CA2668784C - Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil Download PDFInfo
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- CA2668784C CA2668784C CA2668784A CA2668784A CA2668784C CA 2668784 C CA2668784 C CA 2668784C CA 2668784 A CA2668784 A CA 2668784A CA 2668784 A CA2668784 A CA 2668784A CA 2668784 C CA2668784 C CA 2668784C
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 239000000295 fuel oil Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 title claims description 39
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 48
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen peroxide Chemical group OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 11
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 10
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 10
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 7
- 239000010426 asphalt Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001962 electrophoresis Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 4
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 2
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003568 thioethers Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000005864 Sulphur Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005370 electroosmosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 hydrogen ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000013379 molasses Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007670 refining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/16—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
- E21B43/24—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection
- E21B43/2401—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection by means of electricity
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
- C10G1/00—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal
- C10G1/04—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal by extraction
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
Abstract
A system and method for extracting heavy oil is provided which has at least one horizontal electrode, a pump, vertical electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the horizontal electrode, and at least one electrical power supply configured to positively charge the vertical electrodes and negatively charge the horizontal electrode. Electric fields are created between the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode. Also provided is a method of manufacturing replenishable subterranean electrodes. The method comprises the steps of drilling a vertical bore hole, lining the bore hole with a non-conductive material whereby the bottom of the bore hole is open, inserting an electrically conductive liquid down the bore hole, and feeding a conductor into the liquid. Electrical power is passed down the conductor to electrically charge the liquid and as the liquid degrades, more liquid is supplied.
Description
=TROD ARD_APPARATUB roR RLECTROKINNTIC =TRACTION OF HEAVr OIL
This invention is in the field of oil extraction and more particularly in-situ electrical extraction of oil.
BACKGROUND
Heavy oil and extra-heavy oil (bitumen) is a type of crude that does not flow easily or at all in ambient conditions.
It can be made up of naphthenee, paraffins, aromatics, and asphaltenes and frequently also contains other COnStituents such as sulphur, nitrogen and metals.
Heavy oil is dense and viscous with Canadian extra-heavy crude often having a viscosity the same as molasses or even higher. The high viscosity of heavy and extra-heavy oil compared to more conventional light oil requires more complex and costly methods of extraction than conventional light oil. The makeup of heavy oil also often requires a , . _ certain amount of refining before it can be shipped. This makes light oil the favored of the two to find and extract.
However, heavy oil is much more prevalent in the world than conventional light crude oil., Some estimates have only S-s ist of all in place oil being recoverable using conventional techniques, leaving an enormous amount of untapped resources in the form of heavy oil throughout the world.
Is Previous systems for extraction of heavy oil have required vast amounts of capital infrastructure investment. Some forms of heavy oil extraction from bitumen entail removal of the bitumen from the Earth to a processing facility from which using heat, steam, solvents or other methods the oil 15 was removed from the sand or substrate. Other in Earth methods of extraction use significant quantities of solvents or are otherwise difficult or expensive to use.
This invention is in the field of oil extraction and more particularly in-situ electrical extraction of oil.
BACKGROUND
Heavy oil and extra-heavy oil (bitumen) is a type of crude that does not flow easily or at all in ambient conditions.
It can be made up of naphthenee, paraffins, aromatics, and asphaltenes and frequently also contains other COnStituents such as sulphur, nitrogen and metals.
Heavy oil is dense and viscous with Canadian extra-heavy crude often having a viscosity the same as molasses or even higher. The high viscosity of heavy and extra-heavy oil compared to more conventional light oil requires more complex and costly methods of extraction than conventional light oil. The makeup of heavy oil also often requires a , . _ certain amount of refining before it can be shipped. This makes light oil the favored of the two to find and extract.
However, heavy oil is much more prevalent in the world than conventional light crude oil., Some estimates have only S-s ist of all in place oil being recoverable using conventional techniques, leaving an enormous amount of untapped resources in the form of heavy oil throughout the world.
Is Previous systems for extraction of heavy oil have required vast amounts of capital infrastructure investment. Some forms of heavy oil extraction from bitumen entail removal of the bitumen from the Earth to a processing facility from which using heat, steam, solvents or other methods the oil 15 was removed from the sand or substrate. Other in Earth methods of extraction use significant quantities of solvents or are otherwise difficult or expensive to use.
2 CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for extracting heavy oil that overcomes problems in the prior art.
S A system is provided for extracting heavy oil from beneath a ground surface. A single horizontal electrode is created by horizontally boring a bole running under the ground surface. An electrically conductive pipe is then provided in the horizontally bored hole. The pipe contains apertures passing through the pipe into the interior of the pipe. A progressive cavity pump or other suitable pump is installed in the pipe to carry liquid collected in the pipe up to the ground surface.
Is With the horizontal electrode in place, a number of vertical electrodes can be placed on either side of the horizontal electrode and power supplies connected between each of the vertical electrodes and the single horizontal electrode. The power supplies are used to positively charge the vertical electrodes with the horizontal electrode being negatively charged,
S A system is provided for extracting heavy oil from beneath a ground surface. A single horizontal electrode is created by horizontally boring a bole running under the ground surface. An electrically conductive pipe is then provided in the horizontally bored hole. The pipe contains apertures passing through the pipe into the interior of the pipe. A progressive cavity pump or other suitable pump is installed in the pipe to carry liquid collected in the pipe up to the ground surface.
Is With the horizontal electrode in place, a number of vertical electrodes can be placed on either side of the horizontal electrode and power supplies connected between each of the vertical electrodes and the single horizontal electrode. The power supplies are used to positively charge the vertical electrodes with the horizontal electrode being negatively charged,
3 In operation, as power is supplied between each of the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode and water is injected down the vertical electrodes, electric fields are created between the positive vertical electrodes and the negative horizontal electrode. The electric field created across the formation between the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode creates a number of soil kinetic reactions that cause oil and water in the formation to move towards and collect in the horizontal W electrode.
