U.S. patent application number 14/121591 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-24 for method of gas, oil and mineral production using a clean processing system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is E. Arvid Orbeck, JR., John E. Vandigriff. Invention is credited to E. Arvid Orbeck, JR., John E. Vandigriff.
Application Number | 20160084054 14/121591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54198979 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160084054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vandigriff; John E. ; et
al. |
March 24, 2016 |
Method of gas, oil and mineral production using a clean processing
system and method
Abstract
The invention provides a system and process for providing a
clean, non-contaminating process, for producing fracturing of
shale, limestone, sands and other geological and mining formations
to release natural gas, oil and minerals within a formation. A
system used in the process produces on site the energy required to
induce fracturing, removing natural gas and oil, and to recycle
fluids used in fracturing for additional use. Removable storage
provides the necessary materials to provide fracturing, removal and
processing of the fracturing liquids for addition use at one or
more sites, and to provide processing, storage and transportation
of the resulting natural gas and oil.
Inventors: |
Vandigriff; John E.;
(Carrollton, TX) ; Orbeck, JR.; E. Arvid; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vandigriff; John E.
Orbeck, JR.; E. Arvid |
Carrollton
Las Vegas |
TX
NV |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54198979 |
Appl. No.: |
14/121591 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/250.1 ;
166/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/26 20130101;
E21B 34/06 20130101; E21B 33/10 20130101; E21B 43/2405 20130101;
E21B 36/001 20130101; E21B 43/164 20130101; E21B 47/06 20130101;
E21B 43/34 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/24 20060101
E21B043/24; E21B 43/16 20060101 E21B043/16; E21B 36/00 20060101
E21B036/00; E21B 33/10 20060101 E21B033/10; E21B 34/06 20060101
E21B034/06; E21B 47/06 20060101 E21B047/06; E21B 43/26 20060101
E21B043/26; E21B 43/34 20060101 E21B043/34 |
Claims
1. A method of providing fracturing in a well bore, to produce at
least one of natural gas and oil, having vertical and horizontal
well bore regions, injecting carbonated water into the well bore;
and injecting pressurized steam into the carbonated water to cause
fracturing of the walls of the well.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the well bore has
vertical and horizontal portions and a pipe in the well extends
into the vertical and horizontal portions of the well bore;
Wherein, pressurized steam is injected into the horizontal region
of the well bore though peripheral openings in the pipe in the
horizontal region of the well bore; and Fracking sand is inserted
as needed.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the carbonated water is
refrigerated prior to injecting it into the well.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of natural
gas and oil, the carbonated water, and any released CO.sub.2 are
removed from the well, the carbonated water and CO.sub.2 being
separated from at least one of natural gas and oil, and processed
for further use.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a seal is placed in the
well bore to limit the pressurized region of the well bore to
increase the pressure therein, thereby increasing the fracturing
pressure; and at least one pressure sensor and pressure release
valve is placed in the well to prevent the pressure produced by the
carbonated water and pressured steam from exceeding a predetermined
value.
6. A method of providing fracturing in a well bore, to produce at
least one of natural gas and oil; injecting at least one of
refrigerated carbonated water and frozen CO.sub.2 into the well;
injecting pressurized steam into a region of the well bore though
peripheral openings in a pipe extending downward into the well bore
and into the horizontal region of the well bore.
7. (canceled)
8. The method according to claim 6 wherein the CO.sub.2 is cooled
below its freezing temperature to produce a snow like material
which is injected into the well bore through a tube and is released
into the well bore through perforations in the tube; and injecting
pressurized steam after a sufficient amount of cooled CO.sub.2 is
released into the well to create a catalytic reaction that heats
and expands the cooled CO.sub.2 causing the fracturing of shale and
other geological formations in the well.
9. The method according to claim 8 including the triggering of a
sensor valve when a sufficient amount of cooled CO.sub.2 has been
released into the well bore to close off the insertion of cooled
CO.sub.2 and opening a second valve to allow pressurized steam to
be injected into the well to rapidly expand the cooled
CO.sub.2.
10. A system for producing fracturing in a well bore utilizing only
carbonated water, sand as needed, and pressurized steam,
comprising: a well bore having a vertical and horizontal region; a
pipe extending downward in the vertical region and horizontally in
the horizontal region; a storage unit for holding carbonated water
for injection into the well; a steam generator for injecting
pressurized steam into the carbonated water for producing
fracturing in the well; and a pumping unit for removing at least
one of gas and oil released during the fracturing process.
