In this project, a novel electromagnetic heat and extraction system is being developed for enhanced recovery of heavy oil and tar sands. This concept is based on the dielectric heating of underground deposits of heavy oil and tar sands and simultaneous recovery of heated product by a pump system that is an integral part of the antenna system. The process is accomplished by inserting an antenna applicator and extractor system into a borehole and energizing it with an RF power source. A single borehole applicator or a multiple of such borehole systems may be used for controlled volumetric heating and product extraction. The application of a modest amount of electromagnetic energy for heating around and away from the borehole in heavy-oil deposits will provide the necessary viscosity reduction and could favorably alter the liquid flow pattern and pressure gradient throughout the reservoir. Pressure gradient around the borehole will be reduced by heat application, thereby increasing overall production rates. Significant increases in flow rates can be achieved by extending the heating patterns further out into the deposit by using an antenna array applicator system. Phase I consists of a scale model demonstration of the process of heavy oil and tar sands extraction using the proposed electromagnetic heat and extraction system. A laboratory model, antenna-like applicator with an external pump will be immersed in heavy oil and tar sands. Measurements will be made on production rates, amount of production, temperature profiles, antenna impedance, and RF power levels. These data will provide the basis for the design of full scale field equipment for commercial evaluation in Phase II. An analytical model will be developed. This model and its computer program will provide valuable insight into the actual power delivery and heating process and give a basis for both engineering and economic assessments of the process.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: A main area of application for the electromagnetic single well heating and extraction process is in production from those heavy oil reservoirs that are otherwise attractive for steam stimulation methods, such as deposits below 3000 feet, or that contain swelling clays, where water or on-site combustion is a problem. The system may be used for economic recovery for both small and large deposits of both tar sands and heavy oils that are either shallow or very deep. RF heating systems are highly suitable for heating large subsurface volumes of lossy materials, such as tar sand bitumen, heavy oils, or oil shale. A controlled and well defined heating pattern may be achieved using a subsurface antenna array. Recovery of heated product is obtained by designing the antennas for the extraction of product as well. Fundamental benefits are a minimum of environmental impact because of efficient utilization of electrical energy, attractive economics because of potentially rapid production rates, and moderate equipment requirements. No water resource is required for use of this recovery system.Topic 23: Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery and Tar Sands
