| US 7,516,787 B2 | ||
| Method of developing a subsurface freeze zone using formation fractures | ||
| Robert D. Kaminsky, Houston, Tex. (US) | ||
| Assigned to ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, Tex. (US) | ||
| Filed on Oct. 10, 2007, as Appl. No. 11/973,745. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/851543, filed on Oct. 13, 2006. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2008/0087426 A1, Apr. 17, 2008 | ||
| Int. Cl. E21B 36/00 (2006.01); E21B 43/26 (2006.01); E21B 43/267 (2006.01); E21B 49/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 166—250.1 [166/57; 166/270; 166/271; 166/281; 166/302; 166/308.1; 405/130] | 20 Claims |
| 1. A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, the subsurface formation comprising oil shale, and the
method comprising:
completing a first well;
completing a second well adjacent the first well;
injecting a fracturing fluid into the first well so as to form a fracture at a depth of the subsurface formation, thereby
providing fluid communication between the first and second wells;
injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into the first well and into the fracture so as to lower the temperature of the subsurface
formation; and
circulating at least a portion of the cooling fluid back up through the second well.
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