11. The system according to claim 10, including a unit for
refrigerating the carbonated water prior to being injecting into
the well bore.
12. (canceled)
13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the perforated
openings in the horizontal portion of the pipe are spaced apart at
different intervals along the horizontal portion of the pipe to
evenly distribute the pressurized steam equally along the length of
the horizontal portion of the pipe.
14. The system according to claim 10, including an isolation plug
to prevent the pressurized steam, contaminates and carbonated water
from moving up the vertical portion of the well, increasing the
pressure in any portion of the well bore to produce greater
fracturing in the well.
15. The system according to claim 10, including a seal at the top
of the well to prevent any gases and other materials from leaving
the well and entering the atmosphere.
16. The system according to claim 10 including: a separator for
separating any remaining carbonated water from gas and oil in the
well; and a processing system for cleaning the carbonated water
removed from the well.
17. The system according to claim 10, where any materials removed
from the well bore pass through a particulate filter to remove
particulate material from fluids removed from the well.
18. the system according to claim 17, wherein the system includes
at least two particulate filters, only one filter being used at a
time so that the one that is not being used can be cleaned for
future use.
19. The system according to claim 10, including a system for
freezing CO.sub.2 for injecting into the well bore.
20. The method according to claim 1, wherein CO.sub.2 is injected
into the well bore instead of carbonated water, and the CO.sub.2 is
expanded by the pressurized steam to cause fracturing.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a method and system for producing
fracturing of shale and oil sands, and mineral containing material
to release natural gases and oil utilizing CO.sub.2 and a steam
process without using other chemical contaminants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Most fracturing processes use various chemicals in their
process to recover gas and oil. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
8,733,439 uses CO.sub.2, but also used H.sub.2O.sub.2 (hydrogen
peroxide) which, when used medically in small amounts, is
considered a mild antiseptic, and can be used as a bleaching agent.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used for certain industrial or
environmental purposes as well, because it can provide the effects
of bleaching without the potential damage of chlorine-based agents.
Because this substance can be unstable in high concentrations, it
must be used with care. In higher concentrations, it can create
strong chemical reactions when it interacts with other agents, and
it can damage the skin or eyes of persons working with it. The use
in wells may contaminate underground water if there is seepage into
ground water. This patent also uses other chemicals such as Fe, Co,
Ni and similar chemicals.
[0003] Other processes also use various chemicals, particulate
material, and other catalysts which can contaminate water sources
such as wells and aquifers. These processes utilize a large amount
of water which often is not or cannot be recycled because of the
toxic chemicals contained therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the invention is to provide a clean,
non-contaminating process for producing fracturing of shale,
limestone, sands, and other geological and mining formations to
release natural gas and oil within a well, and to break up any
mineral containing material.
[0005] Another object of the invention is to provide a system to
produce on site the energy required to induce fracturing, removing
natural gas and oil, and to recycle fluids used in fracturing for
additional use.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide for movable
storage of fracturing liquids for additional use at one or more
sites.
[0007] The technical advance represented by the invention as well
as the objects thereof will become apparent from the following
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the
novel features set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of the basis system of the
invention and the process associated therewith.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates additional features which may be utilized
with the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a well configuration in which frozen
CO.sub.2 is inserted into a well and then expanded by pressurized
steam to cause fracturing of the walls of the well.
[0011] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate two types of insertion tubes.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates the system and method for producing clean
fracturing in a natural gas and oil well. The well has a vertical
drill bore and or pipe casing 1a and a horizontal drill bore or
pipe casing 1b extending horizontally from the lower end of
vertical drill bore and or pipe casing 1a. This is the standard
method of drilling wells. Inserted in the well is vertical pipe or
tube 2a which extends the length of vertical well bore 1a and then
extends horizontally, 2b, into the horizontal well bore 1b. Well
bore 1a is then caped at the top with seal 15. This is to prevent
any gasses or other material from escaping out into the atmosphere
and surrounding area. This system is an example that can be used
with the claimed fracturing process. Modification of the system and
other configurations may be used with the fracturing process.
[0013] The rest of the system is described as follows. Clean water
is supplied through input 14 through a processing system 8, which
includes a three way valve. The water is directed through 23 into
pipe 9 and then in to storage container 5, which carbonates the
water, using the CO.sub.2 from portable storage container 6.
