Patent ID: 6761216
Filing Date: 2004-07-13
Classification: C09K,E21B,Y02C,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for in situ production of synthesis gas from a coal formation, comprising:allowing heat to transfer directly from one or more heat sources to a part of the formation such that the heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons in the part of the formation; producing pyrolysis products from the formation; heating at least a portion of the part of the formation to a temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas; providing a synthesis gas generating fluid to at least the portion of the part of the formation to generate synthesis gas; controlling the heating of at least the portion of the part of the formation and the provision of the synthesis gas generating fluid to maintain a temperature in at least the portion of the part of the formation above the temperature sufficient to generate synthesis gas; and producing some of the synthesis gas from the formation.