Radio frequency heat applicator for increased heavy oil recovery
AssigneeHarris Corporation
InventorFrancis Eugene Parsche
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A radio frequency applicator includes a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential mode signal. The RF source is connected to a coaxial conductor that includes an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through at least one metal jumper. At least one current choke is around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation.
Claims40
An apparatus for processing a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a pair of wellbores therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a coaxial first conductor extending within a first one of the pair of wellbores and comprising
- an inner conductor,
- an outer conductor pipe, and
- a nonferrous plating coating the outer conductor pipe;
- a second conductor pipe spaced from the outer conductor pipe and extending within a second one of the pair of wellbores;
- a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential signal across the inner conductor and outer conductor pipe;
- a current choke positioned adjacent at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe and configured to choke current flowing along an outer surface of the at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe;
- and
- at least one inner conductor jumper positioned distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and connecting the inner conductor to the second conductor pipe.
An apparatus for processing a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a pair of wellbores therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a coaxial first conductor extending within a first one of the pair of wellbores and comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor pipe;
- a second conductor pipe spaced from the outer conductor pipe and extending within a second one of the pair of wellbores;
- a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential signal across the inner conductor and outer conductor pipe;
- a current choke positioned adjacent at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe and configured to choke current flowing along an outer surface of the at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe, the current choke comprising a plurality of magnetic material rings and a plurality of dielectric material rings adjacent the plurality of magnetic material rings;
- and
- at least one inner conductor jumper positioned distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and connecting the inner conductor to the second conductor pipe.
An apparatus for processing a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a pair of wellbores therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a coaxial first conductor extending within a first one of the pair of wellbores and comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor pipe;
- a second conductor pipe spaced from the outer conductor pipe and extending within a second one of the pair of wellbores;
- a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential signal across the inner conductor and outer conductor pipe;
- a current choke positioned adjacent at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe and configured to choke current flowing along an outer surface of the at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe, the current choke comprising a dielectric material;
- and
- at least one inner conductor jumper positioned distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and connecting the inner conductor to the second conductor pipe.
An apparatus for processing a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a pair of wellbores therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a coaxial first conductor extending within a first one of the pair of wellbores and comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor pipe;
- a second conductor pipe spaced from the outer conductor pipe and extending within a second one of the pair of wellbores;
- a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential signal across the inner conductor and outer conductor pipe;
- a current choke positioned adjacent at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe and configured to choke current flowing along an outer surface of the at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe;
- at least one reactive device positioned distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and between the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe;
- and
- at least one inner conductor jumper positioned distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and connecting the inner conductor to the second conductor pipe.
An apparatus for processing a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a pair of wellbores therein, the apparatus comprising:
- a coaxial first conductor extending within a first one of the pair of wellbores and comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor pipe;
- a second conductor pipe spaced from the outer conductor pipe and extending within a second one of the pair of wellbores;
- a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential signal across the inner conductor and outer conductor pipe;
- a current choke positioned adjacent at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe and configured to choke current flowing along an outer surface of the at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe;
- at least one inner conductor jumper positioned distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and connecting the inner conductor to the second conductor pipe;
- and
- a fluid susceptor within the outer conductor pipe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.