A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING SUBTERRANEAN HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION UTILIZING ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS WITH METALS

摘要

Methods and systems for facilitating extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons from a geologic structure. The present methods include causing corrosion of a base metal within a geologic structure to produce a gaseous product to increase pressure and form fractures in the geologic structure. Some embodiments of the present methods include injecting a fluid composition comprising the base metal into a wellbore (e.g., into a geologic structure via the wellbore).

主权项

1. A method to facilitate extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons from a geologic structure, the method comprising:
injecting a first fluid composition comprising a base metal into a first wellbore that extends into the geologic structure; wherein corrosion of the base metal in the wellbore results in electrochemical oxidation of the base metal and electrochemical reduction of a reducible species that generates a gaseous product, thereby increasing the subterranean pressure in at least a portion of the wellbore.