Exxon Mobil has been granted a patent for a process involving subterranean gas capture wellbores. This method captures lost produced gas by injecting it into a formation, enhancing hydrocarbon recovery, and allowing the gas to flow to the surface for recovery. The process utilizes multiple wellbores at varying depths. GlobalData’s report on Exxon Mobil gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Exxon Mobil, Microscale biofuel reactors was a key innovation area identified from patents. Exxon Mobil's grant share as of June 2024 was 66%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Subterranean gas capture and enhanced hydrocarbon recovery process
The granted patent US12044111B1 outlines a novel process for managing produced gas in subterranean formations, specifically focusing on the injection and recovery of hydrocarbons. The process involves injecting a produced gas, which may include methane, ethane, and propane, into a subterranean formation through a horizontal wellbore. This wellbore is strategically positioned deeper than a second wellbore from which a hydrocarbon-containing fluid is recovered. Additionally, a gas capture wellbore is utilized to recover a second portion of the injected gas, with its horizontal section located at a shallower depth than the second wellbore. The claims also detail preliminary steps such as producing hydrocarbons and disconnecting from separation equipment before the injection process.
Further claims elaborate on the operational aspects of the gas capture wellbore, including its pressure management and the potential for fracking the formation to enhance gas recovery. The patent also describes configurations for the gas capture wellbore, which may include multiple horizontal portions arranged in various shapes, such as dome-like formations. Importantly, the gas capture zone is defined as either lacking hydrocarbons or containing hydrocarbons that are not recoverable through conventional methods. This innovative approach aims to optimize gas recovery while addressing non-producing zones within the subterranean formation, thereby enhancing overall efficiency in hydrocarbon extraction processes.
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