The soil kinetic reactions created in the formation by the electrical field include electroosmosis, eloctromigration, electrophoresis and electrical resistive heating_ Is Electrooemosie is the induced motion of water and hydrocarbons from the anodes (the vertical electrodes) to the cathode (the horizontal electrode) resulting in a net flow in the formation from the anodes to the cathode.
Electromigration involves the movement of ions toward the 20 respective anodes and cathodes. The electric field induced through the formation between the anodes and cathode, molecules in the formation are separated into their positive ions and negative ions. The electrical field =
The soil kinetic reactions created in the formation by the electrical field include electroosmosis, eloctromigration, electrophoresis and electrical resistive heating_ Is Electrooemosie is the induced motion of water and hydrocarbons from the anodes (the vertical electrodes) to the cathode (the horizontal electrode) resulting in a net flow in the formation from the anodes to the cathode.
Electromigration involves the movement of ions toward the 20 respective anodes and cathodes. The electric field induced through the formation between the anodes and cathode, molecules in the formation are separated into their positive ions and negative ions. The electrical field =
4 pull the free positive ions in the direction of the negative electrode and the free negative ions in the direction of the positive electrode. This creates an acidic plume at the cathode the horizontal electrode) and basic plumes at the anodes (the vertical electrodes).
Through the continuous use of free radicals such as hydrogen ions and hydroxyl, the kinetic movement pushes forward reducing viscosity of the hydrocarbons, as well as decreasing the numerous unsolicited elements such as sulfur/sulfides within the removed hydrocarbon mix extracted from the cathode. Electrophoresis will occur ae a result that many if not all of the dispersed particles will have an electric surface charge on them. This charge can be manipulated through the application of the electric field and allow these charged particles to be moved through the formation between the anodes and the cathode. Finally, electrically resistive heating of the formation between the anodes and the cathode will occur by the application of the electric field in the formation between them. This heating of the soil and other materials in the formation will lower the viscosity of the oil present in the formation making it easier for the oil to flow through the formation.
Through the continuous use of free radicals such as hydrogen ions and hydroxyl, the kinetic movement pushes forward reducing viscosity of the hydrocarbons, as well as decreasing the numerous unsolicited elements such as sulfur/sulfides within the removed hydrocarbon mix extracted from the cathode. Electrophoresis will occur ae a result that many if not all of the dispersed particles will have an electric surface charge on them. This charge can be manipulated through the application of the electric field and allow these charged particles to be moved through the formation between the anodes and the cathode. Finally, electrically resistive heating of the formation between the anodes and the cathode will occur by the application of the electric field in the formation between them. This heating of the soil and other materials in the formation will lower the viscosity of the oil present in the formation making it easier for the oil to flow through the formation.
5 CA. 2668784 201/-03-07 One of the factors leading to heavy crude oil's "heaviness"
is the large number of carbon atoms making up the oil itself; in some cases, 60 carbon atoms or more. The electric field induced between the anodes and the cathode heats the soil and can "crack" these long chain hydrocarbons, resulting in oil with fewer carbon atoms and therefore Less viscosity. The application of steady heat, pressure created in the formation between the anodes and cathode, and the increase in hydrogen allows the bitumen fractions to breakdown into lighter ends, resulting in a higher quantity and quality of hydrocarbons in the oil being extracted in addition to allowing the oil to flow better through the formation.
As a result of the soil kinetic reactions, oil and water move towards the horizontal electrode where it passes through the apertures in the pipe making up the horizontal electrode. Once collected in the pipe, the oil and water mixture can be pumped to the ground surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINOS
is the large number of carbon atoms making up the oil itself; in some cases, 60 carbon atoms or more. The electric field induced between the anodes and the cathode heats the soil and can "crack" these long chain hydrocarbons, resulting in oil with fewer carbon atoms and therefore Less viscosity. The application of steady heat, pressure created in the formation between the anodes and cathode, and the increase in hydrogen allows the bitumen fractions to breakdown into lighter ends, resulting in a higher quantity and quality of hydrocarbons in the oil being extracted in addition to allowing the oil to flow better through the formation.
As a result of the soil kinetic reactions, oil and water move towards the horizontal electrode where it passes through the apertures in the pipe making up the horizontal electrode. Once collected in the pipe, the oil and water mixture can be pumped to the ground surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINOS
6 While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are =
labeled with like numbers. and where:
Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a heavy oil extraction/collection system;
Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a horizontal electrode;
Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a vertical electrode; and Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a replenishable vertical electrode in a further aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TEE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
labeled with like numbers. and where:
Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a heavy oil extraction/collection system;
Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a horizontal electrode;
Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a vertical electrode; and Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a replenishable vertical electrode in a further aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TEE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
7 System:
There are numerous components to the electrokinetic extraction system of the present invention which we will now address. The system comprises at least one horizontal subterranean electrode Which contains a porous conduit into which oil or other fluids from the ground formation can migrate for evacuation to the ground surface. In addition to the at least one horizontal subterranean electrode there are also at least two vertical subterranean electrodes, disposed on opposing sides of the horizontal electrode.
Generically the final elements of the system of the present invention which allow for the evacuation of heavy oil and electrokinetic method to the ground surface are in extraction apparatus which is connected in some way to the horizontal electrode -- this might in most circumstances comprise the recovery pipe and the pump which would allow I ?
for the suction of oil from the ground formation through the apertures in the porous extraction pipe.
