Reducing viscosity of oil for production from a hydrocarbon containing formation

摘要

Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method includes applying electrical current to one or more electrical conductors located in an opening in the formation to provide an electrically resistive heat output. The heat is allowed to transfer from the electrical conductors to a part of the formation containing hydrocarbons so that a viscosity of fluids in the part and at or near the opening in the formation is reduced. Gas is provided at one or more locations in the opening such that the fluids are lifted in the opening towards the surface of the formation. The fluids are produced through the opening.