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US 2014/0190687 A1Published application
Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
AssigneeShell Oil Company
InventorScott Vinh Nguyen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims21
1-7. (canceled)
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 molten salt;
- and
- assessing a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits by assessing a presence of the inert gas inside the walls of at least one of the conduits.
2 more elements
A method of treating a subsurface formation, comprising:
- circulating an inert gas with a molten salt;
- providing the molten salt/inert gas mixture to one or more conduit-in-conduit heaters;
- circulating the molten salt/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;
- and
- assessing a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits by assessing a presence of the inert gas inside the walls of at least one of the conduits.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.