[0014] The carbonated water from container 5 is then directed,
through pipe 10 and valve 10b, into the well at opening 10a. This
carbonated water flows downward into the well and fills the
horizontal portion 1b with carbonated water. The carbonated water
in container 5 may be refrigerated to keep the carbonated water
cool, or partially frozen so as to prevent vaporization of the
CO.sub.2 from the water while it is being injected into the well.
The carbonated water may be lightly frozen to provide an icy slush.
Sand can be injected into the wellbore alone, or with the
carbonated water to aid in the fracturing process.
[0015] Once the well, particularly the horizontal portion 1b is
filled with the carbonated water, then pressurized steam, generated
in steam generator 4, is injected into the well though valve 3 into
pipes or tubes 2a and 2b. Pipe/tube 2b has openings 16 around it
periphery and along its length to distribute the steam throughout
horizontal well bore 1b. The pressurized steam causes the
carbonated water to literally explode creating a great pressure in
the well causing fracturing of the walls of the well bore, thus
releasing natural gas/oil from the underground sources. To keep all
of the pressurized steam from exiting though the first holes at the
beginning 2c of horizontal pipe 2b, there are fewer holes at the
start of horizontal pipe 2c to prevent exiting of a large quantity
of pressurized gas. The number of holes increases towards the 2d
end of the horizontal pipe. This progressive increasing of holes
helps to evenly distribute the pressurized gas throughout the
horizontal portion 1b of the well.
[0016] After the fracturing process, the remaining carbonated
water, any loose sand, and the gas/oil is then pumped upward though
well bore 1a and pipe 2a through pipes 11a and 11b to valve 11c and
though pipe 11 into processing unit 7, which may have storage
capacity. Processing unit 7 filters out any particulate material
and separates the gas/oil and CO.sub.2 from the remaining water.
The CO.sub.2 can be returned through pipe 28 to the CO.sub.2
storage tank 6 for reuse. The gas/oil is then stored or directed
out pipe 13 for storage and/or transportation to another storage
facility.
[0017] To prevent the particulate filter 7 from becoming clogged
with particulate material, there could be at least two parallel
particulate filters. One would be used at a time. When the flow of
gas/petroleum/CO.sub.2 decreases to a lower determined level
through the particulate filter, a sensor would detect this lower
level and would switch the flow through a parallel filter. There
would be a notification of this change, and the clogged filter
could be cleaned to remove the particulate for use again.
[0018] The separated water is then passed through pipe 12 into
processing system 8. The water can be directed back into the system
though valve for reuse, as needed, for additional fracturing of the
well. The water can also be processed to clean it, removing any and
all chemical and/or foreign matter from the well and then sent
thought pipe 14 for storage and/or another use.
[0019] All of the units, Steam generator 4, carbonated water unit
5, CO.sub.2 unit 6, separator 7 and processing system may all be
portable units for use at other locations. The units may be
incorporated in one movable unit for movement to other drilling
sites.
[0020] To prevent excess pressure that would cause over fracturing
in the well, a pressure sensor 30 measures the pressure. If the
pressure exceeds a predetermined amount, then release valve 31
would open, and stay open, as long as the pressure exceeds the
predetermined amount. When the pressure is reduced, then value 31
would close.
[0021] As an alternative to using carbonated water, refrigerated
CO.sub.2 can be injected into the well bore and then expanded with
the pressurized steam. This would limit the amount of carbonated
water needed in the well bore. Since steam is vaporized water,
after the steam is injected into the refrigerated CO.sub.2, it
would cool and become carbonated water. Additional steam injected
into the refrigerated CO.sub.2 would cause it to expand and cause
fracturing. This would limit the amount of carbonated water to be
removed from the well for cleaning and future use.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates the system and method for producing clean
fracturing in a natural gas and oil well as in FIG. 1 with the
following differences in the system and method. In the vertical
part of the wellbore 1a, a isolation plug 19 is placed near the
bottom of the vertical portion 1a of the well bore, or in any part
of horizontal well bore 1b. The location of the isolation plug is
determined where the fracturing of the well is to begin. Since
carbonated water cannot be inserted into the well after the
isolation plug seal 19 is in place, the valve 3 of FIG. 1 is
replaced with valve 20. The carbonated water is then passed through
pipe 17 into valve 20 into pipe 2a to insert the carbonated water
into the well bore. The carbonated water will flow downward through
pipe 2a and horizontal pipe 2b and into the well out openings 16
and out the end 2d of horizontal pipe 2b into the well bore. The
pressurized steam from steam generator 4 is directed through valve
20 into pipe 2a and 2b. The steam is then evenly distributed into
horizontal well bore 1b through openings 16, as in FIG. 1,
providing pressure to producing the fracturing required to release
the natural gas or oil from the surrounding areas. The advantage of
using isolation plug 19 is that the pressure cannot pass upward
into vertical well bore 1a, or unwanted areas of 1b, providing a
greater pressure in the localized horizontal portion of 1b of the
well bore, increasing the fracturing pressure and increasing the
result of the fracturing, releasing more natural gas and/or
oil.