Fig. 1 illustrates a heavy oil extraction/collection system 100. A horizontal eleCtrode 110 is provided running under the ground surface 10 in the subsurface formation 20
There are numerous components to the electrokinetic extraction system of the present invention which we will now address. The system comprises at least one horizontal subterranean electrode Which contains a porous conduit into which oil or other fluids from the ground formation can migrate for evacuation to the ground surface. In addition to the at least one horizontal subterranean electrode there are also at least two vertical subterranean electrodes, disposed on opposing sides of the horizontal electrode.
Generically the final elements of the system of the present invention which allow for the evacuation of heavy oil and electrokinetic method to the ground surface are in extraction apparatus which is connected in some way to the horizontal electrode -- this might in most circumstances comprise the recovery pipe and the pump which would allow I ?
for the suction of oil from the ground formation through the apertures in the porous extraction pipe.
Fig. 1 illustrates a heavy oil extraction/collection system 100. A horizontal eleCtrode 110 is provided running under the ground surface 10 in the subsurface formation 20
8 C.A.266878412017-03-07 through a formation containiag a heavy oil deposit 50. As outlined elsewhere herein, the system of the present invention would require at least one horizontal electrode in the subsurface formation that in a larger installation or application it will be understood that more than one horizontal electrode 110 might be used, with the likely corresponding increase in the number of vertical electrodes, and that systems of varying sizes including any specific number of horizontal subterranean electrodes 110 JO are contemplated within the scope here of.
A number of vertical electrodes 120 are positioned on either side of the horizontal electrode 110. At least two vertical subterranean electrodes 120 are contemplated to be required for the method of the present invention to function properly. As in the cane of the horizontal subterranean electrode outlined above, the number of vertical electrodes 120 is also contemplated to be variable, either in an application using a single subterranean horizontal electrode or in a larger application or system with more than one horizontal electrode. The number and location of the vertical electrodes 120 in an array in proximity or relation to the
A number of vertical electrodes 120 are positioned on either side of the horizontal electrode 110. At least two vertical subterranean electrodes 120 are contemplated to be required for the method of the present invention to function properly. As in the cane of the horizontal subterranean electrode outlined above, the number of vertical electrodes 120 is also contemplated to be variable, either in an application using a single subterranean horizontal electrode or in a larger application or system with more than one horizontal electrode. The number and location of the vertical electrodes 120 in an array in proximity or relation to the
9 at least one horizontal subterranean electrode 110 will be understood to vary and necessary Changes or modifications to the system of the present invention as will be obvious to one skilled in the art in order to accomplish this objective are all contemplated within the scope hereof.
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic illustration of a section of the horizontal electrode 110. A horizontal bore hole 210 =
is created and a long porous conduit 220 of electrically conductive material such as steel is inserted in the horizontal bore hoie 210 to form the horizontal electrode llo. The extraction pipe 220 contains a number of apertures 230 positioned along a length of the pipe 220 to provide access into an interior of the pipe 220. The horizontal bore hole 210 can be made to any practical length allowing the horizontal electrode 110 to be made to any practical length. The extraction pipe 220 would then be electrified by the application of electrical energy from a power source, described in further detail elsewhere herein.
Referring again to Fig. 1, a progressive cavity pump 250 or other suitable device is provided in the interior of the pipe 220 in the portion that is running horizontally to pump fluid up the bore hole 210 to the ground surface 10.
Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a vertical electrode $ 120. A vertical bore hole 310 is created passing through the ground surface 10 into subsurface formation 20. An electrically conductive rod 320 such as a carbon rod is inserted down the vertical bore hole 310 to form the vertical electrode 120.
The conductive rod 320 is placed down the vertical bore hole 310 so that the conductive rod 320 forms a vertical electrode 120 in the ground at substantially the same depth as the horizontal electrode 110, shown in Pig. A.
Alternatively. in a further aspect granular carbon or some other electrically conductive particulate material might be placed in the vertical bore bole 310 to form the vertical electrode 120.
Referring again to Fig. 1, to create the system 100, a number of vertical electrodes 120 are used, each created by boring a vertical bole through the ground surface 10 down through the formation 20 to either side of the horizontal electrode 110. because the horizontal electrode 1/0 can be quite long, if vertical electrodes 120 are not originally provided along the entire length of the horizontal portion of the horizontal electrode 110, the vertical electrodes 120 will typically be clustered around a portion of the length of the horizontal electrode 110.
At least one power supply 150 is then provided between each of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110. Although fewer power supplies 150 could be used with one power supply ISO connecting more than one vertical electrode I20 to the horizontal electrode 110 in parallel, in this embodiment each power supply 150 is connected between a single vertical electrode 120 and the horizontal is electrode 110 so that the vertical electrode 120 is supplied with -a positive charge and the horizontal electrode 110 is provided with a negative charge. In this manner, an electric field can be induced in the soil between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 with the vertical electrodes 120 acting as anodes and the horizontal electrode 120 acting as a cathode.
Method of extractions In operation, voltage and current are supplied between each of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 so that the vertical electrodes 120 are positively charged and the horizontal electrode 110 is negatively charged creating an electric field in. the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110. Water can be injected down the vertical electrodes 120 and out into the ground surrounding the vertical electrodes 120.
The creation of an electrical field between the anode and .15 cathode electrodes causes soil kinetic reactions to occur in the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110, Specifically, electrooamosia, electromigration, electrophoresis and electrical resistive heating. zlectroosmosis causes the uniform movement of water and hydrocarbon from the anodes (vertical electrodes 120) towards the cathode (the horizontal electrode 110) causing a net flow of water and hydrocarbons from the anode to the cathode. Electromigration will cause ions In the formation 20 to move towards the vertical electrodes 120 and horizontal electrode 110. This electromigration of ions reduces the viscosity of the hydrocarbons as well as decreasing a number of undesired elements such as sulfur/sulfides from the collected oil. Electrophoresis will alter the surface charge on dispersed particles in the formation 20 allowing the charged particles to be moved through the formation 20_ Electrical resistive heating increases the temperature of the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode /10, which, in addition to decreasing the viecoeity of the oil in the formation 20, along with the increased pressure and additional hydrogen from the other kinetiC reaction serves to 'crack" the long chain carbons of the hydrocarbons, allowing the hydrocarbons to more easily flow through the formation 20 and improving the quality of the extracted oil collected from the horizontal electrode 110.
