EP1871984A2 - Amelioration physique fond de trou des huiles brutes lourdes par absorption selective d'energie - Google Patents

Amelioration physique fond de trou des huiles brutes lourdes par absorption selective d'energie

Info

Publication number
EP1871984A2
EP1871984A2 EP06719067A EP06719067A EP1871984A2 EP 1871984 A2 EP1871984 A2 EP 1871984A2 EP 06719067 A EP06719067 A EP 06719067A EP 06719067 A EP06719067 A EP 06719067A EP 1871984 A2 EP1871984 A2 EP 1871984A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
applicator
electromagnetic energy
crude oil
heavy crude
borehole
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06719067A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Raymond S. Kasevich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KSN Energies LLC
Original Assignee
KSN Energies LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KSN Energies LLC filed Critical KSN Energies LLC
Publication of EP1871984A2 publication Critical patent/EP1871984A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • 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
    • E21B36/00—Heating, cooling or insulating arrangements for boreholes or wells, e.g. for use in permafrost zones
    • E21B36/04—Heating, cooling or insulating arrangements for boreholes or wells, e.g. for use in permafrost zones using electrical heaters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the use of electromagnetic energy to subject heavy crude oil to mild thermal cracking conditions, thereby lowering the viscosity, pour point, and specific gravity of the oil and rendering it easier to recover and handle. More particularly, this invention relates to methods for applying electromagnetic energy to heavy oils in the reservoir to promote in situ upgrading and facilitate recovery. This invention also relates to systems to apply electromagnetic energy to heavy oils in situ.
  • Heavy crude oil presents problems in oil recovery and production. Crude oils of low API gravity and crude oils having a high pour point present production problems both in and out of the reservoir. Extracting and refining such oils is difficult and expensive. In particular, it is difficult to pump heavy crude oil or move it via pipelines.
  • a process called “visbreaking,” or mild thermal cracking, may also be used to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil.
  • “Visbreaking” is an oil refinery process for increasing the pumpability of heavy crudes. It typically is accomplished by heating heavy crude oil in a furnace. The process is characterized by mild decomposition, minimum coke formation and the retention of the cracked product in the original feed stock. The resultant mixture has viscosity, pour point, and specific gravity values that are lower than the original oil. However, ask applied today, visbreaking cannot be used on oil in situ.
  • the present invention applies visbreaking new contexts and for new purposes, and proposes improved methods for the application of visbreaking.
  • visbreaking is accomplished using electromagnetic energy to heat the heavy crude oil, rather than heating it in a furnace.
  • the present invention is suitable for use in the treatment of oil in situ. Such treatment permits the upgrade of the oil in reservoir and assists in the recovery of the oil.
  • the present invention utilizes the ability of electromagnetic energy at the appropriate frequency to selectively deposit thermal energy in the heavy oil for precise control of cracking temperature throughout a given volume of material.
  • Selective electromagnetic energy absorption in the heavy crude oil provides energy efficient transfer of heat at the molecular level and thereby insures precise temperature control throughout the treatment volume. This allows for optimization of the visbreaking process using electromagnetic energy.
  • This proposed EVP provides efficient energy absorption and control of thermal cracking of heavy oils for in-situ upgrading.
  • the application of low power (a few ten's of kilowatts) electromagnetic energy to the formation for visbreaking will provide mild decomposition of the heavy oil, minimum coke formation and the retention of the cracked product in the original feedstock.
  • the resultant mixture has viscosity, pour point, and specific gravity values which are lower than those of the original oil.
  • the present invention several promising applications. It can be used to upgrade heavy crude oil in situ. It can also assist in the recovery of heavy crude oil from reservoirs. Further, the present invention can be used to more efficiently recovery hydrocarbons from oil shale, such as that present in the Western United States.
  • a system may be provided for use in treating heavy crude oil underground.
  • the system may comprise a borehole in an area in which crude oil exists in the ground, an electromagnetic energy applicator positioned within the borehole in the vicinity of the heavy crude oil to be treated, a cable attached to the electromagnetic energy applicator to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator, an electromagnetic energy generator attached to the cable to generate electromagnetic energy to be supplied to the applicator, and a product return pipe running through the borehole, the product return pipe comprised of a distal end positioned in the vicinity of the electromagnetic energy applicator through which oil or other products may be recovered and a proximal end on or near the surface of the ground.
  • a method for treating heavy crude oil underground comprises the steps of positioning an electromagnetic energy applicator in a borehole in the vicinity of heavy crude oil, generating electromagnetic energy, applying the electromagnetic energy to the heavy crude oil with the applicator to achieve thermal cracking, and recovering heavy crude oil through a product return pipe.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single borehole radiation type applicator.
  • FIG. 2 is a close up view of a portion of the applicator system.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of another configuration of a single borehole applicator.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wellhead for use with the applicator system.
  • Fig. 5 shows a sample of the absorption data from experiments on the application of electromagnetic energy to large oil molecules in oil shale.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single borehole radiation type applicator. Applicator system 10 is positioned within borehole 12. Borehole
