within the opening, wherein the conduit is configured to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the opening during use, and wherein the oxidizing fluid is selected to substantially inhibit carbon deposition on or proximate to at least the one elongated member during use;
and
wherein the system is configured to allow heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation during use.

2 more elements

A system configurable to heat a coal formation, comprising:

at least one elongated member configurable to be disposed within an opening in the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is further configurable to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation during use;
a conduit configurable to be disposed within the opening, wherein the conduit is further configurable to provide an oxidizing fluid from the oxidizing fluid source to the opening during use, and wherein the system is configurable to allow the oxidizing fluid to substantially inhibit carbon deposition on or proximate to at least the one elongated member during use;
and
wherein the system is further configurable to allow heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation during use.

1 more element

An in situ method for heating a coal formation, comprising:

applying an electrical current to at least one elongated member to provide heat to at least a portion of the formation, wherein at least the one elongated member is disposed within an opening in the formation;
providing an oxidizing fluid to at least the one elongated member to substantially inhibit carbon deposition on or proximate to at least the one elongated member;
and
allowing heat to transfer from at least the one elongated member to a section of the formation.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

In situ thermal processing of a coal formation and tuning production

Life of this patent

In situ thermal processing of a coal formation and tuning production

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Abstract

Claims4067