Patent ID: 8875789
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: C01B,C10G,E21B,F01K,Y02C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An in situ method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation, comprising: a) heating an organic-rich rock formation in situ; b) producing a production fluid through a well from the organic-rich rock formation, the production fluid having been at least partially generated as a result of pyrolysis of formation hydrocarbons located in the organic-rich rock formation, the production fluid comprising hydrocarbon fluids; c) then separating the production fluid in an oil-gas separator, after producing the production fluid, into at least a first gas stream and a first liquid stream, wherein the first gas stream comprises at least hydrocarbon gas, and wherein the separating is performed at a temperature and a pressure of the oil-gas separator; d) monitoring the first gas stream to determine a first property of the first gas stream prior to substantial combustion of the first gas stream in a first gas turbine combustor; e) adjusting a control measure subsequent to (b) to change the first property of the first gas stream so that the first property of the first gas stream remains substantially constant, wherein the control measure affects the temperature or the pressure of the separation in (c), and wherein the control measure is external to the organic-rich rock formation; f) passing the first gas stream through a first gas turbine to form a first gas turbine exhaust stream, the first gas turbine being configured to provide energy to a first electrical generator; and g) generating electricity in the first electrical generator in response to the first gas turbine exhaust stream.