Apparatus for recovering hydrocarbon resources including ferrofluid source and related methods

摘要

A device for recovering hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a ferrofluid source, and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources. The RF applicator may include concentric tubular conductors defining ferrofluid passageways therebetween coupled to the ferrofluid source.

主权项

1. An apparatus for recovering hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation comprising:
a radio frequency (RF) source; a controllable ferrofluid source for a ferrofluid having a controllable magnetic property, said controllable ferrofluid source comprising
a particle supply of at least one of ferromagnetic and ferrite particles to the ferrofluid, anda particle separator configured to remove particles from the ferrofluid; an RF applicator coupled to said RF source and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources, said RF applicator comprising a plurality of concentric tubular conductors defining a pair of ferrofluid passageways coupled to said ferrofluid source; and an impedance sensor coupled to said RF applicator and configured to measure an impedance thereof while RF power is being supplied to the hydrocarbon resources; said controllable ferrofluid source cooperating with said particle supply and said particle separator and being configured to change an amount of particles in the ferrofluid based upon the sensed impedance.