  • Applicator structure 20 is a transmission line retort.
  • a typical applicator 20 may be approximately 70 feet long. In a typical configuration, the applicator 20 may be positioned from between 100 to 600 feet underground in borehole 12.
  • Radiofrequency (“RF") energy is supplied to applicator 20 by an RF generator (not shown).
  • the RF generator is connected to applicator 20 via a portion of flexible coaxial cable 30.
  • the flexible coaxial cable 30 is connected to a portion of rigid coaxial cable 32.
  • the coaxial cable may or may not be supported by ceramic beads, which are desirable at higher temperatures.
  • the RF generator supplies RF energy to applicator 20, which in turn applies RP energy to the target volume to achieve visbreaking. This allows in situ upgrading of the heavy crude oil and assists in recovery.
  • production pipe 40 This non-metallic pipe runs from the production area of borehole 12 through the borehole to surface 16. At the surface, production pipe 40 is connected via a product return line to a storage or processing facility (no shown).
  • Production pipe 40 provides a firm mounting base for the RF hardware of applicator system 10.
  • Coaxial cables 30 and 32 can be attached directly to production pipe 40 using connectors 42.
  • Applicator 20 also attaches to production pipe 40.
  • FIG. 2 is a close up view of a portion of the applicator system.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of another configuration of a single borehole applicator. In this configuration, a dipole feed is used. Coaxial feed 38 surrounds production pipe 40. Ceramic window 36 is placed at the bottom of coaxial feed 38.
  • Uniform heating may be achieved using antenna array techniques, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,065,819. Such techniques can be used to minimize coking conditions at the applicator borehole and avoid excessive electrode voltage gradients at high power. Arrays reduce excessive voltage gradients at the borehole by means of mutual coupling. The ability to separately measure reflected power from each applicator borehole containing radiator and mutual impedance coupling between any pair of applicator boreholes insures precise temperature control of the heated volume. [026] Other variations are possible, including non-radiation structures such as those proposed in J. Bridges, et al., "RF Heating of Utah Tar Sands," Final Report, HT Research Institute. However, such structures are sensitive to high voltage breakdown and require extensive drilling which is not economical.
  • a special wellhead may be used in conjunction with applicator system 10. Properly designed, the wellhead can be used to provide safe and efficient delivery of RF energy to the applicator.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wellhead for use with the applicator system.
  • the weight of the down hole applicator rests on a special bellows 46 within the wellhead. This insures that any heat induced mechanical movements of the down hole apparatus during energy transfer do not interrupt power flow.
  • An input opening 44 permits nitrogen to be introduced into the interior of the wellhead and borehole, further ensuring the safe application of RF energy.
  • Insulators 45 are positioned above the bellows 46, and a center conductor expansion joint is positioned on top of that.
  • a coaxial line seal and vertical alignment clamp 26 secure the cable to the wellhead.
  • Product return line 41 carries the product recovered through the system to a storage or processing facility (not shown), and water extraction line 43 permits the removal of water from borehole 12.
  • the present invention also has application in oil shale fields, such as those present in the Western United States. Large oil molecules that exist in such oil shale have been heated in a series of experiments to evaluate the dielectric frequency response with temperature. The response at low temperatures is always dictated by the connate water until this water is removed as a vapor. Following the water vapor state, the minerals control the degree of energy absorption until temperatures of about 300-350 degrees centigrade are reached. In this temperature range, the electromagnetic energy begins to be preferentially absorbed by the heavy oil. The onset of this selective absorption is rapid and requires power control to insure that excessive temperatures with attendant coking do not occur.
  • Fig. 5 shows a sample of the absorption data from such experiments.
  • a user of an embodiment of the present invention would position an applicator system in a borehole in an area in which heavy crude oil exists.
  • the user would position the applicator structure itself in the borehole in the target area for application of RF energy.
  • the user would connect the applicator structure to an RF generator via coaxial cable.
  • a production pipe would run from the area of production to the surface, and from there to a storage or processing facility.
  • the user would then apply RF energy using the RF generator to the applicator, thereby applying the RF energy to the heavy crude oil in situ.
  • the RF energy would be controlled to minimize coking and achieve the desired cracking and upgrading of the heavy crude oil.
  • the resulting products would then be recovered via the production pipe and transferred to a storage or processing facility.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention exploite la capacité qu'a l'énergie électromagnétique à une fréquence appropriée de déposer sélectivement de l'énergie thermique dans l'huile lourde afin de régler avec précision la température de craquage dans un volume de matériau donné. L'absorption sélective de l'énergie électromagnétique par l'huile brute lourde permet d'obtenir un transfert thermique à bon rendement énergétique au niveau moléculaire, et d'arriver par conséquent à une régulation précise de la température dans tout le volume à traiter. L'invention permet d'optimiser le processus de viscoréduction au moyen de l'énergie électromagnétique.
EP06719067A 2005-01-19 2006-01-19 Amelioration physique fond de trou des huiles brutes lourdes par absorption selective d'energie Withdrawn EP1871984A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US64515405P 2005-01-19 2005-01-19
PCT/US2006/002098 WO2006078946A2 (fr) 2005-01-19 2006-01-19 Amelioration physique fond de trou des huiles brutes lourdes par absorption selective d'energie

