ACCELERATING THE START-UP PHASE FOR A STEAM ASSISTED GRAVITY DRAINAGE OPERATION USING RADIO FREQUENCY OR MICROWAVE RADIATION

摘要

A method for preheating a formation prior to beginning steam assisted gravity drainage production. The method proceeds by forming a steam assisted gravity drainage production well pair within a formation. A preheating stage is then begun by injecting an activator into the formation. The preheating stage is then accomplished by exciting the activator with radio frequencies. This is followed by beginning the steam assisted gravity drainage operation.