Recovery of Oil and Gas from Oil Shale through In Situ Pyrolysis using Radio Frequency Heating

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of extracting of oil and gas from oil shale via in-situ pyrolysis using Radio Frequency (RF) heating. Using RF heating to increase the permeability of tight shale and to convert the kerogen found within the shale has been considered multiple times before (e.g. Radio Frequency In Situ Heating to extract Shale Oil, J.Bridges, et al, 28th Oil Shale Symposium, 2008; Slow Radio-Frequency Processing of Large Oil Shale Volumes to Produce Petroleum-like Shale Oil, A.K.Burnham, UCRL-ID-155045, 2003). This study examined the issues from a fresh perspective to determine if modern technology could make the process cost efficient. Multiple methods of in-situ heating were examined and a new paradigm for how the RF would be introduced into the rock was developed. The known problems with RF heating were explored in the context of this new design. Results of the study indicate that RF heating is a viable candidate for in-situ oil and gas production and recovery. Highlights include the fact that this new technology will provide steady production of oil and gas for 20 years from a 5,000 ft horizontal section instead of the typical well production curve; sharp spike followed by a long but rapid decline. The system generates stresses over large volumes of rock that should result in fractures. Further this new technology will allow a much higher recovery from the oil shale recovering over 50% of the oil and gas produced. A pilot program is currently being pursued to better understand the factors which govern recovery/extraction rate which is a key determinant for system economic feasibility.