The result of these kinematic reactions is a net flow of oil and water towards to the horizontal electrode 110 acting as a cathode. Referring again to Fig. 2, as this flow of oil and water moves towards the horizontal electrode 110, it will pass through the apertures 230 in CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 the pipe 220 and collect in the interior of the pipe 220.
The oil/water mixture collecting in the interior of the pipe 220 can then be pumped to the ground surface 10 by the progressive cavity pimp 250, where it can be gathered and further treated.
Because of the ongoing need to inject water down the vertical electrodes 120 and into the formation 20 as the system 100 is in use, in one aspect, the oil/water mixture extracted from the horizontal electrode 110 and pumped up to the ground surface 10 by the progressive cavity pump 150 is separated into oil and water at the ground surface 10.
The separated water is then redirected back to the vertical electrodes 120 to once again be injected down the vertical electrodes 120 and into the formation 20. In this manner, the water injected down the vertical electrodes 120 and recovered with the collected oil can be reused for the process, reducing the total amount of water that is necessary for the process.
In a further aspect, the water being injected down the vertical electrodes 120 can have a small amount of oxidant such as hydrogen peroxide added to the water being injected to aid in the flow induced by the anode/cathode reaction in the coil 20.
Each power supply 150 is connected across the horizontal electrode 110 to only one of the vertical electrodes 120.
When a positive voltage is applied to the vertical electrodes 120 by each of the power supplies 150, the vertical electrodes 120 act as anodes with the single horizontal electrode 110 acting as a cathode. By providing M a power supply 150 for each vertical electrode 120, the voltage and current supplied to each vertical electrode 120 can be varied independently from the other vertical electrodes 120 allowing the electric field at different points along the horizontal electrode 110 to be altered to account for differences in the make up of the formation 20.
If the formation 20 between one of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 differs in the makeup, density, moisture content, etc. from the formation 20 between another of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrodes 110, different voltages and/or current can be supplied by the respective power supplies 150 to account for the differences in the soil 20. In this manner, different soil conditions between different vertical electrodes 120 paired with the horizontal electrode 110 can be taken into account at the same time.
Once the heavy oil in the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 has been sufficiently extracted from the formation 20, the previous vertical electrodes 120 can be abandoned and new vertical electrodes 120 created further along the length of the horizontal electrode 110 allowing heavy oil to be extracted from formation 20 surrounding the horizontal electrode 110 further along the length of the horizontal electrode 110.
In this manner, a single horizontal electrode 110 can be used over and over again as vertical electrodes 120 are created along the length of the single horizontal electrode l5 110.
Because the application of voltage and current across the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 results in an anode/cathode reaction with the vertical electrodes 120 acting as anodes, the electrically conductive material making up the vertical electrodes 120 will breakdown and degrade over time. Typically, this requires the vertical electrode 120 to be maintained or CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 replaced periodically. Providing maintenance on or replacing one of the vertical electrodes 120 is much simpler and less costly then replacing the horizontal electrode 110 because the cost of horizontal drilling and the assembly of the horizontal electrode 110 is costly.
Additionally, because the horizontal electrode 110 is functioning as the cathode, it will not degrade over time like the anode (in fact it will be cathodically protected), causing the horizontal electrode 110 not to require the same amount of maintenance and replacement as the vertical electrodes 120.
Ac a portion of the formation 20 around the horizontal electrode 110 is depleted of oil, new vertical electrodes 120 can be made surrounding the same horizontal electrode 110 further down the length of the horizontal electrode 110. This allows the single horizontal electrode 110 to be repeatedly used with numerous vertical electrodes 120 and allowing oil to be extracted along the entire length of the horizontal electrode 110 as new vertical electrodes 1.20 are installed along the length of the horizontal electrode 110.
Repleniehable vertical subterranean electrode:
Beyond the system and method of extraction of subterranean heavy oil outlined herein one of the other key aspects of the present invention as outlined in claims in the remainder of this specification is the invention of a replenishable vertical electrode for subterranean applications, as well as a method for its manufacture.
io One of the previous issues with the use of subterranean electrodes in electrOkinetic applications is at the electrodes degrade after a period of time and need to potentially be extracted or replaced where for example a conductive rod or the like is used -- the cost of replacement of the electrodes from time to time drives up the cost of their use in various electrdkinetic subterranean applications and it is a desired Object of the present invention to provide a replenishable subterranean electrode for use in the vertical application that would .20 not require the complete removal and replacement of for example a conductive rod or the like. Certain applications will still require the use of a rod or a conduit if the conduit is being used also for the carriage of fluids or CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 the like to particular locations down the ground for but in certain applications where the pipe was not necessary for = other uses in addition to the electrode application, the replenishable vertical electrode outlined herein will provide significant benefits in cost and simplicity of manufacture for use in this as well as other electrokinetic applications.
In a further aspect, the vertical electrodes 120 are replenishable. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a repleniahable vertical electrode 120. A vertical bore hole 410 is drilled and a casing 415 of a non-conductive material such as fiberglass in used to line the vertical bore hole 410 down to the desired depth in the soil 20 so that the vertical electrode 120 is at the same depth as the horizontal electrode 110. Electrically conductive liquid 420, such as liquid graphite, is then inserted down the bore hole 410 contacting the soil 20 where the casing 415 is not present. A conductor 436 such as an electrically conductive wire is then fed down the vertical bore hole 410 into the electrically conductive liquid 420.
