JPS5931638B2 - Method and apparatus for extracting hydrocarbons and other materials from underground formations penetrated by boreholes - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting oil, etc., in which water vapor and other hot gases are produced in a gas generator installed at the bottom of a borehole.

In order to extract highly viscous oil from oil-bearing formations, it has been found effective to introduce heated water and steam into the borehole through pipes, which reduces the viscosity of the oil. , the oil can flow and be pumped into the ground.

One problem with introducing steam into the borehole by pipe is that heating and expansion of the wellbore casing often results in significant lateral islanding of the casing.

Another problem is the loss of steam power and heat through the casing on the way to the bottom of the well.

Furthermore, conventional equipment has a distance of approximately 1,070 meters (
Approximately 3. At depths greater than 500 feet, it is not possible to send or generate water vapor within the borehole.

The purpose of the present invention is to obtain approximately 1.070
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating water vapor and hot gases in a borehole at depths of 3,500 feet or more.

Another object of the invention is to generate water vapor and other heat by mixing the fuel and oxidizer together and burning the same in an open pressure vessel known as a gas generator installed at the bottom of the borehole. The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of producing gas, thereby avoiding the problems caused by heating of the well casing and loss of heat through the casing when delivering hot water and steam into the borehole. It is.

The gas generator includes a housing defining a chamber, which chamber defines a combustion zone.

The nozzle has an upper inlet end for receiving fuel and oxidizing fluid, and a restricted lower outlet for the passage of hot gases to ignite the combustible gases within the combustion zone.

Yet another object of the invention is to feed hydrogen and oxygen into the borehole to a gas generator to form a combustible mixture and to ignite and combust the mixture in a combustion zone.

A flammable mixture is a stoichiometric or hydrogen-rich mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.

The gas generator and the combustion products are cooled by introducing hydrogen into the cooling annular chamber or by feeding the gas generator into a water well.

The hydrogen ejected into the oil-bearing formation by either combustion of the hydrogen-rich mixture or hydrogen supplied to the cooling annular chamber contains heat, which is transferred to the oil and reduces its viscosity.

Because of its low molecular weight and high diffusivity, hydrogen can more easily penetrate oil-bearing formations and thus heat larger formation volumes more quickly than can other gases. There are further advantages.

Furthermore, if there is a stratum component that can act as a catalyst, hydrogen will -
Hydrocarbons can form lower viscosity hydrocarbons through what is commonly referred to as hydrogenation, thus reducing the viscosity of petroleum by both heating and combination with petroleum.

In order to reliably control the flow rates of hydrogen and oxygen, and to prevent premature flooding of the gas generator when supplying water to the cooling annulus, a remotely controlled valve is installed in the borehole of the gas generator. located nearby.

These valves are ground force controlled and control the flow of hydrogen and oxygen to the gas generators and, if water is used for cooling, the flow of water to the cooling annulus.

In embodiments where water is used for cooling, water is supplied into the borehole through the borehole casing, and hydrogen and oxygen are supplied through separate conduits extending through the borehole.

In embodiments where hydrogen is supplied to the cooling annular chamber, hydrogen is supplied into the borehole through the borehole casing and oxygen is supplied through a separate conduit extending through the borehole.

The well casing is sealed directly above the gas generator by an inflatable closure that surrounds the housing structure above the gas generator.

In embodiments where water is used for cooling, the closure is expanded by hydrogen pressure, such that the seal is initially created by hydrogen pressure and ultimately by the pressure created by the water column within the casing.

In the embodiment in which hydrogen is supplied to the cooling annular chamber of the gas generator, the seal is expanded by the pressure of acid 2, so that the seal is supplied initially by the oxygen pressure and then through the well casing. Made by hydrogen pressure.

The remotely controlled valve, in one embodiment, is a solenoid valve located within the borehole and controlled by ground forces.

In another embodiment, a single spool valve with separate valve passages in the valve spool is used in the borehole and the 531Jf
Remotely controlled from the ground by solenoid or hydrogen pressure.

Hydrogen is supplied via a ground force, a hydrogen supply source, a hydrogen regulating valve, and a hydrogen flow meter, all of which are installed on the ground.

Oxygen is supplied via a ground source, oxygen regulator, and oxygen flow meter, all of which are also located on the ground.

In one embodiment, the desired hydrogen-oxygen ratio is maintained by a ground-mounted hydrogen flow controller that is operated in accordance with a thermocouple supported by a gas generator.

The hydrogen flow controller outlet is connected to a hydrogen regulating valve,
Control the desired amount of hydrogen passing through it.

To reduce the number of conduits and conductive wires extending through the ground force/spiral borehole to the gas generator, a DC power igniter controller is installed within the borehole to control the ignition of the combustible mixture within the gas generator. .

The igniter controller is actuated by a switch carried by the Subu+ valve spool, which is remotely controlled by hydrogen pressure.

In this embodiment, the desired hydrogen-oxygen ratio is maintained by a hydrogen-oxygen flow controller coupled to a hydrogen regulator valve and hydrogen flow meter, and to an oxygen regulator valve and oxygen flow meter.

Although the preferred embodiment uses fuel-oxidizer-cooling fluid combinations of hydrogen and oxygen, or hydrogen and water, other fuel-oxidizer-cooling fluid combinations can be used.

An embodiment of the sampling device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. This device generates water vapor in the borehole 31 and removes water from the oil-containing layer 333 under the ground through which the borehole penetrates.
) - oil extraction will be carried out (Figure 1).

The generated water vapor transports the oil in the formation 33 to an interstitial borehole (not shown) penetrating the formation 33, where oil is extracted in a well-known manner.

The apparatus of the invention comprises an above-borebore device 35 and an in-borebore device 37 comprising a gas generator 39, which is arranged in the borehole at or near the level of the oil-bearing layer 33.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, oxygen and hydrogen are supplied to a gas generator from a ground source to form a combustible mixture that is ignited and combusted within the gas generator to produce water vapor. make.

The gas generator and the steam generated are cooled by water supplied from the ground.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, gas generator 39 includes an outer cylindrical shell 41 supported within a housing 43 located within the borehole.

The outer shell 4'l has an upper end 45 through which supply conduits and other components extend.

The outer shell also has a lower end 47 through which a reduced diameter outlet nozzle 49 extends.

An inner shell 51 is supported within the outer shell 41, and a cooling annular chamber 53 is provided between the inner shell and the outer shell.
is formed.

The inner shell has a top wall 55 connected to a conduit 5T that extends through and is connected to the top end wall 45.

Conduit 5T/I'i, as described below, forms one of the supply conduits and supports an inner shell 51 within the outer shell to form an annular chamber 53, and walls 45 and 55. An upper space 59 is formed between the two.

The cavity 59 communicates with the annular chamber 53, as shown in FIG.

The opposite end of inner shell 510 is open at 61.

A plurality of holes 63 are provided through the lower end of the inner shell, providing passageways for cooling fluid from the annular chamber 53 into the interior of the inner shell.

A refractory liner 63 is supported within the inner shell at its upper end and defines a main combustion zone 67 .

The liner is supported by a retaining ring 53A and has an earthen wall 65A through which the supply conduits and other components extend.

The part of the inner shell at the level of the hole 63 forms a mixing zone 69.

Conduit 57 (ri) passes through walls 45 and 55 and extends through upper liner wall 65A to main combustion zone 61.

Disposed concentrically within the conduit 57 and spaced inwardly from the conduit 71 is a conduit 71 which also extends into the combustion zone 67 .

Fuel is supplied through an annular chamber formed between conduits 57 and 71 and oxidizing fluid is supplied through conduit 71.

Whirlpools 13 and 14 are provided in the annular chamber between conduit 51 and conduit 71 and within conduit 71 to mix the oxidizer with the fuel to form a combustible mixture.

This mixture is ignited in the combustion zone by an igniter 75;
Burn.

As shown, igniter 75 includes a spark, plug or electrode that extends through walls 45 and 55 and into a hole 65B formed through upper liner wall 65AK. and is in fluid communication with the gas within the combustion zone 61.

In this example, the oxidizing fluid is oxygen and the fuel is hydrogen.

Thus, when a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen burns, water vapor is produced.

Cooling fluid is supplied to the annular chamber 53 by a conduit 77 (see also FIG. 4) formed through the top wall 45 of the outer shell 41.

In this example, the cooling fluid is water.

Through conduit 77, water flows into annular chamber 53 through a cavity 59 formed between walls 45 and 55.

The water cools the inner shell 51 and flows through the holes 63 to cool the combustion gases to the desired temperature.

Steam generated from the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen and the cooling water flows into the oil-bearing layer through the outlet nozzle 49.

The outlet nozzle 49 has a smaller force than the diameter of the combustion zone.
The pressure developed within the gas generator is not affected by external pressure until the external pressure (oil-bearing layer pressure) approaches approximately 80% of the value of the internal pressure.

Therefore, for a set gas generator pressure, there is no need to change the flow rate of each of the fluids flowing into the generator until the external pressure (oil-containing layer pressure) approaches about 80 times the internal gas pressure.

To explain Figure 1, hydrogen, oxygen, and water are
Hydrogen supply source 81, oxygen supply source 83, and water supply source 85
is supplied to a generator installed inside the borehole.

Hydrogen is supplied through a compressor 87, then through a regulating valve 89, a flow meter 91, and through a conduit 93 inserted into the borehole by a piping reel and device 95.

Oxygen is supplied through a conduit 107 which is inserted into the borehole through a compressor 101, then through a regulating valve 103, a flow meter 105, and through a piping reel and device 109.

The water supply source is the water storage tank 857), and the water is supplied to the water treatment device 111.
and then pumped through conduit 115 into borehole 31 by pump 113.

In FIG. 1, water in the borehole is shown at 117.

The perforation 31 is surrounded by a steel casing 121, and a sword/
It has a raised spigot head 123 through which all conduits, conductors, and cables extend.

A closure 125 is installed in the borehole above the gas generator and near the shaft through which conduits, cables, and wires extend.

Flow of hydrogen, oxygen and water to the generator is controlled by renoid operated valves 127, 129 and 131;
These valves are located at the bottom of the borehole, close to the gas generator and above the closure.

valves 127, 129, and 131//'i conductor 133,
135, and 137, and these conductors are connected to the ground.
It extends to solenoid controllers 141, 143, and 145 to separately control the opening and closing of valves in the borehole depending on the ground force.

Controllers 14L 143 and 145 are actually switches that are actuated separately to control valve 12.
7. Controls the supply of electrical energy to the borehole coils 129 and 131.

Valve 127 is connected to hydrogen conduit 93 and 5T, and valve 129 is connected to hydrogen conduit 93 and 5T.
It is connected to Vi oxygen conduits 10γ and 11.

Valve 131 is connected to water conduit 77 and is connected to water inlet 14.
7, so that when the valve 131 is opened, water flows into the casing and to the gas generator.

Igniter 75 is connected to borehole transformer 149 via conductors 151A and 151B.

The transformer is connected to the overbore ignition controller 153 via conductors 155A and 155B.

The above-bore ignition controller 153 comprises a switch and controls the supply of electrical energy to the below-bore transformer 149 and thus also to the igniter T5.

A thermocouple 161 is supported by the gas generator and is electrically connected to an overbore hydrogen flow controller 163 via a conductor shown at 165 .

The hydrogen flow controller senses the temperature detected by the thermocouple and generates an output.

This output is given to the regulating valve 89, and the flow rate of hydrogen is controlled to obtain a desired hydrogen-oxygen ratio.

The output of flow controller 163 is electrical or pneumatic or hydraulic and is provided to valve 89 via a lead or conduit shown at 167.

A pressure transducer 171 is supported on the trench gas generator and is positioned in the cavity between the gas generator and the enclosure to sense the pressure within the generator. It looks like this.

A conductor shown at 173 extends from the transducer 1zi70- to the ground;
Monitoring is performed by connecting to a meter 175.

′! Pressure transducers 17 are located below and above the closure. and 17°9 are provided and these transducers have leads 181 and 183 extending to the ground to meters 185 and 187 to monitor the pressure differential on either side of the closure.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the gas generator 39 is attached to the housing 43 via an annular member 191.

The housing is supported within the borehole by a cable 193.

As shown, the lower end of cable 193 connects to zinc lock 1
95, this zinc lock is attached to the top 43A of the housing.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the top of the housing has water, hydrogen, and igniter lines extending therethrough.
thermocouple wires, pressure lines, oxygen, and dungeons (dnmp
) Conduits 77, 57, 201 to 203, 71 and 204 for conduits.

Conduit 204 will be described later.

The upper portion of the housing also has an annular slot 209 formed around its periphery within which the closure 125 is supported.