[0023] Isolation plug 19 could include a pressure sensor 38 and
release valve 39 to prevent the pressure from exceeding a
predetermined amount, to prevent over fracturing. The isolation
plug can be later removed or drilled out to allow flow in well bore
1a.
[0024] After the fracturing process, the remaining carbonated
water, any loose sand or other particulate material, and the
gas/oil may be pumped upward though pipe 2a and well bore 1a
through pipes 11a and 11b to valve 11c, and then through pipe 11
into processing unit 7.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a well configuration in which frozen
CO.sub.2 is inserted into a pipe 45 and then expanded by
pressurized steam to cause fracturing of the walls of the well bore
1b. This configuration involves cooling CO.sub.2 in unit 50 to
below its freezing temperature of -109.3 degrees F. and injecting a
snow like compound into well bore 1b. This is achieved through a
flexible composite material or metal alloy insertion hose or tube
51 and tube 45, which can be the same as tube 2a, FIG. 2, attached
via a delivery hose or tubing from the surface. The cooled CO.sub.2
is released into the well bore through the perforations 43 in the
insertion tube 42, or by use of, or with a perforating gun. When
sufficient amounts of cooled CO.sub.2 are achieved, a CO.sub.2
sensor and release valve 41 immediately closes off the CO.sub.2
induction and triggers a steam pressure sensor and release valve 40
for high pressure steam to immediately be injected through the same
flexible perforated composite or metal alloy insertion tube 45. A
pressure containment plate 46 seals the lower portion of the well
to prevent pressure from rising upward to the top of the well. This
process creates a catalytic reaction that rapidly heats and expands
the cooled CO.sub.2 causing the fracturing of the shale or other
geological formation being addressed. This process can be carried
out in one large stage or in multiple stages, depending upon the
specific characteristics of the geological formation being
fractured, and can be repeated until the required desire of
fracturing is achieved. This configuration can be used in
combination with the basic system shown in FIG. 2 where the
assembly in FIG. 3 replaces the structure at the lower end of tube
2a, or any part of horizontal 1b of FIG. 2.
[0026] Pipe 45, in FIG. 3 may have several configurations and
partitions for inserting the fracturing materials into the well.
FIGS. 4a and 4b below, shows two possible configurations. Other
configurations are possible to individually insert the fracturing
materials in the order necessary to provide the fracturing.
[0027] The carbonated water, frozen CO.sub.2, and steam are
alternately inserted though valve 20a.
[0028] The system of FIG. 1 could be used to extract minerals other
than gas and oil. In this configuration, there would be extreme
fracturing to break up the mineral containing soil/rock in the
structure. The mineral containing soil/rock would be vacuumed up
out of the structure where the minerals could be separated from the
soil/rock. This process would use a vacuum system similar to that
used to mine minerals from the sea bottom. In this instance, the
pressure system and release valves would not be used.
[0029] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate two types of insertion tubes.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are cross sectional views taken at A-A in FIG.
3.
[0030] FIG. 4a shows concentric used to insert particulate frozen
CO.sub.2, pressurized steam and carbonated water and fracking sand
as needed. The outer structure is the well bore structure into
which the concentric tubes are inserted.
[0031] FIG. 4b shows parallel tubes into which pressurized steam,
carbonated water and particulate frozen CO.sub.2 are injected into
the well bore structure.
[0032] These two configurations are examples for inducing the
fracturing material. Other configurations may be used, for example
some of the tubes may be used for more than one insertion path,
different injection materials may be switched between the injection
paths.
[0033] The valves 3, 20, 20a, 10b and 11c and tubes 2a and 2b in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may remain onsite for future use.
* * * * *