In operation, voltage and current is passed to the vertical electrode 120 down conductor 430 to electrically charge the electrically conductive liquid 420. As the electrically conductive liquid 420 degrades as a result of the anode/cathode reaction, more electrically conductive liquid 420 can be supplied down the vertical bore hole 410. In one aspect, a bead of electrically conductive liquid 420 can be kept in the casing 415. Mn this manner, the head creates pressure in the electrically conductive liquid 420 in contact with the formation 20, automatically replenishing the electrically conductive liquid 420 as it degrades.
Water can be injected down the vertical electrode 120 by maintaining a significant head of water in the vertical bore hole 410 causing the water to mix with the electrically conductive liquid 420 and pass out into the formation 20 surrounding the vertical bore hole 410 below the casing 415.
Alternatively a hollow pipe 440 can be provided passing through the electrically Conductive liquid 420 with branch conduits 445 extending from the hollow pipe 440 to the interior surface of the vertical bore hole 410.
Pressurized water can then be injected down the hollow pipe 440 and out the branch conduits 445 into the formation 20 surrounding the vertical bore hole 41g. In this manner, the amount of water injected into the formation 20 can be somewhat controllable. .
A. horizontal subterranean electrode which was replenishable could also be generated or manufactured in accordance with the method of the present invention albeit in that circumstance it would be difficult when the electrically conductive fluid was placed within the horizontal bore to provide an interior conduit therein for evacuation or extraction of oil. It will however be understood that in certain circumstances this could be overcome, and another circumstances where a horizontal subterranean electrode was required without the need for a porous extraction pipe or other interior extraction mechanism the method of manufacture of the replenishable electrodes outlined herein could be used very effectively by simply pouring the electrically conductive fluid in question down the horizontal bore hole and placing an. electrical conductor therein. Insofar as subterranean horizontal electrodes of this nature would be useful in certain applications without the need even for a central or porous extraction pipe therein, it will be understood that the manufacturer of a horizontal subterranean electrode in accordance with the 3 same type of a method as is outlined herein with respect to a vertical subterranean electrode is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the Invention to the exact construction and operation shown and Is described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic illustration of a section of the horizontal electrode 110. A horizontal bore hole 210 =
is created and a long porous conduit 220 of electrically conductive material such as steel is inserted in the horizontal bore hoie 210 to form the horizontal electrode llo. The extraction pipe 220 contains a number of apertures 230 positioned along a length of the pipe 220 to provide access into an interior of the pipe 220. The horizontal bore hole 210 can be made to any practical length allowing the horizontal electrode 110 to be made to any practical length. The extraction pipe 220 would then be electrified by the application of electrical energy from a power source, described in further detail elsewhere herein.
Referring again to Fig. 1, a progressive cavity pump 250 or other suitable device is provided in the interior of the pipe 220 in the portion that is running horizontally to pump fluid up the bore hole 210 to the ground surface 10.
Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a vertical electrode $ 120. A vertical bore hole 310 is created passing through the ground surface 10 into subsurface formation 20. An electrically conductive rod 320 such as a carbon rod is inserted down the vertical bore hole 310 to form the vertical electrode 120.
The conductive rod 320 is placed down the vertical bore hole 310 so that the conductive rod 320 forms a vertical electrode 120 in the ground at substantially the same depth as the horizontal electrode 110, shown in Pig. A.
Alternatively. in a further aspect granular carbon or some other electrically conductive particulate material might be placed in the vertical bore bole 310 to form the vertical electrode 120.
Referring again to Fig. 1, to create the system 100, a number of vertical electrodes 120 are used, each created by boring a vertical bole through the ground surface 10 down through the formation 20 to either side of the horizontal electrode 110. because the horizontal electrode 1/0 can be quite long, if vertical electrodes 120 are not originally provided along the entire length of the horizontal portion of the horizontal electrode 110, the vertical electrodes 120 will typically be clustered around a portion of the length of the horizontal electrode 110.
At least one power supply 150 is then provided between each of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110. Although fewer power supplies 150 could be used with one power supply ISO connecting more than one vertical electrode I20 to the horizontal electrode 110 in parallel, in this embodiment each power supply 150 is connected between a single vertical electrode 120 and the horizontal is electrode 110 so that the vertical electrode 120 is supplied with -a positive charge and the horizontal electrode 110 is provided with a negative charge. In this manner, an electric field can be induced in the soil between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 with the vertical electrodes 120 acting as anodes and the horizontal electrode 120 acting as a cathode.
Method of extractions In operation, voltage and current are supplied between each of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 so that the vertical electrodes 120 are positively charged and the horizontal electrode 110 is negatively charged creating an electric field in. the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110. Water can be injected down the vertical electrodes 120 and out into the ground surrounding the vertical electrodes 120.
The creation of an electrical field between the anode and .15 cathode electrodes causes soil kinetic reactions to occur in the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110, Specifically, electrooamosia, electromigration, electrophoresis and electrical resistive heating. zlectroosmosis causes the uniform movement of water and hydrocarbon from the anodes (vertical electrodes 120) towards the cathode (the horizontal electrode 110) causing a net flow of water and hydrocarbons from the anode to the cathode. Electromigration will cause ions In the formation 20 to move towards the vertical electrodes 120 and horizontal electrode 110. This electromigration of ions reduces the viscosity of the hydrocarbons as well as decreasing a number of undesired elements such as sulfur/sulfides from the collected oil. Electrophoresis will alter the surface charge on dispersed particles in the formation 20 allowing the charged particles to be moved through the formation 20_ Electrical resistive heating increases the temperature of the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode /10, which, in addition to decreasing the viecoeity of the oil in the formation 20, along with the increased pressure and additional hydrogen from the other kinetiC reaction serves to 'crack" the long chain carbons of the hydrocarbons, allowing the hydrocarbons to more easily flow through the formation 20 and improving the quality of the extracted oil collected from the horizontal electrode 110.