The closure is a resilient member and has an internal annular chamber 1 formed between the inner and outer parts 125B and 125C of the closure.
It is expanded by injecting gas into 25A (
(See also Figure 6).

In this embodiment, hydrogen from a hydrogen conduit is used to inflate the closure to form a seal between the borehole 43A and the borehole casing 121.

Hydrogen is preferred over oxygen.

That is, hydrogen is non-oxidizing and therefore has no adverse effect on the closure.

Hydrogen from the hydrogen conduit 577) is injected into the annular chamber 125A through the conduit 211 connected to the hydrogen conduit 93 above the borehole valve 121.

In addition, please refer to FIGS. 1 to 6. The procedure for starting the borehole is as follows, with the borehole device in place as shown in FIG. 1 and all the borehole valves closed.

Hydrogen and oxygen are allowed to flow into the borehole piping, and the regulating valve 89
and 103 are opened to equalize the predetermined pressure.

When hydrogen flows into the borehole conduit 93, it inflates the closure 125 and forms a seal between the borehole 43A and the borehole casing 121.

Water is then allowed to flow into the well casing, filling it fully or partially.

This is done by activating pump 113.

The water also applies pressure to the seal of the borehole closure.

Activate the ignition controller 153 and oxygen, hydrogen and water solenoid valves 127, 129, and 131 in the following sequence.

The activation controller 153 activates the igniter.

The operating controller 143 opens the oxygen valve 129 to allow oxygen to be introduced in advance.

Next, the hydrogen valve 127 is opened, and then the water valve 131 is opened.

Valves 127 and 131 are opened by actuating controllers 141 and 145, respectively.

This operation is performed by the controllers 14L 143, 145 and 15.
3 manually or by controlling these controllers with an automatic overbore control.

At this point, the characteristic signal from the borehole pressure transducer 1717) indicates the strain force on the meter 175 indicating a normal start-up, and the thermocouple indicates the strain force on the conductor 16.
A meter 164 connected to 5 indicates whether or not the desired water vapor temperature is maintained.

Hydrogen flow controller 163 is operatively connected to thermocouple 161 and automatically controls hydrogen flow.

The hydrogen-to-oxygen ratio is determined by the power to manually control the hydrogen and oxygen valves and the power to electrically couple these valves to a self-synchronous motor.

Alternatively, it is controlled by applying the outputs of the flowmeters 105 and 917) to the comparator 90.

Comparator 90 generates an electrical output to power the oxygen regulating valve to maintain a constant hydrogen-oxygen ratio.

This comparator, for example in the form of a computer, receives the digital readings of each flow meter force, calculates the required movement of the oxygen regulating valve, and transfers the required electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic power to the valve controller. and activate it.

Such controllers are commercially available.

The lower the gas generator temperature, the greater the hydrogen flow rate required.

The flow rate through the regulating valve 89 is determined by the hydrogen flow rate controller 16371).
- controlled by electrical communication via conduit 167.

Communication from the hydrogen flow controller 1637) to the regulating valve 89 may be by pneumatic or hydraulic means via appropriate conduits.

At this point, the hydrogen, oxygen, and water flow rates are checked to confirm the hydrogen to oxygen ratio and the hydrogen, oxygen, and water flow rates.

Hydrogen and oxygen flow monitoring is done using flow meters 91 and 105.
It is done by looking at.

Ground flow meters or sensors 91 and 105 in each hydrogen and oxygen supply line are also used to detect pressure changes within the gas generator.

For example, when a gas generator flares up, the flow of fuel and oxidizer increases, indicating a malfunction.

When the source pressure equals the gas generator internal pressure, the fuel and oxidant flow rates decrease, providing a signal that the source pressure needs to be increased.

Adjustment of the hydrogen and oxygen flow rates is accomplished by adjusting the source pressure.

Both valves 89 and 103 are manually adjusted to the desired initial settings.

At this point, the gas generator is running.

As the pressure increases below the closure, the closure is pushed upwards and there is a tendency for hot gas to leak upward into the well casing.

All of these are undesirable and pose a risk of injury.

This is prevented by a column of water held within the casing, which is held at a pressure equal to or greater than the pressure in the reservoir below the enclosure. .

For shallow wells, it is necessary to maintain pressure by pump 113 in addition to the pressure by the water column.

For deep wells, it is necessary to control the height of the water column within the casing.

This includes the force required to insert the floating shutoff valve to a halfway depth into the water conduit 115 in the borehole, the force required to measure the pressure between the upper and lower sides of the closure, and the pressure difference between both sides of the closure. This is done by measuring the force or change in tension that occurs as water is added to the water column in the cables supporting the closure and gas generator.

The inflow of water into the casing 121 is cut off when said measured value becomes excessive.

Water shutoff is done automatically.

Additionally, a water-activated switch may be used in the well valve to stop water flow once the well is filled to the desired height.

Pressure and pressure differences can be sensed by commercially available pressure transducers, such as strain gauges, variable reluctance elements, or piezoelectric elements, which generate electrical signals as pressure changes.

Variations in cable tension can be sensed by load cells supporting the cable in a distance plane.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pressure above and below the closure is measured by pressure transducers 177 and 179, the outputs of which are monitored by meters 185 and 187, and the inflow of water into casing 121 is monitored by meters 185 and 187. is controlled.

The gas generator can continue to operate for several weeks.

To stop operation, do the following:

First close the borehole oxygen valve 129, then close the hydrogen valve 127.
and then close the water valve 131.

The water valve should be left open for some time after shutdown to allow the generator to cool and extract power and heat.

The igniter can be shut off manually, or by a timer after it has started.

In one embodiment of the oil extraction apparatus of the present invention, steam is produced by an in-borehole generator using hydrogen and oxygen in stoichiometric ratios.

Water vapor is approximately 1,520 meters (5,000 feet)
At a depth of 9/crt, the pressure is approximately 70.3 to 9/crt! (1
,000psi) at a temperature of approximately 316°C (below 600°C)
Produced with an output of 040 XIO kilocalories/hour.

The borehole generator has an inner diameter of approximately 16.8 cm (6,
625 inch) borehole casing.

Under these conditions, the total weight of hydrogen required for combustion is calculated to be approximately 50.3 kilograms (327.6 pounds) per hour.

Since 8 kilograms of oxygen are required for every kilogram of hydrogen, the total amount of oxygen required is approximately 403 kilograms (2620,8 pounds) per hour.

The maximum temperature obtained by stoichiometric combustion of hydrogen and oxygen is 2,910°C (5,270'F) at atmospheric pressure.

Since there is less water splitting, the higher the pressure, the higher the maximum temperature.

The amount of cooling water required to cool the hot gas is approximately 2,080 kilograms (13,579 pounds) per hour or approximately 0.579 kilograms (3,77 pounds) per second.

Hydrogen and charcoal conduits 93 and 107/d25.4
mm (1,00 inch) tube material force / 31.75
It is a millimeter rated tube.

Drill casings are used for water supply. If the water exerts too much stress on the suspension, it is necessary to control the depth of the water within the casing as described above.

The pressure in a water column of approximately 1,520 meters (5,000 feet) is approximately 153 Kg/24 (2,175 psi).

No pump pressure is required at this depth.

Rather, a pressure regulator orifice is used in the bottom of the wellbore to reduce the pressure in the gas generator.

Water is supplied from the water supply source directly into the well casing and into the regulator orifice.

For starting and operating the gas generator, it is necessary to install a valve in the borehole directly above the closure to ensure a reliable response to the advance and control of oxygen in the starting process.

The use of in-bore remote control valves 127, 129 and 131 has the advantage that these valves provide reliable control over the flow of fluid into the gas generator.

The in-bore remotely controlled water valve 131 has the advantage of preventing premature flooding of the gas generator.

The borehole valves 127, 129, and 131 may be cylinder-driven pole-type valves that are pneumatically or hydraulically actuated by applying pressure to a drive cylinder using a solenoid valve. (hydraulic in the example shown in Figure 1)
.

When the wellbore casing is used as one of the water or fuel conduits, it is necessary to evacuate one mouth of the inlet solenoid valve (described below) below the borehole closure.

Also, for a more reliable drive, it is desirable to use unregulated water pressure as the drive fluid, so that the maximum pressure difference between the two sides of the closure is achieved.

A schematic diagram of the valve structure for each of valves 127, 129, and 131 is shown in FIG.

The valve shown in this figure is valve 127.

Valves 129 and 131 are similarly constructed.

As shown, the valve of FIG. 10 has a device 221 for controlling the flow rate of fluid through conduit 57. As shown, the valve of FIG.

The opening/closing lever of this device is controlled by a lever 223, which is controlled by a piston 225 and a rod 226 of a valve drive cylinder 227.

Three-way solenoid valves 229 and 231 are used to drive cylinder 227 to open and close device 221.

As shown, the three-way solenoid valve 229 is connected to a conductive wire 232.
, which extends to the ground and forms part of the conductor 133.

Valve 229 has a water inlet conduit 233 with a filter and screen 235, an outlet conduit 237 connected to one side of cylinder 221, and an outlet 239.

Similarly, the valve 231 has a conductive wire 241 which also extends to the ground and forms part of the conductive wire 133.

The valve 231 has a water inlet conduit 243 with a filter and screen 245 connected thereto, an outlet conduit 24γ connected to the other side of the cylinder 22γ, and an outlet 2
It has 49.

Both ports 239 and 249 have dumps.
) Connecting conduit 204, a cavity, which extends through upper housing portion 43A from a position above the closure to a position below the closure.

Therefore, ports 239 and 249 are both
Communicate the downward pressure of the building.

In operation, valve 229 is energized and valve 231 (ri
Be emasculated and open device 221.

To close device 221, valve 229 is deenergized and valve 231 is closed.
Activate.

When solenoid valve 229 is energized and thus opens, water pressure is applied to one side of cylinder 22γ via conduit 233, valve 229, and conduit 237, powering piston 225 and thus also lever 223 to the opening position of device 221. C,
Fluid is allowed to flow through conduit 57.

When valve 231 is deenergized and thus closed, cylinder 227
The opposite side is in pressure communication below the closure via conduit 247, valve 231 and conduit 249.

When valve 231 opens, water pressure is applied to the other side of the cylinder via conduit 243, valve 231 and conduit 247, causing valve 2
The drive lever 223 is powered in the direction to close the drive lever 21.

When valve 229 is closed, the opposite side of the cylinder is connected to conduit 237,
It communicates with the pressure below the closure via valve 229 and conduit 239.

Explaining the sealing body 125 again, the initial sealing is as follows.
This is done by gas pressure on the seal of hydrogen pressure and finally the pressure force created by the water column.

Therefore, the closure uses gas pressure to ensure the initial seal,
Water pressure therefore builds up on the top side of the seal.

Once the water column within the casing reaches a suitable height to support the seal against the casing, gas pressure is no longer needed and the water pressure holding the seal against the casing increases with the height of the water column. .

Thus, there is little or no leakage through the closure since there is water exerting pressure on the gas pressure seal in addition to the hydrogen seal pressure.

However, it is important that the hot gas does not leak upward through the closure.

That is, the lower side of the closure is the edge facing the lower of the two opposing pressures.

To maintain a reliable pressure gradient between the two sides of the closure,
The water also acts as a coolant for the closure seal and the components above the closure.

The seal is made of piton rubber or neoprene.

The cable suspension system serves to support the gas generator and enclosure against water column loading forces.

In one embodiment, the cable is made of plow steel lobes.

In one implementation, the outer shell 41 of the gas generator
(Figure 2B) and the inner shell 51 is made of 304 stainless steel.

The wall thickness of the outer shell 41 is approximately 9.53 mm (
3/8 inch] and the wall thickness of the inner shell 51 is approximately 3.18 millimeters (1/8 inch).

Liner 65 is made of black ship with a wall thickness of approximately 7.94 millimeters (5/16 inch).

The liner extends along the top 55% of the inner shell.

The inner shell 51 does not expand very much due to the force of being cooled by water.

The black ship is also cooled on its outer surface and therefore does not reach its maximum temperature.

Guide spiral vanes 14 in oxygen conduit 71 spiral the incoming oxygen in one direction, and guide spiral vanes 73 in the hydrogen annular passage between conduits 71 and 57 swirl the hydrogen into oxygen. Wrap it in a spiral in the opposite direction.

Oxygen is heavier than hydrogen and is subject to outward centrifugal force, causing it to mix with hydrogen.

As previously discussed, a spark is provided by igniter electrode 75 to ignite the hydrogen.

The thermocouple 161 is connected to the outlet nozzle 4 for discharging the top force of the generator.
It is housed within the shoe of tubing 162 that extends to a point near 9 and senses the temperature at this point.

