Inventors:
Alan K. Burnham - Livermore CA, US
Roger L. Day - Rifle CO, US
P. Henrick Wallman - Berkeley CA, US
James R. McConaghy - Salida CO, US
Harry Gordon Harris - Laramie WY, US
Paul Lerwick - Midland TX, US
R. Glenn Vawter - Glenwood Springs CO, US
Assignee:
American Shale Oil, LLC - Newark NJ
International Classification:
E21B 43/24
US Classification:
166 57, 166245, 166248, 166307
Abstract:
A system and process for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden. The system comprises an energy delivery subsystem to heat the body of oil shale and a hydrocarbon gathering subsystem for gathering hydrocarbons retorted from the body of oil shale. The energy delivery subsystem comprises at least one energy delivery well drilled from the surface of the earth through the overburden to a depth proximate a bottom of the body of oil shale, the energy delivery well extending generally downward from a surface location above a proximal end of the body of oil shale to be retorted and continuing proximate the bottom of the body of oil shale. The energy delivery well may extend into the body of oil shale at an angle.