U.S. patent application number 14/756683 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for method of gas, oil, and mineral production using a clean process system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Einar Arvid Orbeck, JR., John Edward Vandigriff. Invention is credited to Einar Arvid Orbeck, JR., John Edward Vandigriff.
Application Number | 20170089188 14/756683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58408701 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170089188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vandigriff; John Edward ; et
al. |
March 30, 2017 |
Method of gas, oil, and mineral production using a clean process
system and method
Abstract
The invention is 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. The
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 Edward;
(Carrollton, TX) ; Orbeck, JR.; Einar Arvid; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vandigriff; John Edward
Orbeck, JR.; Einar Arvid |
Carrollton
Las Vegas |
TX
NV |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58408701 |
Appl. No.: |
14/756683 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/26 20130101;
Y02P 90/70 20151101; E21B 43/164 20130101; E21B 43/2405
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/24 20060101
E21B043/24; E21B 43/26 20060101 E21B043/26; E21B 43/16 20060101
E21B043/16 |
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 liquid CO2 into the well bore;
Injecting pressurized steam into the carbonated water to cause
fracturing of the walls of the well; the proportion of liquid CO2
and steam being in the range of 60-80% liquid CO2 and 20-40% steam
by volume.
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 through peripheral openings in the pipe in the
horizontal region of the well bore; and Injecting Fracking
sand.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the liquid CO2 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, carbonated water, and any released CO2 are removed
from the well, the carbonated water and CO2 being separated from at
least one of natural gas and oil, and processed for further
use.
5. (canceled)
6. A method of providing fracturing in a well bore, to produce at
least one of natural gas and oil; injecting refrigerated carbonated
water into the well bore; injecting pressurized steam into a region
of the well bore through peripheral openings in a pipe extending
downward into the well bore and into a horizontal region of the
well bore.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral openings
in the pipe are spaced apart to maximize the insertion of the
pressurized steam in equal portions along the length of the
horizontal portion of the pipe, the openings being spaced apart in
decreasing spaces between the openings.
8. The method according to claim 1 including the triggering of a
sensor valve when a sufficient amount of liquid CO2 has been
released into the well bore to close off the insertion of cooled
CO2 liquid CO2 and opening a second valve to allow pressurized
steam to be injected into the well to rapidly expand the liquid
CO2.
9. A system for producing fracturing in a well bore utilizing only
refrigerated carbonated water, sand, and pressurized steam,
comprising: a well bore having a vertical and horizontal regions; a
pipe extending downward in the vertical region and into the
horizontal region; a storage unit for holding refrigerated
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 separator for removing at least one of
gas and oil released during the fracturing process.
10. The system according to claim 9, including an isolation plug to
prevent the pressurized steam, contaminates and carbonated water
from moving up the vertical portion of the well, and increasing the
pressure in any portion of the well bore to produce greater
fracturing in the well.
11. The system according to claim 9, including a seal at the top of
the well to prevent any gases and other materials from leaving the
well and entering the atmosphere.
12. (canceled)
13. The system according to claim 9, where any materials removed
from the well bore pass through a particulate filter to remove
particulate material from fluids removed from the well.
14. The system according to claim 13, 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.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No.
14/121,591, filed Sep. 22, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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
[0003] 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 that include
Fe, Co, Ni and similar chemicals.
[0004] 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide for movable
storage of fracturing liquids for additional use at one or more
sites.
[0008] 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
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of the basis system of the
invention and the process associated therewith.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates additional features which may be utilized
with the present invention.
[0011] 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.
[0012] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate two types of insertion tubes.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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 cools (or
refrigerates) the carbonated the water, using the CO.sub.2 from
portable storage container 6.
[0015] The refrigerated 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 is 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. In the
fracturing process the water and CO.sub.2 need to be chilled and
under high pressure. To reach the necessary pressure for fracturing
there will be a need of about 60-80% liquid CO.sub.2 and 20-40%
steam. Frozen or refrigerated CO.sub.2, steam and water in these
percentages may be used in these percentages to produce the
required pressure for fracturing.
[0016] To produce the required fracturing, the overall composition
of the CO.sub.2, steam and water would be, for example 500 k
gallons. The three compounds would be supplied as follows: 30-40%
CO.sub.2 (ice or liquid) (150-200 k), 10-20% steam (50-100 k), and
50% water (250K).
[0017] There are two possible processes to accomplish the
fracturing. One is to put carbonated water into the well shaft and
CO.sub.2 gas is introduced. The total mixture is put in high
pressure just above the freezing temperature. This allows more
CO.sub.2 to dissolve into the water and when the percentages are
right. The CO.sub.2 will then separate into liquid CO.sub.2 and
water. Both will be introduced into the wellbore with steam to
create an explosion, thus producing the fracturing.
[0018] A Second Process is about the Same at the First Process,
However, the Liquid CO.sub.2 is Introduced into the System at the
Beginning Rather than Later.
[0019] Once the well, particularly the horizontal portion 1b is
filled with the carbonated water (frozen or refrigerated), 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 through 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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/CO2 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.
[0022] The separated water is then passed through pipe 12 into
processing system 8. The water can be directed back into the system
though valve 21 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
through pipe 14 for storage and/or another use.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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 valve 31
would close.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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, an 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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 a
temperature greater than or equal to -109 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 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] The carbonated water, frozen CO.sub.2, and steam are
alternately inserted though valve 20a.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] FIG. 4b shows parallel tubes into which pressurized steam,
carbonated water and particulate frozen CO.sub.2 are injected into
the well bore structure.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
* * * * *