Sense this temperature.

This temperature measurement is used to control the flow of fuel-oxidizer into the gas generator to maintain an exhaust temperature of approximately 600'F.

The thermocouple wires pass through conduit 202 (FIG. 8) in the housing and extend to the ground as wire 165 (FIG. 1).

A pressure transducer 171 (FIG. 1) monitors the generator pressure.

A pressure transducer 171 is located in the cavity between the generator and the closure and connects to the generator at 203A (FIG. 4).

The transducer 171 has a conductor 173 that extends to the ground through a conduit 203 in the nozzle housing.

The diameter of the oxygen intake conduit 71 is 9A4 at a pressure of approximately 70.3
(1000psi), approximately 403 kg (2,6 kg) per hour at approximately 10.5 meters (34°6 feet) per second.
It is sized to provide a flow rate of 21 lbs.

The hydrogen intake annular passage between conduits T1 and 57 is at a pressure of about 70
．． It is sized to flow approximately 50.4 kilograms (328 pounds) of hydrogen per hour at a speed of approximately 10.5 meters (34.6 feet) per second.

When these two gases swirl into the combustion zone, their average design pre-combustion velocity in the direction of flow is approximately 2.9 per second.
It is 9 meters (9.8 feet) and provides stable combustion.

Once combustion is complete and the combustion gases are cooled to about 316 degrees Celsius (below 600 degrees Celsius), the velocity is about 9.75 meters (32 feet) per second.

When the water vapor produced from the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen and the cooling water enters the outflow nozzle, this water vapor flows at a rate of about 707 g per second.
For a total flow rate of gram (4,6 lb) weight per second, approximately 4
This results in a speed of 97 meters (1,630 feet).

The area of the outflow nozzle is approximately 2.14 square centimeters (0,332 square inches) for a nozzle factor of 100%.
It is.

For a nozzle coefficient of 0.96, its area is approximately 16,9
Approximately 2 for a millimeter (0,664 inch) diameter
．． 23 square centimeters)-/L' (0,346 square inches).

The inner diameter of the outer shell 41 is approximately 109 mm (4,3
inch) and the inner diameter of the inner shell is approximately 92.7 millimeters (3.65 inches).

For these dimensions, nozzle 49 has a minimum inner diameter of approximately 16.9 millimeters (0,664 inches).

The flow rate flowing out from the gas generator is approximately 38.7
It is unaffected by oil-bearing formation pressure until a critical pressure of Kg/crA (approximately 550 psi) is reached.

This flow rate corresponds to an oil-bearing layer pressure of approximately 5"6.2Ky/c4 (80
It is not affected much until it reaches 0 psi, after which it decreases rapidly.

Because of the high pressures associated with the gas generator, a plug can be inserted into the nozzle 49 before the generator is lowered into the borehole, so that the plug is blown out when the gas generator is started.

This plug is used to prevent borehole fluid from entering the generator when the generator is lowered into position within the borehole.

Furthermore, since high pressure can be obtained continuously and the required area is small, a check valve is installed downstream of the nozzle, and when the gas generator stops operating, the check valve closes and the fluid flows back into the generator. It is possible to prevent this from happening.

Although not shown, the gas generator is lowered into the borehole by cable 193 using suitable cable winding and insertion equipment.

Additionally, if the water conduit 115 is to be inserted into the borehole to a greater depth, a suitable water reel and equipment similar to 95 and 109 may be used to insert the water conduit into the borehole.

Hydrogen and oxygen regulating valves 89 and 103 have controllers to manually preset the valve openings to obtain a predetermined hydrogen-oxygen ratio.

As previously discussed, valve 103 operates in response to valve 89.

The opening of the valve is automatically varied by hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, or by electrical energy, to vary the flow rate therethrough.

If the regulating valve is of the hydraulically or pneumatically driven type, it has a hydraulically or pneumatically controlled spring loaded piston to force the needle into and out of the orifice.

If the regulating valve is of the electrically driven type, it has an electric motor that controls the opening.

Suitable regulating valves are available from Allied Control, Inc., New York City, New York, USA.
ontrol Co., Inc.), Republic of Creepland, Ohio.
ic Mfg.

Co., Ltd.), SkinnerUniFlow Valve Operations, Cranford, New Jersey.
It is commercially available from various companies such as f low Valve Div, ).

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, valve 89 is automatically actuated by the thermocouple signal.

In-bore thermocouple 161Fi generates an electrical signal representative of temperature, which signal is applied to hydrogen flow controller 163.

If regulating valve 89 is electrically driven, the hydrogen flow controller responds to the thermocouple signal to generate an appropriate electrical output that is applied to the valve via conductor 167 to control the flow rate therethrough. increase or decrease.

For example, if the thermocouple senses a low temperature, the hydrogen flow controller 163 enlarges the opening of the regulating valve 89 and thus also the opening of the valve 103 to increase the flow rate therethrough and generate more heat within the borehole. let

If valve 89 is hydraulically or pneumatically driven, hydrogen flow controller 163 converts the thermocouple signal to hydraulic or pneumatic pressure and applies this to valve 89 for control.

The flow meters 91 and 105 may be of the type having rotor blades driven by the fluid flowing through them.

Flow rate is measured by measuring blade speed using magnetic pink amplifiers.

This pink amplifier detects the wing as it rotates and passes through the pink amplifier.

The output count of the magnetic pink amplifier is given to an electronic counter,
An output is generated that indicates the flow rate.

In the Ω embodiment, a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen is introduced into a gas generator and combusted to produce water vapor and reduce the viscosity of the oil through heat and pressure for secondary extraction.

In other embodiments, an excess of hydrogen (hydrogen-enriched) is introduced into the combustion zone of the gas generator, thereby lowering the temperature within the main combustion zone of the gas generator, and the low molecular weight of the hydrogen allows for penetration of the oil-bearing layer. It also hydrogenates petroleum to make hydrocarbons with lower viscosity.

Reducing the temperature of the main combustion zone with hydrogen-rich mixtures
The advantage is that the gas generator can be made from more common materials.

Low melting point materials such as aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide refractory materials or even common stainless steel can be used as liners in place of graphite.

To reduce the temperature of the main combustion zone to approximately L430°C (2,600'F), approximately 257 kg (approximately 1,67
A flow rate of 5 lbs.) of hydrogen is required.

This is just over five times the hydrogen flow rate required for stoichiometric combustion.

Approximately 1,090℃ (below 2,000℃) to 1,760℃ (3
FIG. 11 shows a graph showing the flow rate of hydrogen in pounds per hour required to produce a heat capacity of 5,040,000 klory/hour at main combustion zone temperatures of up to 200,000 kg/hr.

This is for a constant oxygen flow rate of approximately 402 kilograms (2,616 bonds) per hour.

Because of its low molecular weight and high diffusivity, hydrogen has the advantage that it can penetrate oil-bearing layers more easily than other gases, and therefore can heat larger volumes of oil-bearing layers more quickly.

Additionally, with formation components acting as catalysts, hydrogen generally acts as hydrogenation to form lower viscosity hydrocarbons, thus reducing oil viscosity both on heating and on combination with oil.

In hydrogenation, hydrogen dissociates crude oil molecules and then combines with the dissociated components to create lighter, less viscous hydrocarbons.

In the absence of a formation component to act as a catalyst, the time required to obtain a large amount of hydrogenation can be reduced by injecting a catalyst into the borehole.

For example, a molybdic acid ammonium hydroxide solution catalyst is injected into the throat valve at an appropriate time before the heating step begins.

This solution penetrates the formation and moves on top of the pressure created by the generator exhaust gases.

The apparatus of FIGS. 1-10 forms an annular passageway of a desired size between conduits 71 and 57, as previously described;
By setting the regulating valves 89 and 103 and the hydrogen flow rate controller 163 to appropriate settings, the hydrogen flow rate through the regulating valve 89 is automatically corrected by the thermocouple 161 and the hydrogen flow rate controller 163 to obtain the desired value. By obtaining a hydrogen-oxygen ratio of , it is possible to operate in hydrogen abundance.

Additionally, corrections can be made manually by monitoring flow meters 91 and 105 and thermocouple output meter 164, if desired.

In yet other embodiments, hydrogen is used in place of water as a coolant in the gas generator.

This has the further advantage that water treatment equipment can be omitted and only one series of downhole piping is required.

In this embodiment, hydrogen is introduced through an annular passage formed between conduits 71 and 57 for combustion and cooling through an annular chamber 53 surrounding the combustion zone.

Hydrogen is supplied to the main combustion zone in suitable excess through an annular passageway between conduits 71 and 57, at a temperature of about 1,090°C (2
,000'F) or less.

The generated steam and hot gases pressurize and heat the oil, reducing its viscosity, as described above.

Hydrogen flowing through the annular chamber 53 around the main combustion zone further reduces the gas temperature to about 316°C (600?).

The hot hydrogen, which is used as a coolant and comes out of the annular chamber 53, also penetrates into the geological formations and heats them, producing a hydrogenation effect.

Hydrogen that is pumped into the borehole and not burned can be recovered in the ground.

The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 is modified to use hydrogen as a coolant, including a water storage tank 85, a water treatment device 111, and a water pump 1.
13, the water conduit 115, and the water supply system including the borehole water valve 131 can be omitted.

The well itself will be used as a hydrogen supply conduit.

In this case, the hydrogen conduit 93f'i only needs to extend a short distance into the borehole valve and is not connected to the borehole valve 127.

An inlet is provided in device 221 of hydrogen-operated valve 127 to allow hydrogen supplied into the borehole to flow through valve 221 of valve 127 to conduit 51 when the valve is opened.

Hydrogen is supplied to the annular chamber 53 by connecting the upper part of the conduit 77 to the conduit 57 rather than to the valve 131.

This is done by cutting off the top of conduit 77 and connecting L-shaped conduit 77' to conduit 71 and conduit 57, as shown in FIG.

The conduit 11 is thus connected at one end to the conduit 5T via the L-shaped conduit 77' and at its other end in fluid communication with the cavity 59 and thus also with the annular chamber 53 of the gas generator.

In this embodiment, valve 127 is used to control the flow of hydrogen into both the main combustion zone and the annular chamber 53 around the main combustion zone.

Both valves 121 and 129 use gas pressure from hydrogen within the borehole to operate the device.

That is, each of the valves 127 and 129 allows hydrogen to flow through its inlet and exhaust conduits 233, 243, 239 and 249 to control the single actuating cylinder 22T (FIG. 10) to control the device 221.

As previously mentioned, outlets 239 and 249 communicate with the low pressure below the closure.

In operation, the hydrogen pressure within the borehole is maintained higher than the pressure within the oil-bearing layer below the closure.

Therefore, even if there is a leak in the closure, this is hydrogen into the oil-bearing layer.

To explain the details in FIG. 13, the sealing body 125 is
2, the chamber 252 is inflated with a silicone fluid 251 disposed within the enclosure annular chamber 125A and the conduit 211.
is in fluid communication through.

1252 includes a bellows 253 that is inflated with oxygen supplied through an inlet 254 that connects to oxygen conduit 107 such that as oxygen enters conduit 107;
Silicone fluid is introduced into the closure annular chamber 125A.

To start the device, igniter 75 is energized and oxygen valve 1 is turned on.
29 to allow oxygen to enter the combustion zone, then hydrogen valve 1
27 to open the hydrogen into the combustion zone and surrounding cooling annular chamber 53.
to flow into.

Once ignited, the igniter 75 can be shut off automatically by a timer or manually after ignition has been confirmed by a pressure reading.

To stop operation, first close the oxygen valve 129 and then close the hydrogen valve 121.

If there is liquid in the borehole, the hydrogen conduit 83 is connected directly to the device 221 of the valve 127, as described above, and sealed using hydrogen or oxygen pressure (using the apparatus shown in FIG. 13). Inflate your body.

In this embodiment, the liquid in the borehole or conduit 93
Using the hydrogen of force, each device 22 of valves 127 and 129 by valves 229, 231 and cylinder 227
Control 1.

Next, other embodiments of the in-bore sampling device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 1T.

In this example, the borehole spool valve (Spoo
lva lve ) to control the flow of fuel, oxidizer, and cooling fluid to the gas generator.

The spool valve is shown in FIG.

The equipment on and within the drill hole is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, with some modifications.

In FIGS. 14-17, the same members as those used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9 are designated by the same numbers.

In FIG. 14, line 26t indicates the ground level.

The frame indicated by the number 31 indicates the enclosure, and the number 33 indicates the oil-containing layer.

All members above line 261 are placed on the ground;
The member below line 261 is placed within the borehole.

