Patent ID: 8622127
Filing Date: 2014-01-07
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation to a surface facility, comprising: providing a plurality of in situ heat sources, each of the plurality of in situ heat sources being configured to generate heat within the organic-rich rock formation and convert organic-rich rock into hydrocarbon fluids; heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ within a first zone so that a temperature of at least 270° C. is created within the organic-rich rock formation proximal the plurality of in situ heat sources within the first zone, and so that coke is formed; providing a plurality of production wells adjacent selected ones of the plurality of in situ heat sources within the first zone; producing hydrocarbon fluids of a first composition from the first zone through the plurality of production wells within the first zone; heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ within a second zone so that a temperature of at least 270° C. is created within the organic-rich rock formation proximal the plurality of in situ heat sources within the second zone; producing hydrocarbon fluids of a second composition from the second zone, the second composition of hydrocarbon fluids having a lower average olefinic content than the first composition of hydrocarbon fluids by transporting the hydrocarbon fluids produced from the second zone through the plurality of production wells within the first zone such that that hydrocarbon fluids produced from the second zone contact coke within a rock matrix in the first zone; wherein the olefinic content refers to olefinic content of a liquid distillate cut with an atmospheric bubble point less than about 330° C.