A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) and/or at deep locations (1.5-2 miles or more) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The build-up of pressure using a multiple plate restriction orifice assembly eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation for recovery of the hyrdrocarbons.

A method for treating a hydrocarbon bearing formation bounded by at least one nonbearing formation comprises inserting a tubular into a wellbore formed in the hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tubular defines proximal and distal ends and further has a sidewall defining inner and outer surfaces and a tubular bore, where an annulus is defined between the outer surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the wellbore. A detonator is disposed in the annulus through at least a portion of the hydrocarbon bearing formation. A first fluid including a first explosive is pumped through the tubular bore into a selected portion of the annulus. An isolation material is inserted in the annulus between an entrance of the wellbore and the first explosive fluid. The explosive fluid is detonated with the detonator.

A method for treating a hydrocarbon bearing formation bounded by at least one nonbearing formation comprises inserting a tubular into a wellbore formed in the hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tubular defines proximal and distal ends and further has a sidewall defining inner and outer surfaces and a tubular bore, where an annulus is defined between the outer surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the wellbore. A detonator is disposed in the annulus through at least a portion of the hydrocarbon bearing formation. A first fluid including a first explosive is pumped through the tubular bore into a selected portion of the annulus. An isolation material is inserted in the annulus between an entrance of the wellbore and the first explosive fluid. The explosive fluid is detonated with the detonator.

A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

An ignition device for an underground coal gasification process, and an underground coal gasification method for carrying out ignition. The ignition device comprises a conveying device, a cut-off device (7), an ignition detonator (6) and one or more fuel packs (5), sequentially connected. The fuel packs are serially connected with each other. The conveying device is a coiled tubing/conjugation tube (12), or an integrated signal cable (21). The ignition detonator runs through one or more fuel packs and ignites the one or more fuel packs starting from the top of the device in a delayed manner. The cut-off device breaks off after the ignition detonator is started, so that ignition device components comprising the conveying device are at least withdrawn to a safe position. Each fuel pack comprises thermite and is used for igniting an underground coal seam (1) after the fuel pack is ignited.

An ignition device for an underground coal gasification process, and an underground coal gasification method for carrying out ignition. The ignition device comprises a conveying device, a cut-off device (7), an ignition detonator (6) and one or more fuel packs (5), sequentially connected. The fuel packs are serially connected with each other. The conveying device is a coiled tubing/conjugation tube (12), or an integrated signal cable (21). The ignition detonator runs through one or more fuel packs and ignites the one or more fuel packs starting from the top of the device in a delayed manner. The cut-off device breaks off after the ignition detonator is started, so that ignition device components comprising the conveying device are at least withdrawn to a safe position. Each fuel pack comprises thermite and is used for igniting an underground coal seam (1) after the fuel pack is ignited.

A device for treating a bottom-hole formation of a wellbore comprises a firing head and seal block assembly at a proximal end thereof and a bullnose assembly at a distal end thereof. A carrier tube extends between the firing head and the bullnose assembly. A perforating gun extends between the carrier tube and the bullnose assembly. The carrier tube contains a combustible chemical composition which generates hydrochloric acid gas or hydrofluoric acid gas or a combination thereof when combusted. There is a charge wire electrically connecting the firing head and sealing block assembly to the combustible chemical composition.

Methods of delivering reactive components to a geological formation disclosed herein include generating a plurality of microholes along a wellbore, the plurality of microholes comprising one or more openings, and the plurality of microholes are configured to connect the wellbore to the geological formation. Methods further include delivering the one or more reactive components to the plurality of microholes via a carrier fluid, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to enable one or more chemical reactions to occur, and wherein the carrier fluid is configured to expand, and controlling a flow rate of the one or more reactive components based on whether a volume of the one or more reactive components delivered to the plurality of microholes is greater than a threshold volume.

Methods of delivering reactive components to a geological formation disclosed herein include generating a plurality of microholes along a wellbore, the plurality of microholes comprising one or more openings, and the plurality of microholes are configured to connect the wellbore to the geological formation. Methods further include delivering the one or more reactive components to the plurality of microholes via a carrier fluid, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to enable one or more chemical reactions to occur, and wherein the carrier fluid is configured to expand, and controlling a flow rate of the one or more reactive components based on whether a volume of the one or more reactive components delivered to the plurality of microholes is greater than a threshold volume.