Radio frequency heat applicator for increased heavy oil recovery

摘要

A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a geological formation is disclosed. A radio frequency source configured to apply a differential mode signal is connected to a coaxial conductor including an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through one or more metal jumpers. One or more current chokes, such as a common mode choke or antenna balun, are installed around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation. The outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe can be traditional well pipes for extracting hydrocarbons, such as a steam pipe and an extraction pipe of a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system. An apparatus and method for installing a current choke are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for applying heat to a hydrocarbon formation comprising:
providing a first coaxial conductor extending within a first one of a pair of wellbores within a subterranean formation and comprising an inner conductor, an outer conductor pipe, and a nonferrous plating coating the outer conductor pipe; providing a second conductor pipe spaced from the outer conductor and extending within a second one of the pair of wellbores within the subterranean formation; positioning a current choke adjacent at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to choke current flowing along an outer surface of the at least one of the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe; and positioning at least one inner conductor jumper distal of the current choke relative to the RF source and connecting the inner conductor to the second conductor pipe.