In situ radio frequency catalytic upgrading

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and system for enhancing in situ upgrading of hydrocarbon by implementing an array of radio frequency antennas that can uniformly heat the hydrocarbons within a producer well pipe, so that the optimal temperatures for different hydroprocessing reactions can be achieved.

主权项

1. A method of enhancing in situ upgrading hydrocarbons in a producer well in a hydrocarbon reservoir, comprising:
a) providing a producer well pipe having a catalyst in contact with the hydrocarbons to be produced; b) providing a radio frequency (RF) heating mechanism, wherein said RF heating mechanism comprises a plurality of RF antennas inside the producer well, and a RF current source connected to the RF antennas by conductive wires at or near the producer well; c) heating said hydrocarbons to a temperature sufficient to make upgraded hydrocarbons, and d) producing the upgraded hydrocarbons.