Apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation including a fluid balun and related methods

摘要

An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled to the transmission line. The apparatus also includes a balun configured to be coupled to the transmission line adjacent the RF antenna within the wellbore. The balun comprises a body defining a liquid chamber configured to receive a quantity of dielectric liquid therein.

主权项

1. An apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein, the apparatus comprising:
a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore; a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to said RF antenna; an RF source configured to be coupled to said transmission line; and a balun configured to be coupled to said transmission line adjacent said RF antenna within the wellbore, said balun comprising a body defining a liquid chamber configured to receive a quantity of dielectric liquid therein.