The figure shows all U7. c=V. The apparatus of FIG. 14 also includes igniter 75, heat switch 151, transducer 171 and its lift reading meter 175, and transducers 117 and 179 and their lift reading meters 185 and 187. Use.

All of these parts are shown in Figure 14 for simplicity.
Not shown.

The spool valve of FIG. 15 is shown at 263 in FIG. 14 and is electrically connected to the borehole solenoid valve 261 via a conductive wire shown at 269.

Valve 26 by activating solenoid controller 265
7 is opened, gas pressure (hydrogen) flows through the branch conduit 271 and the valve 26.
7, and is applied to valve 263 via conduit 213 to control spool valve 263, as described below.

The apparatus of FIGS. 14 to 1T uses hydrogen and oxygen,
These are combusted in the combustion zone of the downhole gas generator to produce water vapor.

The hydrogen-oxygen mixture is a stoichiometric or hydrogen-enriched mixture, as described above.

This device may also use hydrogen as the cooling fluid in the cooling annular chamber 53, but may also use water as the cooling fluid.

In the apparatus shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, hydrogen is first introduced into an annular chamber 5.
The explanation will be given assuming that it is used as a cooling fluid in 3.

In this embodiment, a water storage tank 85, a water treatment device 111
, pump 113, and water conduit 1157) are not used.

Although hydrogen conduit 93 is shown connected directly to valve 263, in the first embodiment described below, there is no direct connection of conduit 93 to valve 263.

That is, conduit 93 extends into the borehole, and the borehole casing is used as a conduit for hydrogen supply.

The solenoid valve conduit 271 is connected to the hydrogen conduit 93.
or open to the borehole to accept hydrogen and flow it to conduit 273 and control when valve 267 is open.

Although not shown in FIG. 1T, the gas generator 39
has an outer housing that is supported by cables in the same manner as described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The housing has an inflatable closure 125 that fits into the conduit 1077 as illustrated in FIG.
) - are inflated with silicone fluid which is introduced into the enclosure by oxygen.

The spool valve of FIG. 15 is supported above the closure by a cable.

The hydrogen supply system consists of a supply source 81, a compressor 87, a regulating valve 89, and a flow meter 91, which are operated in the same manner as described above.

Similarly, the oxygen supply system consists of supply system 83, compressor 101, regulating valve 103, and flow meter 105, which are operated in the same manner as described above.

The hydrogen flow controller 163 and the ignition controller 153 are also the same as described above.

The method of starting up the borehole heating device is as follows.

Regulating valves 89 and 103, which also act as isolation valves, open these valves to allow hydrogen and oxygen to enter the system and stabilize it at operating pressure.

Ignition controller 153//i is activated simultaneously with solenoid valve 267.

Solenoid valve 267 applies pressure to valve 263, which in turn allows hydrogen and oxygen to flow into the gas generator, with oxygen leading the charge.

The hydrogen and oxygen are ignited and as the temperature rises, thermocouple 161 senses the temperature and controls the temperature by regulating the hydrogen flow via hydrogen flow controller 163.

The ignition is shut off manually or by a timer after starting.

In shutoff, the oxygen regulating valve 103 is first closed.

As the compressed oxygen in the supply system depletes, the hydrogen flow rate is automatically programmed to decrease and valve 263 closes, thereby shutting down the generator.

This system can be controlled manually or automatically.

Next, the valve 2$3 operated by gas pressure will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

This valve has a sliding spool 303 - using 30
1, this spool has two annular cavities 305 inside.
and 307.

Cavity 305 provides communication between the two ports 309 and 311 when the spool is moved downwardly into position.

Similarly, the cavity 301 allows the two ports 313 and 315 to communicate when the spool is moved downwardly into position.

Inlet 317 communicates with port 309 via cavity 319 and hydrogen conduit 57 communicates with port 311 via cavity 321.

In this example, the inlet 31γ is open to a source of hydrogen to the borehole.

Oxygen conduit 107Vi communicates with port 313 via cavity 323, and oxygen conduit 71 communicates with port 315 via cavity 325.

At the top of the valve, branch conduit 273 is threaded into conduit 321 formed in member 329.

In operation, the solenoid valve 261 is opened to supply hydrogen to the conduit 211.
, by introducing pressurized fluid (hydrogen) into conduit 273 by introducing it into conduit 273 via valve 267 and conduit 273 .

Solenoid valve 261 is activated by driving solenoid controller 265 .

Solenoid controller 265 is effectively a switch that, when closed, transfers electrical energy through conductor 269 to valve 2.
67.

At a pressure predetermined by the setting of spring 331 , poppet 333 moves away from its seat on member 329 and pressurized fluid flows into chamber 335 .

The setting of spring 331 is determined by adjusting threaded fit 337.

Pressurized fluid within chamber 335 is applied through conduit 339 to the top of valve spool 303, causing the spool to
Move it downward within 1.

Cavity 305 communicates with pressurized hydrogen in cavity 319 via port 309, which communicates with 0331 as the spool moves downward, thereby causing cavity 319
and 321 are communicated with each other.

Oxygen is supplied to the cavity 323 via the cavity 323r/i port 313° cavity 307 and the port 315.
Connects with 5.

For cavity 305 to communicate with mouth 311, cavity 30! Mj
, the cavity 307 must move more than it must move to communicate with the mouth 315.

Therefore, oxygen passes through the valve first and is injected into the generator first, which provides a strong oxygen advance.

As the valve spool 303 moves downward and seats on the screw fitting 341, the spool 303 compresses the screw 343;
Thus, when the hydrogen pressure in conduit 327 drops to the closing value determined by spring 343, the valve spool moves upward and the valve shuts off oxygen and hydrogen.

When poppet 333 is reseated, the gas trapped within chamber 335 is released into conduit 327 through port 345.

(Details are shown in Figure 16).

That is, the residual pressure is a force that pushes up the bottle 347 away from the pressure against the elasticity of the spring 349.

The spring 349 applies pressure to the poppet 33 during valve opening operation.
It is provided only to ensure the seating of the bottle 341 when it is added to the bottle 341.

A pressure contact switch is provided at the lower end of the valve to provide automatic in-bore battery ignition for the device described below.As the spool 303 moves upwardly, the conductive camp 351 causes the conductive wires 353 and 355 to An electrical connection is made between the

Plug 357 and rond 359 are made of dielectric material, and many dielectric materials are commercially available.

Spring means 361Fi ensure continuous contact between camp 351 and conductive lines 353 and 355 while the valve is in the open position.

The primary purpose of the spring loaded poppet 33 mechanism is to ensure hydrogen pressure within the borehole before the pneumatic valve opens and to provide rapid opening.

The cavities 319, 32L323, and 325 are arch-shaped, so that the multiple ports 309, 31L313, and 315 are connected to each cavity 319, 32L323, and 32L.
5 respectively.

To explain FIG. 17, the gas generator 39 has a second B
Similar to the one shown in the figure.

That is, the gas generator comprises an outer shell 47 having a small outlet nozzle 49 formed therethrough.

An inner shell 51 is arranged within the outer shell, and a cooling annular chamber 53 is formed between the outer shell and the inner shell.

A plurality of holes 63 are formed through the inner shell,
The annular chamber 53 serves as a passage for cooling fluid into the interior of the generator chamber.

The generator chamber has a main combustion zone 61 and a mixing zone 69.

Also provided are an ignition electrode 75, a thermal switch 157, and a voltage transformer and thermocouple (not shown).

Inner shell 51 is attached to a conduit 371 that conducts electricity into a top end of the inner shell that connects to a top plate 373 connected between top outer wall 45 of the gas generator and housing 41. installed.

Oxygen conduit T1 extends through wall 45 and into conduit 371 to define supply annular passageway 315 between conduits 71 and 371.

Also extending through the wall 45 is an inlet 377;
is in fluid communication with.

Another inlet 381 extends through wall 45 and plate 313 and connects inner tube 41 and outer tube 51.
is in fluid communication with an annular chamber formed between.

Additionally, a plurality of holes 383 are formed through the plate 313.

Although not shown in FIG. 17, a wing 74 is provided at the lower end of the conduit 71 and a wing 73 is provided within the annular passageway 375 at its lower end in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2B. .

Oxygen is supplied through conduit 11 and inlet conduits 377 and 381 connect to hydrogen conduit 57.

Although no refractory liner is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11, such a liner may optionally
installed within.

Such a liner has holes at positions corresponding to holes 63.

In operation, oxygen enters conduit 71 and orifice plate ? It passes through the orifice in the inlet and exits into the main combustion zone 6T.

Hydrogen enters inlet 377 and passes through an orifice in orifice plate 317A into chamber 379.

Part of the hydrogen passes through the annular passage 375 and enters the main combustion zone 6T, and the ignition electrode 75 conducts 11
and ignited by an electrically generated spark to 371.

4W71 and 371 are grounded.

The remainder of the hydrogen that entered chamber 319 passes through hole 383 and enters annular chamber 53 .

More hydrogen enters the inlet 181 and the orifice plate 38
It passes through the orifice in 1A and enters the annular chamber 53.

This structure allows the hydrogen flow rate entering the annular passage 315 to be controlled by an external force.
can be adjusted to supply the most effective mixture to the main combustion zone 6T.

The hydrogen in the annular chamber 53 passes through the holes 63 and enters the mixing zone 69 and the outer edge of the main combustion zone 67, which carries the gas produced in the main combustion zone 67 through the outlet nozzle 49 into the oil-bearing layer. Let cool before leaving.

A thermally actuated switch 157 deactivates the igniter when the outer shell reaches the switch's set temperature.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, if there is liquid in the borehole, hydrogen conduit 93f'i solenoid valve 267
and the inlet conduit 211 of the pneumatic spool valve 263 and the inlet 317 of the pneumatic spool valve 263 .

Hydrogen or oxygen pressure can be used to inflate the closure (using the embodiment of Figure 13).

In a modification of the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, water can be used as the coolant in the cooling annular chamber 53.

In this embodiment, water is supplied to the borehole using a water reservoir 85, a water treatment system 111, a pump 113, and a water conduit 115, shown in FIG. 14, as previously described.

Further, the hydrogen conduit 93 extends to the inlet 3 of the spool valve 263.
17 and solenoid valve 2670 is connected to inlet conduit 2T1.

The spool valve of FIG. 15 has been modified to include a third valve section similar to the two valve sections previously shown.

That is, the housing has a third inlet/outlet structure;
The spool 303 is elongated and has a third cavity,
Communication is provided between said third inlet and outlet combination to allow water to flow from the borehole to the water conduit TI, as previously described.

A third inlet and outlet are made in the force housing above ports 309 and 211, which are similar to ports 309 and 311.

The third inlet has an inlet and cavity similar to 317 and 319, and the third outlet has a cavity similar to 321 but is connected to the generator population 381 of FIG.

A third cavity of valve spool 303 is located above cavity 305.

A third cavity in spool 303 is formed so that water flows through the valve after oxygen and hydrogen flow through the valve.

In this embodiment, the gas generator plate 31 of FIG.
3 does not have a hole 383 passing through it.

For deep wells, it is desirable to have as few conduits and conductive wires as possible extending from the ground to the elements within the wellbore.

One structure for achieving this purpose is shown in FIG.

This design uses an above-bore hydrogen-oxygen ratio controller and an in-bore battery for ignition.

High density batteries such as silver-zinc batteries are commercially available for this purpose.

The apparatus of FIG. 18 burns a hydrogen-oxygen mixture in the combustion chamber of a gas generator and uses the hydrogen in a cooling annular chamber 53 for cooling.

The hydrogen and oxygen supply system on the ship is similar to that described above.

The in-bore generator used may be similar to that shown in FIG. 1T, and the in-bore control valve may be similar to that shown in FIG. 15.

In this embodiment, oxygen conduit 107 is connected to oxygen cavity 32.
The hydrogen conduit 93/ri extends into the borehole to supply hydrogen into the borehole, that is, to guide it into the borehole via the borehole casing.

The hydrogen conduit 93 is connected to the hydrogen cavity 319 of the valve or to the conduit 327.
Although not connected to the borehole, an inlet 317 opens into the borehole and allows hydrogen to pass into the borehole cavity 319, as described above.

Conduit 327 is connected to conduit 411, which
11 is open to the borehole.

Inflation of the closure is performed by the apparatus described in connection with FIG.

The apparatus of FIG. 18 is also provided with a hydrogen-oxygen flow rate controller 401, the output of which is given to a regulating valve 89 via a conduit or lead 403 to control the regulating valve 89 according to the desired hydrogen-oxygen flow rate ratio. The temperature of the gas exiting the borehole gas generator is maintained at a desired temperature.

