Patent ID: 7013972
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating an oil shale formation in situ, comprising: heating a portion of the formation to a temperature sufficient to support oxidation of hydrocarbons within the portion, wherein the portion is located substantially adjacent to a wellbore; flowing an oxidant through a conduit positioned within the wellbore to a reaction zone within the portion, wherein the reaction zone supports an oxidation reaction between hydrocarbons and the oxidant; reacting a portion of the oxidant with hydrocarbons to generate heat; transferring generated heat substantially by conduction to a pyrolysis zone of the formation to pyrolyze at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within the pyrolysis zone; and controlling the heat such that an average heating rate of the pyrolysis zone is less than about 1° C. per day in a pyrolysis temperature range from about 270° C. to about 400° C.