Patent ID: 7921907
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system for extracting hydrocarbons from a subterranean body of oil shale within an oil shale deposit located beneath an overburden, the system comprising: 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, comprising: wherein said 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, said 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; said energy delivery well comprising a heat delivery device extending in part beneath and across the body of oil shale to be retorted, from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof, said heat delivery device adapted to deliver to the body of oil shale to be retorted heat energy at a temperature of at least a retorting temperature.