Hydrogen flow meter 91 is connected to hydrogen oxygen flow controller 401 via conduit or wire 405 .

Hydrogen/oxygen flow controller 401//'i also controls oxygen regulating valve 103 via conduit or conductive wire 407.

Furthermore, the oxygen flow meter 105 is connected to a conduit or conductive wire 409.
It is connected to a hydrogen/oxygen flow rate controller 401 via.

In operation, regulating valves 89 and 103 are opened to allow hydrogen and oxygen to flow into conduits 93 and 107.

Inside the borehole, hydrogen from the casing force flows into the branch conduit 41.
1 to conduit 327 of valve 263 to move the valve spool of the valve downwardly, causing oxygen and hydrogen to flow through valve 263, with oxygen first, as described above.

Valve 263 opens at a predetermined pressure by the setting of spring 331, as described above.

The borehole battery type igniter 413 is equipped with a battery 413A, and one side of the battery is connected to the valve 263 via a conductor 415.
is connected to a conductive wire 353 (FIG. 15).

The other conductor 355 of the valve 263 is connected to the electrode 7 via the conductor 417.
It is electrically connected to the ground side of 5.

Electrode 75 is also electrically connected to thermal switch 157 via lead 421, which is connected to the other side of the battery via lead 423.

When the spool of valve 263 is moved downwardly by the hydrogen provided in conduit 327 to connect conductive camp contact 351 between conductors 353 and 355, electrical energy is supplied to the electrodes to remove the combustible material within the gas generator. Light the mixture.

Starting is performed as follows.

Open the oxygen regulating valve 103 to a predetermined operating position to stabilize the pressure.

Next, the hydrogen regulating valve 89 is opened to a predetermined operating position. When the hydrogen pressure reaches about 90-95% of the operating pressure, the borehole gas pressure valve 263 opens and hydrogen and oxygen flow to the generator (oxygen first), and at the same time the battery-powered igniter ignites.

When the gas generator shell approaches a stable mixture IfK, the thermal switch 157 disconnects the battery powered igniter.

To shut down the generator, the oxygen regulator valve 103 is closed and the device is shut down at the preprogrammed hydrogen flow rate.

When the hydrogen pressure disappears, the gas pressure valve closes.

This equipment requires calibration with ground-directed drilling elements.

In the embodiment of FIG. 18, when liquid is in the borehole, the inlet 31 of the hydrogen conduit 93/l'i gas pressure valve 263
7 and branch conduit 411 directly.

Hydrogen or oxygen pressure (using the embodiment of Figure 13) is used to inflate the closure.

If the apparatus of FIG. 18 uses water as a coolant for the annular chamber 53, the water supply system previously described is used to inject water into the borehole casing.

Hydrogen conduit 93 is connected to hydrogen port 317 of valve 263 and branch conduit 411 .

Valve 263 is modified to provide a third cavity and a third inlet and outlet as described above to allow water to flow through annular chamber 53 via inlet 381.

In this embodiment, the closure 125 is inflated by hydrogen pressure as described for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9.

To start, open valve 103, then open valve 89,
Water is then injected into the casing.

To shut down, the valve 103 is closed, and after the gas pressure valve closes automatically, the regulating valve 89 is closed, and then the water pump device is shut down.

Next, referring to FIG. 19, the operation of the hydrogen/oxygen flow rate controller 401 will be explained in more detail.The flowmeter 9 changes in accordance with the flow rate.
The signals of 1 and 2 are provided to an output sensor 431 and then passed through to a sensor amplifier 433.

The signal from the amplifier 4337) is sent to the sensor comparator 43
5, this comparator compares this signal with the set signal.

Any difference between the signal generated by the flow meter 91 and the setpoint signal is applied to the valve driver power supply 437 for the regulating valve 89 which powers the valve driver 439 in the appropriate direction. -Adjust the flow rate so that the output of the flow meter 91 becomes equal to the set signal.

Flowmeters are of the type that generate one electrical pulse for each rotation of a rotating flow member or vane.

The electrical pulse force count is electrically compared with a set digital count in a comparator.

The comparator changes the flow ratio until the count of the flowmeters 917) equals the set digital count.

Control of the hydrogen-oxygen flow controller can also be performed by pneumatic or hydraulic means instead of electrical means.

The oxygen control section of the hydrogen-oxygen flow controller 401 is the same as that for hydrogen, except for the following points.

That is, in the oxygen control section, instead of providing a set signal to which the sensor signals are compared, the signal generated by hydrogen flow meter 91 is provided to oxygen flow meter sensor comparator 441 and used as the set signal for oxygen.

The output of the oxygen flow meter 105 is detected by the oxygen flow meter output sensor 445.
given to.

This oxygen flow meter output sensor is the same as sensor 431 and its output is provided to oxygen flow meter sensor amplifier 447.

The output of the amplifier 447 is given to the comparator 441,
It is compared with the signal given by the hydrogen flow meter.

The gain of amplifier 447 is set appropriately.

If there is a difference between the output signals of the amplifiers 433 and 4477:l-, this difference is provided to the valve driver power supply 451 of the oxygen regulating valve 103, and the regulating valve 103 is supplied to the valve driver 453.
Power is applied to the appropriate direction to adjust the flow rate, and the amplifier 447
The output of the amplifier 433 is made equal to the output of the amplifier 433.

This device keeps the oxygen to hydrogen ratio constant.

The advantage of fuel-oxidizer combinations of hydrogen and oxygen, whether it is a stoichiometric mixture or a hydrogen-rich one, is that
Also, the same applies whether water or hydrogen is used as the coolant.

Furthermore, the ability to produce hydrogen by electrolysis of water makes it attractive as a fuel.

Apparently, oxygen is produced at the same time, and this is the exact ratio needed to produce water vapor in stoichiometric combustion within the borehole.

Additionally, hydrogen and oxygen can be produced to the pressure required for use by electrolysis, thus eliminating the need for a compressor.

When water is used as a coolant for stoichiometrically combusted hydrogen and oxygen, water vapor is the only end product.

There is no pollution here. With excess hydrogen, the flame temperature resulting from the hydrogen-enriched oxy-combustion force can be adjusted to a temperature that common metals can withstand, as described above.

For example, if hydrogen and oxygen are combined in a ratio of 0.8 kg of hydrogen to 1 kg of oxygen, the combustion temperature will be approximately 1.
090'C (below 2,000C), a temperature that many stainless steel alloys can easily withstand.

The products of combustion can then be cooled to the desired temperature by addition of hydrogen or water.

If only hydrogen is used as the coolant, there is no need for water hardness treatment for the water in the borehole.

That is, no water is used except when hydrolysis is used for hydrogen-oxygen generation.

The excess hydrogen is at the same temperature as the water vapor produced, and this hydrogen also serves to heat the oil-bearing layer.

Water has an extremely small molecular weight, power, and high diffusivity.
Penetrates formations more easily and quickly than any other gas, vapor, or liquid.

In gaseous form, 1 kilogram of hydrogen can transport the same amount of heat to a geological formation as 113.5 kilograms of water vapor.

When forced and condensed, the water vapor carries much more heat into the formation over the smaller area it penetrates.

Additionally, hot hydrogen used as a coolant can dissociate crude oil molecules and then combine with the dissociated components to create lighter, lower viscosity monohydrocarbons.

This is a process known as hydrogenation, and is greatly accelerated in the presence of certain catalysts.

In addition, the hydrogen that is sent into the borehole and not burned can be recovered on the ground.The aforementioned fuel-oxidizer-coolant combinations of hydrogen and oxygen or hydrogen, oxygen and water have various advantages. However, other fuel-oxidant-coolant combinations may also be used in the present device.

These combinations are shown in Table 1 along with hydrogen and oxygen combinations and hydrogen, oxygen and water combinations.

Table 1 also shows the performance of the gas generator when hydrogen, ammonia or methane is used as the fuel, oxygen is used as the oxidizing agent and hydrogen, ammonia, water or methane is used as the cooling medium.

Alternatively, ammonium hydroxide may be used in place of water in Table 1.

The calculation is approximately 70.3 Ivc4 (LOOOps i) and 1 hour per hour at approximately 538°C (LOOO'F).
0,080,000Kcal (20,000,000B
This is done based on the value of TU).

10.080,000 Kcal (20,00
0,000BTU) is approximately 15.400KCalC6LO45BTU per 454 grams (1 pound)
Approximately 454 grams (1 pound) of hydrogen per ? 1) methane at approximately 239 KcaR23,910 BTU);
and about 1730 per pound
Based on the high heat value of ammonia in Kcal (6,870 BTU).

The fuel-oxidizer-cooling medium combinations shown in rows 3 and 5 of Table 1 are used in the same embodiment as described above using the hydrogen-oxygen-water combination, in which case the operation is hydrogen-oxygen-water.
This is the same as described above for the combination of oxygen and water.

In the fluid combination in row 3 of Table 1, ammonia is used directly to inflate the closure, and in the fluid combination in row 5 of Table 1, methane is used directly to inflate the closure. used.

The fuel-oxidizer-cooling medium combinations shown in rows 4 and 6 of Table 1 are used in the same embodiment as described above using the hydrogen-oxygen-hydrogen combination, in which case the operation is hydrogen-oxygen-hydrogen. This is the same as described above for the oxygen-hydrogen combination.

In the fluid combinations in the fourth and sixth rows of Table 1,
In both cases, oxygen is applied to the device of Figure 13 to inflate the closure.

All products of combustion of ammonia with oxygen are gaseous.

Therefore, there is no problem of clogging the strata.

Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are generated and become pollutants in the geological formations.

Ammonia and ammonium hydroxide are excellent coolants and are comparable to water.

Both lead to accumulation of ammonia within the helical frame.

However, ammonia can be collected in the ground, both ammonia and ammonium hydroxide are liquids at relatively low pressures, and can be stored or transported in liquid form at ambient temperatures in tanks.

Therefore, there are no particular problems in handling, storing, and pumping ammonia or ammonium hydroxide.

Methane is used as a fuel, but this gas and hydrogen are not pollution-free.

That is, methane decomposes into carbon and hydrogen at temperatures above about 649'C (below 1200C).

When combusting oxygen, methane produces CO2, which is a polluting gas in oil-bearing formations.

Methane works best when it burns stoichiometrically with oxygen and the resulting gas is cooled with water.

Excess methane can be used as a coolant, but there is a risk of clogging the formation with carbon particles from dissociated methane.

In addition to using the steam for steam-driving and transporting oil to nearby wells, it is also an object of the present invention to use the steam for steam-soak operations.

In this process, steam is typically injected over a number of days, such as from 5 to 15 days, and the well is then shut down for a soak period of about one week before the well begins production.

This method//i also known to those skilled in the art [buff, puff J (huf
f and puff) and has been implemented in thousands of wells.

Gas generators are used for in-situ retorts on oil-bearing shales.

In this method, a hole is drilled into the shale.

If the shale is naturally well fractured, the hot gas from the gas generator is applied directly to the shale.

Oil is released from shale at temperatures above about 482°C (900°F).

The desired fluid oil is pumped into a nearby wellbore or is extracted continuously or periodically from the same wellbore.

For hard, impermeable shale, the shale is crushed using explosives.

The host rock fractured in this way allows hot steam to easily penetrate and come into contact with the shale.

Another object of the invention is to use the gas generator for on-site gasification by practitioners.

In this method, a hole is drilled in the coal seam and hot gas from a gas generator is brought into contact with the practitioner.

The high temperature of the gas causes a reaction with the practitioner, producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

This gas is burned as a low-grade fuel or, if desired, refined into a high-grade gas.

In some oil-bearing formations, oil extraction is enhanced by gas injection or pressure maintenance methods.

In these operations, natural gas or flue gas is used as the injection gas.

The gas generator of the invention is used to supply flue gas for gas injection.

In this work, a gas generator is installed inside the swell valve,
Operate continuously for a period of time.

When air is used as the primary oxidizing medium, the flue gas consists primarily of nitrogen and water vapor.

If a hydrogen-rich stream is used, excess hydrogen is obtained with nitrogen or steam for oil, sand, autoinjection.

The hot gas and volatile hydrogen reduce the viscosity of the oil so it easily flows into the production well.

Oil extraction by in situ combustion extraction uses air or air and water diluted with air or flue gas.

After combustion occurs in the injection well, one of the aforementioned fluids is used to sustain the combustion and pump the oil to a nearby production well.

The gas generator of the present invention operates to fulfill all of the above functions.

This gas generator is operated with excess oxygen or air.

In this case, unused oxygen is injected into the rock formation and serves to maintain the combustion zone in the usual way.

The gas generator of the invention is operated with water as coolant and excess oxygen or air.

In this case, hot water or steam and excess oxygen enter the oil, sand.