The result of these kinematic reactions is a net flow of oil and water towards to the horizontal electrode 110 acting as a cathode. Referring again to Fig. 2, as this flow of oil and water moves towards the horizontal electrode 110, it will pass through the apertures 230 in CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 the pipe 220 and collect in the interior of the pipe 220.
The oil/water mixture collecting in the interior of the pipe 220 can then be pumped to the ground surface 10 by the progressive cavity pimp 250, where it can be gathered and further treated.
Because of the ongoing need to inject water down the vertical electrodes 120 and into the formation 20 as the system 100 is in use, in one aspect, the oil/water mixture extracted from the horizontal electrode 110 and pumped up to the ground surface 10 by the progressive cavity pump 150 is separated into oil and water at the ground surface 10.
The separated water is then redirected back to the vertical electrodes 120 to once again be injected down the vertical electrodes 120 and into the formation 20. In this manner, the water injected down the vertical electrodes 120 and recovered with the collected oil can be reused for the process, reducing the total amount of water that is necessary for the process.
In a further aspect, the water being injected down the vertical electrodes 120 can have a small amount of oxidant such as hydrogen peroxide added to the water being injected to aid in the flow induced by the anode/cathode reaction in the coil 20.
Each power supply 150 is connected across the horizontal electrode 110 to only one of the vertical electrodes 120.
When a positive voltage is applied to the vertical electrodes 120 by each of the power supplies 150, the vertical electrodes 120 act as anodes with the single horizontal electrode 110 acting as a cathode. By providing M a power supply 150 for each vertical electrode 120, the voltage and current supplied to each vertical electrode 120 can be varied independently from the other vertical electrodes 120 allowing the electric field at different points along the horizontal electrode 110 to be altered to account for differences in the make up of the formation 20.
If the formation 20 between one of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 differs in the makeup, density, moisture content, etc. from the formation 20 between another of the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrodes 110, different voltages and/or current can be supplied by the respective power supplies 150 to account for the differences in the soil 20. In this manner, different soil conditions between different vertical electrodes 120 paired with the horizontal electrode 110 can be taken into account at the same time.
Once the heavy oil in the formation 20 between the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 has been sufficiently extracted from the formation 20, the previous vertical electrodes 120 can be abandoned and new vertical electrodes 120 created further along the length of the horizontal electrode 110 allowing heavy oil to be extracted from formation 20 surrounding the horizontal electrode 110 further along the length of the horizontal electrode 110.
In this manner, a single horizontal electrode 110 can be used over and over again as vertical electrodes 120 are created along the length of the single horizontal electrode l5 110.
Because the application of voltage and current across the vertical electrodes 120 and the horizontal electrode 110 results in an anode/cathode reaction with the vertical electrodes 120 acting as anodes, the electrically conductive material making up the vertical electrodes 120 will breakdown and degrade over time. Typically, this requires the vertical electrode 120 to be maintained or CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 replaced periodically. Providing maintenance on or replacing one of the vertical electrodes 120 is much simpler and less costly then replacing the horizontal electrode 110 because the cost of horizontal drilling and the assembly of the horizontal electrode 110 is costly.
Additionally, because the horizontal electrode 110 is functioning as the cathode, it will not degrade over time like the anode (in fact it will be cathodically protected), causing the horizontal electrode 110 not to require the same amount of maintenance and replacement as the vertical electrodes 120.
Ac a portion of the formation 20 around the horizontal electrode 110 is depleted of oil, new vertical electrodes 120 can be made surrounding the same horizontal electrode 110 further down the length of the horizontal electrode 110. This allows the single horizontal electrode 110 to be repeatedly used with numerous vertical electrodes 120 and allowing oil to be extracted along the entire length of the horizontal electrode 110 as new vertical electrodes 1.20 are installed along the length of the horizontal electrode 110.
Repleniehable vertical subterranean electrode:
Beyond the system and method of extraction of subterranean heavy oil outlined herein one of the other key aspects of the present invention as outlined in claims in the remainder of this specification is the invention of a replenishable vertical electrode for subterranean applications, as well as a method for its manufacture.
io One of the previous issues with the use of subterranean electrodes in electrOkinetic applications is at the electrodes degrade after a period of time and need to potentially be extracted or replaced where for example a conductive rod or the like is used -- the cost of replacement of the electrodes from time to time drives up the cost of their use in various electrdkinetic subterranean applications and it is a desired Object of the present invention to provide a replenishable subterranean electrode for use in the vertical application that would .20 not require the complete removal and replacement of for example a conductive rod or the like. Certain applications will still require the use of a rod or a conduit if the conduit is being used also for the carriage of fluids or CA. 2668784 2017-03-07 the like to particular locations down the ground for but in certain applications where the pipe was not necessary for = other uses in addition to the electrode application, the replenishable vertical electrode outlined herein will provide significant benefits in cost and simplicity of manufacture for use in this as well as other electrokinetic applications.
In a further aspect, the vertical electrodes 120 are replenishable. Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a repleniahable vertical electrode 120. A vertical bore hole 410 is drilled and a casing 415 of a non-conductive material such as fiberglass in used to line the vertical bore hole 410 down to the desired depth in the soil 20 so that the vertical electrode 120 is at the same depth as the horizontal electrode 110. Electrically conductive liquid 420, such as liquid graphite, is then inserted down the bore hole 410 contacting the soil 20 where the casing 415 is not present. A conductor 436 such as an electrically conductive wire is then fed down the vertical bore hole 410 into the electrically conductive liquid 420.
