ExxonMobil Electrofrac

ExxonMobil Electrofrac
Process type chemical
Industrial sector(s) chemical industry, oil industry
Feedstock oil shale
Product(s) shale oil
Leading companies ExxonMobil
Developer(s) ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil Electrofrac is an in situ shale oil extraction technology proposed by ExxonMobil for converting kerogen in oil shale to shale oil.

Technology

ExxonMobil Electrofrac uses a series of hydraulic fractures created in the oil shale formation. Preferably these fractures should be longitudinal vertical fractures created from horizontal wells and conducting electricity from the heel to the toe of each heating well. For conductivity, an electrically-conductive material such as calcined petroleum coke is injected into the wells in fractures, forming a heating element.[1][2][3] Heating wells are placed in a parallel row with a second horizontal well intersecting them at their toe. This allows opposing electrical charges to be applied at either end. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that electrical continuity is unaffected by kerogen conversion and that hydrocarbons are expelled from heated oil shale even under in situ stress.[3] Planar heaters should be used because they require fewer wells than wellbore heaters and offer a reduced surface footprint. The shale oil is extracted by separate dedicated production wells.[1][2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Secure Fuels from Domestic Resources: The Continuing Evolution of America's Oil Shale and Tar Sands Industries (PDF) (4th ed.). United States Department of Energy. 2010. pp. 38–39. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Plunkett, Jack W. (2008). Plunkett's Energy Industry Almanac 2009: The Only Comprehensive Guide to the Energy & Utilities Industry. Plunkett Research, Ltd. p. 186. ISBN 978-1-59392-128-6. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Symington, William A.; Olgaard, David L.; Otten, Glenn A.; Phillips, Tom C.; Thomas,Michele M.; Yeakel, Jesse D. (2008-04-20). ExxonMobil’s Electrofrac Process for In Situ Oil Shale Conversion (PDF). AAAPG Annual Convention. San Antonio: American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Retrieved 2009-04-12.