Steam or boiling water is oil. It serves to heat the sand, and the excess oxygen sustains combustion within the rock's pores.

Next, referring to Fig. 20, slightly modified Figs.
A method for hydrogenating hydrocarbons in a geological formation using the apparatus shown in FIGS. 0 and 12 will be described in more detail.

In FIG. 20, an enclosure injection hole 31 penetrates an oil-bearing layer 33 below the ground.

There is an oil extraction hole 501 spaced apart from the hole 31 .

Although not shown, other spacing wells may also be used.

A gas generator 39 is installed in the borehole 31, and hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to this generator from a hydrogen generator 81 and an oxygen supply source 83 installed on the ground.

The perforation casing 121 has a closure 125 above the generator.
sealed by.

A cooling and separation tower 503 is installed in the ground and is connected to the production well 501 via a conduit 505.

As previously mentioned, the gas generator 39 comprises a combustion zone 67 , a chamber with a cooling annular chamber 53 and a restricted outlet 49 .

Hydrogen from generator 81 is supplied to the gas generator via regulating valve 89 and conduit 93.

Similarly, oxygen from source 83 is supplied to the gas generator via regulating valve 103 and conduit 107.

Hydrogen in the generator is directed by solenoid valve 127 to combustion zone 67 and cooling annular chamber 57 .

This solenoid valve 127 is controlled on the ground via a conductor 133.

Oxygen is directed to the combustion zone by solenoid valve 129.

This solenoid valve 129 is controlled from the ground via conductor 135.

The amount of hydrogen supplied is sufficiently large to form a hydrogen-rich mixture within the gas generator, which mixture is ignited by energizing glow or spark plug 75 through electrical current through conductors 155A and 155B. .

Thermocouple 161 senses the temperature near the gas generator outlet and sends temperature data to the ground via conductor 165.

Similarly, pressure transducer 171 sends data via lead 173.

To extract oil, hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to a gas generator 39Vc.
supply to create a hydrogen-rich combustible mixture, which is ignited and combusted to create hot gas.

This hot gas enters the wellbore 31 through the restriction outlet 49.

The gas enters the formation 33 from the wellbore through holes 507 formed through the wellbore casing.

This hot gas is mainly composed of water vapor and hydrogen and enters the oil-containing layer 33 .

Regulating valves 89 and 103 regulate the temperature of the exhaust gas from the gas generator to heat the oil in the formation to a sufficient temperature to separate the hydrocarbon chains into lighter segments;
This seguint reacts with hydrogen from the gas generator to create a lighter and less viscous final product.

For example, the geological formation is about 141 kFj/cyi (2,000 kFj/cyi
psi) and heated to a temperature of approximately 399°C (750°F).

The output of thermocouple 161 and transducer 171 is monitored to obtain the desired temperature and pressure.

It should be understood that the temperatures and pressures existing within the formation are lower than those measured within the borehole.

The so-called depleted oil-bearing layer consists of 20 to 20% of the pore space within the formation.
For depleted oil-bearing formations, the formation should be heated to above about 399°C (750'F), preferably about 593°C (about 1,100'P). It is necessary to heat the oil to sufficiently decompose it.

This upper limit of about 593°C (1,100°F) is desirable to prevent the decomposition of methane into carbon and hydrogen.

Methane decomposes at about 1,200'F.

This method differs somewhat from conventional hydrogen cracking processes in that the subsurface formations do not contain suitable catalytic materials and pyrolysis must occur before hydrogenation.

When the reaction between the hydrogen and the hydrocarbon segments occurs, an amount of heat is released that is well between 5 and 15 times the amount required to raise the sandstone layer within the oil-bearing formation to about 399°C (750°F).

The way in-situ hydrogenation is planned depends on the amount of oil present within the pore space of the formation.

Generally, the pore space is between 38 and 42 parts of the oil-bearing layer volume.

Layers of sandstone, limestone or shale occupy the remainder.

If the pore space of 42 inches is fully occupied, the oil-bearing layer will be approximately 492 mm thick per 1 acre and 1 foot thick.
Contains a kiloliter (approximately 3,100 barrels) of oil.

Generally, the pore space is not fully occupied.

When using the method of the present invention for oil-bearing formations with a high percentage of pore space, the temperature is maintained just high enough to thermally decompose the oil, which is first hydrogenated and liquefied.

Once the occupancy drops to 20%, it is necessary to raise the temperature to thermally decompose and hydrogenate the remaining oil into gas, which escapes through the pores of the formation.

The resulting hydrogenation products are mostly methane,
lighter end products such as propane and butane.

The following table shows formation temperatures of approximately 399°C for various oil-bearing depths.
It indicates the amount of heat required to raise the temperature by 750°F (°C) K.

In the table above, the temperature at various drilling depths is 0.36°C per 10 meters depth (10 meters deep).
It is based on a geothermal rise of 2°F per ft.

The percentage of extracted oil consumed in the process is based on hydrogen being produced by 50% efficiency reforming from the light end product.

Some of the heat from the extracted oil is used in the upgrading process, but this is not taken into account in the calculations.

The heat generated during hydrogenation is approximately 47.600Kca
l/Kl (30,000BTU/BBL),
This is allocated to oil heating and is deducted from the oil heating requirement.

For some oil contents, it is not necessary to thermally crack the petroleum, but hydrocracking can be carried out.

That is, a very large variety of trace elements are present in some geological formations, and these act as catalysts for hydrocracking.

Hydrocracking, as is well known, is a combination of moderate thermal cracking and hydrogenation, carried out at low temperatures in the presence of suitable catalysts.

With some catalyst, hydrogen cracking can reach 260°C (500°C).
At low temperatures such as 'F), approximately 35.2 kg/
ff1 (500psi).

However, the temperature may be higher, up to about 800'F.

For more information about thermal cracking and hydrogenation and hydrocracking, see the National Petroleum Commission.
etm Council 1) report, “The Impact of New Technologies on the U.S. Petroleum Industry, 1946-1965J (Imp.
act of New Technology on
the U, S ・petroleum Indus
Try 1946-1965), Library of Congress Catalog, Card No. 67 to 31533.

For thin oil-containing layers, heat must be supplied taking into account the escape of heat to the upper and lower coating layers.

This is not taken into account in the table above. If the hydrogenation is carried out following a catalytic thermal decomposition, initially about 704
°C (1,3 o o T ) to 871 °C (1,600'
F) Introducing gas at nearby temperatures to compensate for rapid heat transfer within the formation.

The temperature is then lowered to approximately 482°C (900'F) to initiate the initial thermal cracking of the oil in the heated oil-bearing formation, and once the oil content is at the minimum thermal cracking temperature, the gas generator exhaust gas is to about 399°C (750'F).

This depends on the fact that the heat of hydrogenation raises the temperature at the front moving through the oil-bearing layer, contributing to decomposition.

If the composition of the formation is not known, the gas generator is initially operated to produce gas at a low temperature to determine whether light hydrocarbons can be extracted from the borehole 501 by hydrocracking.

If extraction is not possible, the gas generator is operated at a higher temperature to initiate thermal decomposition, followed by hydrogenation.

Gases and liquids resulting from catalyst-free thermal cracking followed by hydrogenation or from hydrogenation by hydrocracking enter the borehole 501 through holes 509 formed through the borehole casing 511. Go out to the ground.

At ground level, gas and liquid enter cooling and separation tower 503 through conduit 505.

Liquid and gas are separated in the column and the liquid enters reservoir 515 through conduit 513.

Gas passes from the top of column 503 through conduit 517 to compressor 5.
Enter 19.

The compressor 519 compresses gas at approximately 176 kg/criF (2
, 500 psi) plus any pressure drop that may occur in the equipment prior to the borehole 31.

From compressor 519, gas flows through conduit 521 to hydrogen generator 81.

In some applications, proper control requires increasing the pressure to about 3,800 psi to maintain the velocity of sound through the generator nozzle or outlet 49.

Hydrogen generation in the hydrogen generator 81 is performed by reforming or partial oxidation using water.

When partial oxidation is used, conduit 523 is connected to oxygen source 8.
3 to the hydrogen generator 81.

Oxygen source 83 may be a tank filled with oxygen from a commercial source or from an on-site air-to-oxygen converter.

The required high pressure is approximately 176, y/cffl (2,500p
si ) to 267 kg/ff1 (3,800 psi
), which is conveniently obtained by vaporizing liquid oxygen in a closed container.

In the hydrogenation process shown in FIG. 20, as described above, hydrogen instead of water is supplied to the cooling annular chamber 53Vc of the gas generator.

This is done by using the modification of FIG.

As an alternative to this, a hole is formed through the gas generator conduit 57 at a level between the walls 45 and 55, so that hydrogen can pass from the annular passage between the conduits 57 and 71 to said Through the holes it flows into the cavity 59 and then into the annular chamber 53.

In this alternative, neither water control valve 131 nor conduit 77 is used and the entrance to cavity 59 through wall 45 is closed.

An in-borehole valve 127 is used to control the flow of hydrogen into both the main combustion zone and the annular chamber 53.

Introducing excess hydrogen into the combustion zone of the gas generator to create a hydrogen-rich mixture to reduce the temperature in the main combustion zone of the gas generator and supplying excess hot hydrogen for on-site hydrogen addition. .

Hydrogen is also supplied to the annular chamber 53.

Hydrogen flowing through the annular chamber 53 cools the inner shell 51 and flows through the holes 63 to cool the combustion gases to the desired temperature.

As the hydrogen flowing through the annular chamber 53 and entering the mixing zone 69 performs a cooling action, it is heated to provide more hot hydrogen for hydrogenation.

Water vapor and excess hot hydrogen resulting from the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen then flows into the formation through outlet nozzle 49.

In addition to hydrogen, water can also be used to cool the generator.
This water can be supplied from the water tank 85.

From the water storage tank 85, water is supplied to the treatment device 111 and then by the pump 113 through the conduit 115 to the borehole 31.
sent within.

Hydrogen from the hydrogen conduit is used to inflate the closure;
A seal is formed between the borehole housing 43A and the casing 121.

Hydrogen from the hydrogen conduit 57 passes through the conduit 211 to the annular chamber 1.
Injected into 25A.

Conduit 211 is connected to hydrogen conduit 93 above borehole valve 127 .

For the above, please refer to FIGS. 1 and 6.

The operation is started in the following manner when the borehole device is in a predetermined position as shown in FIG. 1 and all the borehole valves are closed.

Hydrogen and oxygen are introduced into the piping inside the borehole, and the regulating valves 89 and 103 are opened to achieve a predetermined pressure.

When introduced into the borehole conduit 93, hydrogen enters the sealing body 125.
Inflate the housing 43A and the punching casing 12.
1 to form a seal.

Water is then introduced into the well casing, filling it fully or partially.

This is done by drive pump 113.

The water also applies pressure to the borehole closure seal.

Activate the ignition controller 153 and oxygen and hydrogen solenoid valves 127 and 129 in the following order.

The igniter is started by operating the drive controller 153.

Oxygen valve 12 by actuating drive controller 143
9 to allow a slight amount of oxygen to precede.

Next, by operating the controller 141, the hydrogen valve 1
Open 27.

This order is such that these controllers 141, 143 and 153
manually or by controlling these controllers by an automatic lifting controller.

At this point, the characteristic signal of the borehole pressure transducer 171 indicates on the meter 175 whether a normal start-up has been obtained, and the desired temperature is maintained by the meter 164 connected to the thermocouple conduit 165. Indicates whether the

The hydrogen flow controller 163 is operated according to the thermocouple 161 to automatically control the hydrogen flow rate.

The hydrogen to oxygen ratio is controlled by manually controlling the hydrogen and oxygen valves, by self-synchronously linking the valves, or by providing the outputs from flow meters 105 and 91 to comparator 90 . generates an electrical output to move the oxygen regulating valve in the appropriate direction to maintain the desired hydrogen-(1) ratio.

The operation is stopped as follows.

First, the in-bore oxygen valve 129 is closed, and then the hydrogen valve 127 is closed.

The igniter can be deactivated manually or by a timer after starting.

As previously mentioned, excess hydrogen (hydrogen-rich) is introduced into the combustion zone of the gas generator to reduce the temperature in the main combustion zone of the gas generator and provide excess thermal hydrogen to increase the hydrogen content of the petroleum. Additions are made to form less viscous hydrocarbons.

The maximum temperature obtained by stoichiometric combustion of hydrogen with oxygen is approximately 2,760°C (approximately 5°C) at atmospheric pressure.
,000°F) or slightly higher.

By using a hydrogen-rich mixture, the temperature in the main combustion zone is approximately 982 °C (i
, ooooF).

