SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING IN SITU RESISTIVE HEATING ELEMENTS

摘要

Systems and methods for controlling in situ resistive heating elements may be utilized to enhance hydrocarbon production within a subterranean formation. An in situ resistive heating element may be controlled by heating a controlled region associated with the in situ resistive heating element, injecting a control gas into the controlled region, and adjusting the electrical conductivity of the controlled region with the control gas. The controlled region may be located such that the heating and injecting may change the shape of the in situ resistive heating element and/or guide the in situ resistive heating element towards subterranean regions of potentially higher productivity and/or of higher organic matter.