Electrically Conductive Methods For In Situ Pyrolysis of Organic-Rich Rock Formations

摘要

A method and system for heating a subsurface formation using electrical resistance heating includes providing a wellbore which has a production portion that penetrates an interval of organic-rich rock within the subsurface formation. The method includes forming a fracture in the organic-rich rock along a plane that is generally parallel with the production portion of the wellbore. A first electrically conductive proppant is placed into the fracture. Second and third electrically conductive proppants are placed within the wellbore and in electrical communication with the first electrically conductive proppant. The second and third proppants are spaced apart, and have a bulk resistivity that is less than the bulk resistivity of the first proppant. The method then includes passing an electric current through the fracture such that heat is generated by electrical resistivity within the first proppant sufficient to pyrolyze at least a portion of the organic-rich rock into hydrocarbon fluids.