Reducing the temperature of the main combustion zone with a hydrogen-rich mixture has the advantage that the gas generator can be made of common materials.

In order to reduce the temperature of the main combustion zone to this desired temperature,
The flow rate of hydrogen is 4 to 6 times the flow rate required for stoichiometric combustion.

Other flow rates are used depending on the degree of temperature reduction desired.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the gas generator is cooled by passing hydrogen through the annular chamber, and the temperature of the exhaust gas is further lowered to approximately 982°C (1,
Hydrogenation is performed by lowering the temperature to the desired temperature below 800'F) and providing more hot hydrogen.

In the hydrogenation process, in some cases it is desirable to flow water through the annular chamber 53 instead of hydrogen for cooling purposes.

However, in this case the amount of hydrogen provided for hydrogenation is reduced.

Drainage is communicated through the annular chamber 53 by using valve 131 and conduit 77, as described above.

Although the hydrogenation and oil extraction process has been described as the in-situ hydrogenation of petroleum in underground formations, this process involves the in-situ hydrogenation of coal or oil-bearing shale using a gas generator in a borehole across the coal seam or oil-bearing shale formation. It can be performed.

When applied to shale, the shale is crushed before the hydrogenation treatment.

Although not shown in the figure, a well-known pump device for the oil extraction valve is used if necessary.

In some cases, air can be used in place of oxygen as the oxidizing agent.

Next, referring to FIGS. 21, 22A, 22B, and 23, methane is combusted with oxygen in the borehole 31, and the generated gas is cooled with water to produce hydrogen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The apparatus of the present invention, which extracts oil from the underground oil-bearing layer 33 penetrated by a borehole, will be described.

The generated steam and hot gases direct the oil in formation 33 to other spaced boreholes (not shown) through formation 33 for oil extraction.

Hydrogen also penetrates well into geological formations due to its low molecular weight,
Hydrogenation of petroleum to form low viscosity hydrocarbons.

The carbon dioxide also serves to expand the petroleum out of the borehole and reduce its viscosity.

As shown in FIG. 21, the gas generator 39 is installed in the borehole at or near the level of the oil-containing layer 33.

Oxygen and a hydrocarbon gas, preferably methane, are fed from the ground to a gas generator to create a combustible mixture that is ignited and combusted within the generator vessel.

The flame temperature is kept below the decomposition temperature of methane to prevent the liberation of carbon and convert almost all of the methane to carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas.

These gases are further supplied with oxygen and combusted to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

The gas generator and the generated carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen are cooled with water, which turns into water vapor, thereby
Hydrogen, water vapor and carbon dioxide are injected into the formation from a gas generator.

Referring to FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 23, the gas generator 39 includes an outer cylindrical shell 41 supported within a housing 43 installed within the borehole.

Outer shell 41 has an upper end 45 through which supply conduits and other elements extend.

Shell 41 also has a lower end 47 through which a reduced diameter outlet nozzle 49 extends.

An inner shell 51 is supported within the outer shell 41, and a cooling annular chamber 53 is provided between the inner shell and the outer shell.
is formed.

The inner shell has a top wall 55 connected to a conduit 57 extending through and connected to the top wall 45 .

Conduit 57 forms one of the supply conduits, as will be described below, and also supports inner shell 51 within the outer shell and is connected to annular chamber 5.
3 and an upper cavity 59 between walls 45 and 55.

The cavity 59 communicates with the annular chamber 53, as shown in FIG.

The opposite end of the inner shell 51 is open at a flange 61.

A plurality of holes 63 are provided through the lower end of the inner shell, forming a passageway from the annular chamber 53 to the interior of the inner shell for the passage of cooling fluid.

A refractory liner 65 is supported within the inner shell at its upper end and defines a combustion zone 68 and a second zone 68 located downstream of the combustion zone.

The liner is supported by a retaining ring 53A and has a top wall 65A through which supply conduits and other components extend.

The part of the inner shell at the level of the holes 63 becomes a gas and water mixing zone 69.

Conduit 57 extends through walls 45 and 55 and into the interior of liner 65 through upper liner wall 65A.

Coaxially within the conduit 57 and spaced inwardly therefrom are two coaxial conduits 71 and 72 which are spaced apart from each other and extend into the combustion zone 67 .

Conduit 72 is held in place by a spacer 72A connected between conduits 57 and 72.

A first annular passage 13 is formed between coaxial conduits 71 and 72 and a second annular passage 74 is defined between coaxial conduits 72 and 15.
is formed between.

Methane is introduced into the combustion zone 67 of the gas generator through conduit 71 and oxygen is supplied through conduit 57A connected to conduit 57.

Oxygen is divided into two passages and flows through two annular passages 73 and 74.

Oxygen through annular passage 73 enters combustion zone 67 and combines with methane to form a combustible mixture of gases within the combustion zone.

This combustible mixture of gases is ignited by an igniter 75;
be burned.

Just enough oxygen is supplied through the annular passage 73 to bring the temperature of combustion to about 649°G (1,200°F) at the flame front.
), which causes nearly all of the carbon in the methane to react with oxygen to form carbon monoxide and free hydrogen.

Carbon liberation is thus prevented or minimized.

This is desirable since carbon, if present, would clog the combustion chamber and also clog the sandstone face during downhole operations.

The overall temperature of the combustion zone is approximately 1320°C (approximately 2400°F).
).

It is desirable to increase the temperature in order to increase the calorific value per unit weight of methane and oxygen, and thus to reduce the cost of the required methane and oxygen.

High temperatures are obtained by providing additional oxygen to burn off carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

This additional supply of oxygen is provided through the second annular passage 74.

The oxygen thus flowing through the annular passage 74 enters the second zone 68 where the carbon monoxide and hydrogen from the combustion zone 67 are combusted with this additional supply of oxygen, raising the temperature to about 2.0900C ( approximately 3,800°F) to 2,200°F
(4,000°F) and also produces carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

The gas flows from zone 68 to mixing zone 69 where it is cooled with water to about 544'F before injection into the oil-bearing formation.

Approximately 70.3 kg/ffl (1,
80% quality steam is produced at a room pressure of 0,000 psi) and injected with hydrogen and carbon dioxide (steam quality is the percentage of water in steam form).

Water is supplied to the annular chamber 53 through a conduit 77 (see also FIG. 4) extending through the upper wall 45 of the outer shell 41.

From conduit 77, water flows into annular chamber 53 through a cavity formed between walls 45 and 55.

The water cools the inner shell 51 and flows through the holes 63 to cool the combustion gases and create water vapor.

The mixture of water vapor, water droplets, hydrogen and carbon dioxide passes through outlet nozzle 49 and enters the formation.

Since the discharge nozzle 49 is small compared to the inner diameter of the chamber, the pressure generated in the generator will not be significantly affected by the external pressure until the external pressure (pressure in the oil-bearing layer) approaches approximately 80 times the value of the internal pressure. Not affected.

Therefore, for a set gas generator pressure, it is not necessary to change the flow rates of the components entering the generator until the external pressure (oil-bearing layer pressure) approaches approximately 80 parts of the internal gas pressure.

The minimum ratio of oxygen to methane in the combustion zone that converts all of the carbon to carbon monoxide is 1.1 kilograms of oxygen to 1 kilogram of methane.

The amount of oxygen used in the second step in zone 68 depends on the amount needed to convert all of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, the maximum specified temperature, and the amount of hydrogen that is desired to be injected into the oil-bearing formation through the sandstone face. by.

Diversion of oxygen to passages 73 and 74 is achieved by orifice plate 78.
The orifice plate is sized to cover the outlet of the annular passageway 74 as desired, as adjusted experimentally.

Although not shown, swirlers are provided at the ends of passageway 74 to swirl the oxygen flowing outwardly through passageway 74 through combustion zone 67 and into second zone 68. skein and apply centrifugal force to it.

If desired, the spiral winder is attached to the end of the conduit 71 and the annular passage 7.
3 and swirl the methane and oxygen in opposite directions to ensure proper mixing and create the desired combustible mixture within the combustion zone 67.

Referring to FIG. 23, a cooling pipe 79 for passing water is provided to cool the burner and chips.

A housing or jacket 43 surrounding the gas generator forms an annular chamber 80 with the outer wall 41 of the generator.

Water is supplied into the annular chamber 80, heat from the generator raises the temperature of the water within the annular chamber 80, and this water then flows through convection into the annular chamber 80.
It mixes with water in chamber 80A above the generator to heat conduits 57A and 71.

These conduits are optionally coiled to have a suitable surface area to preheat the methane and oxygen.

To explain FIG. 21, methane, oxygen and water, methane supply source 81, oxygen supply source 83 and water supply source 8
5 is supplied to a generator installed in the borehole.

Methane is supplied by a compressor 87, then through a regulating valve 89, a flow meter 91, and through a conduit 93 inserted into the borehole by a piping reel and device 95.

Oxygen is passed through a compressor 101, then through a regulating valve 103, a flow meter 105, and then to a piping reel and apparatus 1.
09 into the borehole through a conduit 107 inserted into the borehole.

From the water storage tank 85, water is supplied to the water treatment device 111 and then pumped by the pump 113 through the conduit 115 to the borehole 3.
Sent within 1.

In FIG. 21, water in the borehole is indicated by 117.

The borehole 31 is surrounded by a steel casing 121 and has an upper spigot head 123 through which all conduits, conductors and cables extend.

Inside the borehole, a sealing body 1 is placed above and near the gas generator.
25 is installed through which conduits, cables and conductors extend.

The flow of methane, oxygen and water to the generator is controlled by solenoid operated valves 127, 129 and 131, which are located in the borehole, near the gas generator and above the closure. .

Valves 127, 129 and 131 are connected to conductors 133, 135
and 137, and these conductors extend to the ground to solenoid controllers 141, 143 and 145 for separately controlling the opening and closing of the borehole valves from the ground.

Controllers 141, 143 and 145 are actually switches that are actuated separately to control valve 12.
7, 129 and 131 to control the supply of electrical energy to the borehole coils.

Valve 127 is connected to methane conduits 93 and 71 (FIG. 21), and valve 129 is connected to oxygen conduits 107 and 57A.
(Fig. 21).

The valve 131 is connected to the water conduit 77 (Fig. 21:
It also has an inlet 147, so that when the valve 131 is opened, water in one casing flows into the gas generator.

The igniter 75 includes a spark, plug, or electrode that extends through walls 45 and 55 and into a hole 65B formed through liner wall 65A, thereby providing a spark within combustion zone 61. Exposure to gas.

Igniter 75 is connected to borehole transformer 149 via conductors 151A and 151B.

This transformer is connected to a spark ignition controller 153 via conductors 155A and 155B.

A perforation ignition controller 153//i switch is provided to control the supply of electrical energy to the perforation transformer 149 and thus also to the igniter 75.

A thermocouple 161 is supported within the combustion zone 67 by the gas generator and is electrically coupled to the scraped methane flow controller 163 via a conductor 165.

The methane flow controller senses the temperature detected by the thermocouple and generates an output.

This output is applied to regulating valve 89 to control the flow rate of methane to obtain the desired methane-oxygen ratio.

The output from flow controller 163, which may be electrical or pneumatic or hydraulic, is provided to valve 89 via a lead or conduit indicated at 167.

The 20th thermocouple 156 is restricted to the outlet 49 by the gas generator.
is supported near the outlet 49 and senses the temperature of the gas exiting from the outlet 49.

Its output is sent to the ship via conductor 157 and provided to a power supply and control device 158.

The output of this device 158 is connected via conductor 159 to an electrically controlled torque motor valve 160 which is connected underwater to outlet 147.

This device controls the size of the opening of the valve 160 to control the amount of water into the annular chamber 53 and thus also through the passageway 63 and to control the temperature of the gas exiting the generator outlet 49. It is something.

A meter 158A is also connected to the top conductor,
The gas temperature at the generator outlet 49 can be read visually by the operator and, if desired, manually controlled via the controller 158.

Alternatively, valve 160 may be omitted and the water flow rate through conduit 115 may be controlled at ground level to adjust the height of the water column within the deep well casing to achieve the desired flow rate through the generator.

For deep wells, control is achieved by adjusting the pump output pressure.

In this example, oxygen from the oxygen conduit is used to apply pressure to the silicone fluid to inflate the closure and
A seal is formed between the housing 43A and the borehole casing 121 as described for the figures.

The operation is started in the following manner when the borehole device is in a predetermined position as shown in FIG. 21 and all the borehole valves are closed.

Methane and oxygen are introduced into the borehole conduit, and the regulating valve 89
By opening and 103, a predetermined pressure is applied.

