Hydrocarbon resource recovery system including RF transmission line extending alongside a well pipe in a wellbore and related methods

摘要

A hydrocarbon resource recovery system for a laterally extending wellbore in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an electrically conductive well pipe extending within the laterally extending wellbore. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system may further include an RF transmission line coupled to the RF source and extending alongside in parallel with an exterior of the electrically conductive well pipe within the laterally extending wellbore. The RF transmission line may be coupled to the electrically conductive well pipe to define an RF antenna for heating the hydrocarbon resources within the subterranean formation.

主权项

1. A hydrocarbon resource recovery system for a laterally extending wellbore in a subterranean formation, the hydrocarbon resource recovery system comprising:
a radio frequency (RF) source; an electrically conductive well pipe extending within the laterally extending wellbore; a coaxial RF transmission line coupled to said RF source and comprising an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding said inner conductor, and a dielectric therebetween, said coaxial RF transmission line extending alongside in parallel with an exterior of said electrically conductive well pipe within the laterally extending wellbore and coupled to said electrically conductive well pipe to define an RF antenna for heating the hydrocarbon resources within the subterranean formation; and a plurality of electrically conductive mechanical fasteners coupling said outer conductor to said electrically conductive well pipe along a length thereof.