HYDROCARBON RESOURCE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDING BALUN HAVING A FERRITE BODY AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein includes a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore so that the RF antenna heats the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The coaxial transmission line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The balun includes an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. An inner tubular conductor extends longitudinally within the outer conductive sleeve between the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and the RF antenna. The balun also includes a ferrite body surrounding the inner tubular conductor at the proximal end.

主权项

1. A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein comprising:
a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore; said coaxial transmission line comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding said inner conductor; said balun comprising
an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to said outer conductor of said coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to said inner conductor of said coaxial transmission line,an inner tubular conductor extending longitudinally within said outer conductive sleeve between said outer conductor of said coaxial transmission line and said RF antenna, anda ferrite body surrounding said inner tubular conductor at the proximal end.