When oxygen is introduced into the borehole conduit 107, it enters the chamber 252.
Pressure is applied to the silicone fluid therein to inflate the closure 125 and form a seal between the housing 43A and the borehole casing 121.

Then water is introduced into the well casing and the casing is →
to fill fully or partially.

This is done by activating pump 113.

Further pressure is applied to the sealing body in the drainage hole. The ignition controller 153 and methane, oxygen and water solenoid valves 127, 129 and 131 are operated in the following order.

The igniter is started by actuating controller 158.

Activating controller 143 opens oxygen valve 129 to slightly advance oxygen.

Next, open the methane valve and then open the water valve 131.

The water valve 160 can be kept open at all times, or the size of its opening can be varied to control the amount of water flowing through the annular chamber 141 as described above.
and 145 to open valves 127 and 131, respectively.

This order is controller 141:143.145 and 153
manually or by automatically controlling these controllers by an automatic lifting controller.

At this point, a characteristic signal from downhole pressure transducer 171 indicates on meter 175 whether a normal start has occurred, and thermocouples 156 and 161
The meters 158A and 164 indicate whether the desired temperature is being maintained.

Methane flow controller 163 is activated according to thermocouple 161 and automatically controls the methane flow rate.

Similarly, the controller 158 is activated according to the thermocouple 156 and automatically controls the flow of water into the annular chamber 53.

The methane-to-oxygen ratio is controlled by manually controlling the methane and oxygen valves, by electrically coupling the valves to self-synchronous motors, or by providing the outputs from flow meters 105 and 91 to comparator 90Vc; Comparator 90 generates an electrical output to move the oxygen regulator valve in the appropriate direction to maintain a constant methane-oxygen ratio.

At this point, the methane, oxygen and water flow rates are checked to ensure the correct ratio of methane and oxygen, as well as the methane, oxygen and water flow rates.

Monitoring of the flow rates of methane and oxygen is carried out using flowmeters 91 and 10.
This is done by looking at 5.

The amount of oxygen flowing through the annular passage 74 into the zone 68 within the gas generator is measured by a thermocouple 156 dropout meter 158AK.
Difference in Oxygen Flow Rate and Discharge Meter 10
This is confirmed by obtaining the oxygen flow rate read from 5.

The operation is stopped as follows.

The in-bore oxygen valve 129 is closed first, then the methane valve 1 is closed.
27 and then close the water valve 131.

The water valve remains open after shutdown until the generator has cooled down and the heat has been sucked back out.

The igniter is deactivated manually or by a timer after activation.

If a stoichiometric mixture of methane and oxygen is combusted to produce carbon dioxide and water, the final temperature of the exhaust gas will be over 2,760°C (below 5,000°C), which is higher than desired for long-term operation of the gas generator.

By partially oxidizing methane at low temperatures to produce stable gases of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and then combusting these gases with additional oxygen supply, a high calorific value per unit weight of each of methane and oxygen is achieved. The desired gas can be produced without liberation of carbon at a temperature sufficient to obtain
And the gas generator can withstand this.

In yet another embodiment, butane or propane is substituted for methane in the gas generator to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen by partial oxidation, which is combusted with an additional supply of oxygen, thereby producing carbon dioxide and Convert to hydrogen.

Preferably, the feed pressure for butane and propane is lower than the feed pressure for methane.

In FIG. 22B, orifice plate 78 and cooling tube 79 are not shown for simplicity.

Water is supplied to the cooling tube 79 by a conduit (not shown) connected to the water above the closure within the borehole and extending through the housing and into the closure to the tube 79.

Similarly, water is supplied to the annular chamber 80 by a conduit (not shown) K which is connected to the water above the closure in the borehole and extends into the closure through the housing.

Next, a modification of the gas generator of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 24.

In FIG. 24, like numbers refer to like parts of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-11.

Borebore thermocouples and transducers are not shown for simplicity.

A hole 121A is formed in the casing 121 and provides a path for hot gas to the formation 33.

In the variation of FIG. 24, the internal cooling annular chamber 53 is omitted or not used, and instead the water is directed into the borehole, above the closure 125, through the closure 125 and below it. , and of the gas generator... into the annular chamber between the housing wall and the wall of the borehole to cool the gas generator.

In FIG. 24, conduit 601 is used for this purpose.

As described for the conduit of FIG. 5, conduit 60 extends through the center of the gas generator at closure 125.

Conduit 601 also has a restricted opening so that conduit 601
It is designed to control the flow rate of water through.

Although not shown in the figure, the lower end of the conduit 601 has an annular cavity 12
It is connected to a manifold installed in 2 and surrounds the gas generator.

The manifold has a plurality of jets around its inner circumference to spray water onto the outer circumference of the gas generator.

From the annular cavity 122, the water passes through the hole 44 formed in the housing 43 and into the housing 43 and the casing 121.
It flows into the annular cavity 126 formed between.

An annular member 603 is connected to the lower end of the gas generator and forms a restricted lower annular opening 604 between the gas generator and the borehole wall to limit the downward flow of water, thereby Water fills the upper annular cavity between the gas generator and the wall of the borehole.

Member 603 may be a metal member and is welded to the lower end of the gas generator.

Inside the gas generator chamber, the lower end of shell 51 is removed, but the upper end of shell 51 remains to support liner 65.

Liner 65 is not shown in FIG. 24 for simplicity.

When burning a hydrogen-rich mixture of hydrogen and oxygen,
The water valve 131 and conduit 77 are omitted so that the water does not flow into the chamber 69.
not injected into the body.

Cooling is provided by the low temperature of the combustion and by the water in the annular chamber between the wall of the gas generator and the wall of the borehole.

Starting and stopping operations are the same as described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11.

However, although water was used for cooling in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, water is not injected into the chamber 69 in this embodiment.

In other embodiments, when combusting a hydrogen-rich mixture of hydrogen and oxygen or a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, a water valve 131 is provided and conduit 77 is connected to the lower end of the gas generator. Then, water is injected into the chamber 69.

As shown in FIG. 24, conduit 77 extends through chamber wall 41 and into chamber 69. As shown in FIG.

Although not shown, conduit 77 is connected to a manifold surrounding the gas generator.

The manifold has a plurality of conduits entering the gas generator chamber 69, whereby water is injected into the chamber 69 at a plurality of points around its inner circumference.

Cooling is thus provided by water in the annular chamber between the gas generator and the borehole wall and by water injected into the gas generator chamber.

Starting and stopping operations are the same as described above for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 using water for cooling.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the ignition is a spark energized from a ground-based power source.

This is done by a plug or electrode T5.

A self-combustible combination of fuel and oxidizer is used to ignite the combustible gas in the gas generator chamber 67 to eliminate conductive wires extending from the ground to the gas generator for energizing the electrode 75. be able to.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the on-borehole and in-borehole apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the top portion of the in-borehole housing structure for supporting the gas generator of FIG. 1 in the borehole. FIG. Figure 2B shows the gas generator shown in Figure 2A supporting the gas generator of Figure 1.
- An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lower part of the housing, the complete housing with gas generator, connecting the lower part of FIG. 2A to the top of FIG. 2B; Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line ■-■ in Figure 2B, Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2B, and Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line v-v in Figure 2A. , Figure 6 is VI-VI of Figure 5.
7 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 2B, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX - in FIG. 2B. ■A cross-sectional view taken along the line, Figure 10 is a block diagram of one of the in-bore remote control valves in Figure 1, Figure 1
1 is a curve diagram useful for understanding the present invention, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a partial modification of the device in FIG. 2, and FIG. 13 is a curve diagram useful for understanding the present invention.
FIG. 14 shows a modified structure for inflating the closure of a modification of the device of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the invention using a modified borehole remote control valve device. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the remote control device in FIG. 14, FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of the valve in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is similar to that in FIG. 2B. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the hydrogen-oxygen flow rate control device shown in FIG. 18; FIG. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing a gas generator installed in a borehole penetrating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation and spaced extraction valves for extracting hydrocarbons from the bearing formation; Figure 21 is another embodiment of the invention; 22A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top portion of the housing structure in the borehole for supporting the gas generator of FIG. 21 in the borehole; FIG. 22A is an enlarged partial partial view of the lower portion of the housing of FIG. 22A supporting the gas generator shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 23 is an enlarged partial partial view of the gas generator of FIG. FIG. 39... Gas generator, 41, 43, 51...
... Shell or housing, 49 ... Outlet or discharge nozzle, 53 ... Cooling annular chamber, 67
... Combustion zone, 69 ... Mixing zone, 73,
74... Whirlpool tool, 75°413...
Igniter, 79...Cooling pipe, 81...Hydrogen or methane supply source, 83...Oxygen supply source,
85... Water supply source, 89,103...
Regulating valve, 90.435,441...Comparator, 91°105...Flowmeter, 125...
...Occupation body, 127°129.131,267...
...Solenoid operated valve, 141.143,145,26
5... Solenoid controller, 153...
Ignition control device, 157...Heat switch, 161
, 164...Thermocouple, 163...Hydrogen or methane flow rate controller, 171,177゜179...
... Pressure transducer, 221 ... Child valve, 227
...Sub valve drive cylinder, 229, 231...
... Three-way solenoid valve, 251 ... Silicone fluid, 253 ... Bellows, 263 ...
・Spool valve, 401...Hydrogen oxygen flow rate controller, 431.445...Output sensor, 439,4
53... Valve driver.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A gas generator equipped with a combustion chamber for burning fuel with an oxidizing fluid to form combustion gas, and capable of removing hydrocarbons and other materials from underground formations penetrated by a borehole. The gas generator is inserted into a borehole, and when the gas generator is inserted into the borehole, an outer wall of the gas generator and a wall of the borehole are connected to each other. an annular chamber is configured between the annular chamber and a cooling fluid passing through the annular chamber, the device further comprising a closure device for sealing the borehole above the gas generator; a conduit device passing through said closure device to allow flow into said gas generator; and a remote control located near said gas generator to control the flow of fuel and oxidizing fluid to said gas generator. A device characterized in that it has a type valve device. 2. A device located near the lower end of the gas generator for restricting the downward flow of cooling fluid into the annular helical hole.
Apparatus described in section. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a device for injecting a cooling fluid into the combustion chamber. 4. said device for injecting a cooling fluid into said combustion chamber is located near said conduit device for passing fluid from a perforator into said combustion chamber and said conduit device; 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a remotely controlled valve arrangement for controlling the flow rate of fluid through the apparatus. 5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an annular member surrounding the combustion chamber. 6. the fuel is hydrogen, the oxidizing fluid is oxygen, and the valve device controlling the flow rates of the fuel and oxidizing fluid maintains combustion temperature and combustion gas temperature at a preselected level; 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operative to form a hydrogen-enriched combustible mixture in the combustion chamber. 7. An apparatus having a gas generator for generating hydrogen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide in a borehole in order to extract hydrocarbons and other fluids from underground formations penetrated by the borehole, the gas generator comprising: a combustion chamber adapted to be inserted into a borehole and having a restricted outlet at one end; a device defining a first combustion zone near an opposite end of the combustion chamber; said first combustion zone and said combustion chamber; a device that configures a second combustion zone between the restricted outlet; and a device that configures a gas and water mixing zone between the second combustion zone and the restricted outlet;
Water vapor is formed in the gas and water mixing zone and the first
The device constituting the combustion zone has a device for injecting hydrocarbon gas and oxygen into the combustion chamber, the hydrocarbon gas and oxygen forming carbon monoxide and hydrogen upon combustion, and forming a second combustion zone. The device comprises a device for injecting additional oxygen into the combustion chamber, said additional oxygen increasing the temperature and carbon dioxide released from said limited exit force. A device characterized by forming. 8. An annular chamber through which a cooling fluid can pass is configured between an outer wall of the gas generator and a wall of the borehole when the gas generator is inserted into the borehole, and the annular chamber is arranged between the combustion chamber and the outer wall of the borehole. 8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that it surrounds and communicates with said gas and water mixing zone. 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is methane. 10 A method for extracting hydrocarbons or other fluids from underground formations penetrated by a borehole, the process comprising inserting a gas generator into the borehole to a level adjacent to the underground formation penetrated by the borehole, hydrogen and oxygen. A method characterized by the step of combusting a stoichiometric mixture of and in a gas generator. 11 A method for extracting hydrocarbons or other fluids from underground formations penetrated by a borehole, the process comprising inserting a gas generator into the borehole to a level adjacent to the underground formation penetrated by the borehole, hydrogen and oxygen. The process involves burning a hydrogen-rich mixture with a gas in a gas generator, the excess hydrogen makes it possible to lower the combustion temperature, and the addition of hydrogen to the hydrocarbons in underground formations A method characterized by reducing viscosity.