In operation, voltage and current is passed to the vertical electrode 120 down conductor 430 to electrically charge the electrically conductive liquid 420. As the electrically conductive liquid 420 degrades as a result of the anode/cathode reaction, more electrically conductive liquid 420 can be supplied down the vertical bore hole 410. In one aspect, a bead of electrically conductive liquid 420 can be kept in the casing 415. Mn this manner, the head creates pressure in the electrically conductive liquid 420 in contact with the formation 20, automatically replenishing the electrically conductive liquid 420 as it degrades.
Water can be injected down the vertical electrode 120 by maintaining a significant head of water in the vertical bore hole 410 causing the water to mix with the electrically conductive liquid 420 and pass out into the formation 20 surrounding the vertical bore hole 410 below the casing 415.
Alternatively a hollow pipe 440 can be provided passing through the electrically Conductive liquid 420 with branch conduits 445 extending from the hollow pipe 440 to the interior surface of the vertical bore hole 410.
Pressurized water can then be injected down the hollow pipe 440 and out the branch conduits 445 into the formation 20 surrounding the vertical bore hole 41g. In this manner, the amount of water injected into the formation 20 can be somewhat controllable. .
A. horizontal subterranean electrode which was replenishable could also be generated or manufactured in accordance with the method of the present invention albeit in that circumstance it would be difficult when the electrically conductive fluid was placed within the horizontal bore to provide an interior conduit therein for evacuation or extraction of oil. It will however be understood that in certain circumstances this could be overcome, and another circumstances where a horizontal subterranean electrode was required without the need for a porous extraction pipe or other interior extraction mechanism the method of manufacture of the replenishable electrodes outlined herein could be used very effectively by simply pouring the electrically conductive fluid in question down the horizontal bore hole and placing an. electrical conductor therein. Insofar as subterranean horizontal electrodes of this nature would be useful in certain applications without the need even for a central or porous extraction pipe therein, it will be understood that the manufacturer of a horizontal subterranean electrode in accordance with the 3 same type of a method as is outlined herein with respect to a vertical subterranean electrode is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the Invention to the exact construction and operation shown and Is described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (37)
1.An electrokinetic subterranean fluid extraction system, the system comprising:
At least one subterranean horizontal electrode comprising an electrically conductive porous extraction pipe provided in a horizontally-bored hole;
at least two subterranean vertical electrodes, positioned on opposite sides of the at least one horizontal electrode;
an electrical power supply connected to the subterranean vertical and horizontal electrodes, and configured to positively charge the subterranean vertical electrodes and negatively charge the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode; and extraction apparatus which will extract liquids from the extraction pipe of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode to the ground surface;
wherein as electrical power is supplied by the electrical power supply, electric fields are created between the positively-charged vertical electrodes and the negatively-charged horizontal electrode, whereupon fluid within the ground formation is enabled to migrate from the ground formation into the porous extraction pipe.
At least one subterranean horizontal electrode comprising an electrically conductive porous extraction pipe provided in a horizontally-bored hole;
at least two subterranean vertical electrodes, positioned on opposite sides of the at least one horizontal electrode;
an electrical power supply connected to the subterranean vertical and horizontal electrodes, and configured to positively charge the subterranean vertical electrodes and negatively charge the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode; and extraction apparatus which will extract liquids from the extraction pipe of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode to the ground surface;
wherein as electrical power is supplied by the electrical power supply, electric fields are created between the positively-charged vertical electrodes and the negatively-charged horizontal electrode, whereupon fluid within the ground formation is enabled to migrate from the ground formation into the porous extraction pipe.
2. The system of Claim 1 wherein the fluid extracted from the ground formation is oil.
3.The system of claim 1 wherein the extraction apparatus comprises:
a recovery pipe connected to the extraction pipe of each of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrodes, reaching to the ground surface; and a pump connected to the recovery pipe.
a recovery pipe connected to the extraction pipe of each of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrodes, reaching to the ground surface; and a pump connected to the recovery pipe.
4. The system of Claim 3 wherein the pump is a progressive cavity pump located within the extraction pipe or the recovery pipe.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein each subterranean vertical electrode comprises:
a vertical bore hole; and an electrically conductive rod inserted down the vertical bore hole, wherein each subterranean vertical electrode extends Lo a depth substantially equal to a depth of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode.
a vertical bore hole; and an electrically conductive rod inserted down the vertical bore hole, wherein each subterranean vertical electrode extends Lo a depth substantially equal to a depth of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode.
6.The system of claim 5 wherein the subterranean vertical electrode is further configured to allow for the injection of water down the electrode and into the ground.
7. The system of claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive rod is a carbon rod.
8. The system of claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive rod is an electrically conductive particulate material.
9.The system of claim 8 wherein the electrically conductive particulate material is granular carbon.
10. The system of Claim 6 wherein extracted liquid is separated into oil and water at the ground surface and the separated water is injected back into the ground down the vertical electrodes.
11. The system of Claim 6 wherein the water injected down the vertical electrodes contains an oxidant.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the oxidant is hydrogen peroxide.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the vertical electrodes degrade during use and are replenishable.
14. The system of any one of claims 1 - 13 wherein the electrically conductive extraction pipe is made of a metal.
15. The system of any one of claims 1 - 14 wherein one electrical power supply connects the vertical electrodes to the horizontal electrode in parallel.
16. The system of any one of claims 1 - 14 wherein the electrical power supply comprises a plurality of electrical power supplies each connecting at least one vertical electrode to the horizontal electrode.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein electrical power provided to each electrode can be varied independently of the electrical power provided to other electrodes.