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1871984A2 true EP1871984A2 (fr) 2008-01-02

Family

ID=36190473

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06719067A Withdrawn EP1871984A2 (fr) 2005-01-19 2006-01-19 Amelioration physique fond de trou des huiles brutes lourdes par absorption selective d'energie

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20060180304A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1871984A2 (fr)
CN (1) CN101142372A (fr)
AR (1) AR053537A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2595293A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2007008798A (fr)
WO (1) WO2006078946A2 (fr)

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US7091460B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2006-08-15 Dwight Eric Kinzer In situ processing of hydrocarbon-bearing formations with variable frequency automated capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating
CA2704575C (fr) 2009-05-20 2016-01-19 Conocophillips Company Enrichissement d'hydrocarbures en tete de puits au moyen de micro- ondes
US8230934B2 (en) * 2009-10-02 2012-07-31 Baker Hughes Incorporated Apparatus and method for directionally disposing a flexible member in a pressurized conduit
US8763691B2 (en) * 2010-07-20 2014-07-01 Harris Corporation Apparatus and method for heating of hydrocarbon deposits by axial RF coupler
US8839856B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2014-09-23 Baker Hughes Incorporated Electromagnetic wave treatment method and promoter
US9200506B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2015-12-01 Harris Corporation Apparatus for transporting and upgrading a hydrocarbon resource through a pipeline and related methods
US10161233B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2018-12-25 Harris Corporation Method of upgrading and recovering a hydrocarbon resource for pipeline transport and related system
US9057237B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2015-06-16 Harris Corporation Method for recovering a hydrocarbon resource from a subterranean formation including additional upgrading at the wellhead and related apparatus
US9044731B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2015-06-02 Harris Corporation Radio frequency hydrocarbon resource upgrading apparatus including parallel paths and related methods
US9267365B2 (en) * 2013-02-01 2016-02-23 Harris Corporation Apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation providing an adjustable liquid coolant and related methods
US9765586B2 (en) 2015-04-30 2017-09-19 Harris Corporation Radio frequency and fluid coupler for a subterranean assembly and related methods
CN107387041A (zh) * 2017-09-13 2017-11-24 吉林大学 一种注临界介质油页岩单井吞吐转化工艺
CN109252833B (zh) * 2018-11-05 2021-10-15 西南石油大学 一种天然气水合物开采方法
CN115773107B (zh) * 2023-02-13 2024-04-19 中国石油大学(北京) 一种稠油开采井下射频加热驱油试验装置

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US3133592A (en) * 1959-05-25 1964-05-19 Petro Electronics Corp Apparatus for the application of electrical energy to subsurface formations
GB896407A (en) * 1959-05-25 1962-05-16 Petro Electronics Corp Method and apparatus for the application of electrical energy to organic substances
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US4193448A (en) * 1978-09-11 1980-03-18 Jeambey Calhoun G Apparatus for recovery of petroleum from petroleum impregnated media
US4508168A (en) * 1980-06-30 1985-04-02 Raytheon Company RF Applicator for in situ heating
US4524827A (en) * 1983-04-29 1985-06-25 Iit Research Institute Single well stimulation for the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface formations
IT1177590B (it) * 1984-03-08 1987-08-26 Mario Chiaro Dispositivo per la preparazione di latte caldo schiumoso
US4576231A (en) * 1984-09-13 1986-03-18 Texaco Inc. Method and apparatus for combating encroachment by in situ treated formations
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US5065819A (en) * 1990-03-09 1991-11-19 Kai Technologies Electromagnetic apparatus and method for in situ heating and recovery of organic and inorganic materials
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060180304A1 (en) 2006-08-17
AR053537A1 (es) 2007-05-09
WO2006078946A3 (fr) 2006-11-09
MX2007008798A (es) 2008-03-10
WO2006078946A2 (fr) 2006-07-27
CN101142372A (zh) 2008-03-12
CA2595293A1 (fr) 2006-07-27

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