Patent ID: 7860377
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: C07C,E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for coupling heaters in a subsurface formation, comprising: a first elongated heater in a first opening in the formation, wherein the first elongated heater includes an exposed metal section in a portion of the first opening, the portion being below a layer of the formation to be heated, and the exposed metal section being exposed to the formation; a second elongated heater in a second opening in the formation, wherein the second opening connects to the first opening at or near the portion of the first opening below the layer to be heated; and a container configured to be coupled to an end portion of one or more the heaters, the end portion being below the layer to be heated, the container comprising an electrical coupling material configured to facilitate, when melted and then cooled, an electrical connection between the first elongated heater and the second elongated heater.