Darren R Locke

US Patent:

20130161008, Jun 27, 2013

Filed:

Dec 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/335290

Inventors:

Robert J. KLINGLER - Glenview IL, US
Randall E. Winans - Downers Grove IL, US
Darren R. Locke - Naperville IL, US
Marcus O. Wigand - San Ramon CA, US
Mark D. Looney - San Ramon CA, US

Assignee:

Argonne National Laboratory - Argonne IL
CHEVRON U.S.A. INC. - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

E21B 43/22
E21B 43/27

US Classification:

166300, 166307

Abstract:

Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface shale formations. The methods utilize in-situ reaction of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at ambient temperatures at pressures for the subsurface shale formation. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile using metal particulate catalysts. In the methods disclosed herein a fluid comprising metal is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix. A reducing agent is provided to the subsurface shale formation. The kerogen is converted by contacting the kerogen with a metal particulate catalyst formed from the metal; and a mobile kerogen-based product is formed. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products.