Patent ID: 8146664
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: C01B,C10L,E21B,F02C,F05D,F24T,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for utilizing gas produced from an in situ conversion process, comprising: a) heating an organic-rich rock formation in situ, wherein the organic-rich rock formation is an oil shale formation; b) producing a production fluid 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) obtaining a gas stream from the production fluid, the gas stream comprising a combustible hydrocarbon fluid; d) separating the gas stream into a first composition gas stream and a second composition gas stream, wherein a composition of the first gas stream is maintained in a substantially constant condition, the first composition gas stream comprises methane and at least one inert gas and the first composition gas stream has a lower heating value less than 800 BTU/SCF; and e) passing the first composition 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; f) feeding the second composition gas stream to a steam boiler; g) combusting the second composition gas stream to provide heat to the steam boiler; h) producing steam in the steam boiler; and i) passing the steam through a steam turbine to form a steam turbine exhaust stream, wherein the steam turbine is configured to provide energy to a second electrical generator, the steam turbine thereby providing energy to the second electrical generator.