US 10,760,392 B2 · Apparatus and methods for electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon formations

Abstract

An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation. The method involves providing electrical power to at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating high frequency alternating current; using the electromagnetic wave generator to generate high frequency alternating current; using at least one pipe to define at least one of at least two transmission line conductors; coupling the transmission line conductors to the electromagnetic wave generator; and applying the high frequency alternating current to excite the transmission line conductors. The excitation of the transmission line conductors can propagate an electromagnetic wave within the hydrocarbon formation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that a hydrocarbon formation between the transmission line conductors is at least substantially desiccated; and applying a radiofrequency electromagnetic current to excite the transmission line conductors. The radiofrequency electromagnetic current radiates to a hydrocarbon formation surrounding the transmission line conductors.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An apparatus for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation, the apparatus comprising:

(a) an electrical power source;
(b) at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating alternating current, the at least one electromagnetic wave generator being powered by the electrical power source;
and
(c) at least two transmission line conductors being coupled to the at least one electromagnetic wave generator, each of the at least two transmission line conductors having a proximal end and a distal end, the at least two transmission line conductors being excitable by the alternating current to propagate a travelling wave from the proximal end of the at least two transmission line conductors toward the distal end of the at least two transmission line conductors within the hydrocarbon formation, wherein at least one transmission line conductor is defined by a pipe.

1 more element

A method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation comprising:

(a) providing electrical power to at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating alternating current;
(b) providing at least two transmission line conductors, at least one transmission line conductor being defined by a pipe, each of the at least two transmission line conductors having a proximal end and a distal end;
(c) coupling the at least two transmission line conductors to the at least one electromagnetic wave generator;
(d) using the at least one electromagnetic wave generator to generate alternating current;
and
(e) applying the alternating current to excite the at least two transmission line conductors, the excitation of the at least two transmission line conductors being capable of propagating a travelling wave from the proximal end of the at least two transmission line conductors toward the distal end of the at least two transmission line conductors within the hydrocarbon formation.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and methods for electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon formations

Life of this patent

Apparatus and methods for electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon formations

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15