18. The system of Claim 1 wherein the number of subterranean horizontal electrodes is one.
19. The system of Claim 1 wherein the number of subterranean horizontal electrodes is more than one.
20. The system of Claim 1 wherein the number of subterranean vertical electrodes is two.
21. The system of Claim 1 wherein the number of subterranean vertical electrodes is more than two.
22. An electrokinetic method of extracting fluid from beneath a ground surface, the method comprising:
providing at least one subterranean horizontal electrode comprising an electrically conductive porous extraction pipe provided within a horizontally bored ground hole providing at least two subterranean vertical electrodes, positioned on opposite sides of the at least one horizontal electrode;
providing an extraction apparatus connected to and capable of extraction of liquids from the extraction pipe of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode to the ground surface;
supplying electrical power between the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode wherein the vertical electrodes are positively charged and the horizontal electrode is negatively charged and whereby electric fields are created between the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode, whereupon heavy oil within the ground formation is enabled to migrate from the ground formation into the porous extraction pipe; and activating the extraction apparatus to pump heavy oil from the ground formation through the porous extraction pipe and to the ground surface.
providing at least one subterranean horizontal electrode comprising an electrically conductive porous extraction pipe provided within a horizontally bored ground hole providing at least two subterranean vertical electrodes, positioned on opposite sides of the at least one horizontal electrode;
providing an extraction apparatus connected to and capable of extraction of liquids from the extraction pipe of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode to the ground surface;
supplying electrical power between the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode wherein the vertical electrodes are positively charged and the horizontal electrode is negatively charged and whereby electric fields are created between the vertical electrodes and the horizontal electrode, whereupon heavy oil within the ground formation is enabled to migrate from the ground formation into the porous extraction pipe; and activating the extraction apparatus to pump heavy oil from the ground formation through the porous extraction pipe and to the ground surface.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the extraction apparatus comprises:
a. a recovery pipe connected to the extraction pipe with each of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrodes, reaching to the ground surface; and b. a pump connected to the recovery pipe.
a. a recovery pipe connected to the extraction pipe with each of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrodes, reaching to the ground surface; and b. a pump connected to the recovery pipe.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the pump is a progressive cavity pump located within the extraction pipe or the recovery pipe
25. The method of claim 22 wherein each subterranean vertical electrode comprises:
a. a vertical bore hole; and b. an electrically conductive rod inserted down the vertical bore hole;
wherein each subterranean vertical electrode extends to a depth substantially equal to a depth of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode.
a. a vertical bore hole; and b. an electrically conductive rod inserted down the vertical bore hole;
wherein each subterranean vertical electrode extends to a depth substantially equal to a depth of the at least one subterranean horizontal electrode.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the electrically conductive rod is a carbon rod.
27. The method of claim 24 wherein the electrically conductive rod is an electrically conductive particulate material.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the electrically conductive particulate material is granular carbon.
29. The method of claim 22 wherein the subterranean vertical electrode is further configured to allow for the injection of water down the electrode and into the ground.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein extracted liquid at the surface is separated into oil and water and the separated water as injected back into the ground down the vertical electrodes.
31. The method of Claim 29 wherein the water injected down the vertical electrodes contains an oxidant.
32. The method of Claim 31 wherein the oxidant is hydrogen peroxide.
33. The method of claim 22 wherein the vertical electrodes degrade during use and are replenishable.
34. The method of any one of claims 22 - 33 wherein the electrically conductive pipe is made of a metal.
35. The method of any one of claims 22 - 34 wherein one electrical power supply connects more than one vertical electrode to the horizontal electrode in parallel.
36. The method of any one of claims 22 - 34 wherein the electrical power supply comprises a plurality of electrical power supplies each connecting at least one vertical electrode to the horizontal electrode.
37. The method of claim 22 wherein electrical power provided provided to each electrode can be varied independently of the electrical power provided to other electrodes.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2668784A CA2668784C (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
| CA2990804A CA2990804A1 (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,634,841 | 2008-06-10 | ||
| CA 2634841 CA2634841A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 | 2008-06-11 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
| CA2668784A CA2668784C (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2990804A Division CA2990804A1 (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2668784A1 CA2668784A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 |
| CA2668784C true CA2668784C (en) | 2018-02-20 |
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ID=41412262
Family Applications (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2634841 Abandoned CA2634841A1 (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2008-06-11 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
| CA2668784A Active CA2668784C (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
| CA2990804A Abandoned CA2990804A1 (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2634841 Abandoned CA2634841A1 (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2008-06-11 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2990804A Abandoned CA2990804A1 (en) | 2008-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | Method and apparatus for electrokinetic extraction of heavy oil |
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| CA (3) | CA2634841A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9033033B2 (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2015-05-19 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Electrokinetic enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from oil shale |
| US20150233224A1 (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2015-08-20 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | System and method for enhancing oil recovery from a subterranean reservoir |
| WO2012087375A1 (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2012-06-28 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | System and method for enhancing oil recovery from a subterranean reservoir |
| CA2758872A1 (en) | 2011-04-07 | 2012-10-07 | Dpra Canada Incorporated | Electrokinetic process and apparatus for consolidation of oil sands tailings |
| US9428408B2 (en) | 2013-10-07 | 2016-08-30 | Dpra Canada Incorporated | Method and apparatus for treating tailings using an AC voltage with a DC offset |
-
2008
- 2008-06-11 CA CA 2634841 patent/CA2634841A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-06-10 CA CA2668784A patent/CA2668784C/en active Active
- 2009-06-10 CA CA2990804A patent/CA2990804A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2634841A1 (en) | 2009-12-11 |
| CA2668784A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 |
| CA2990804A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 |
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