Impulse Generator for RF Heating in Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF heating techniques for enhancing hydrocarbon extraction face challenges due to significant power losses and limited maximum RF power transmission over long, horizontal wells, making it difficult to deliver sufficient energy for effective hydrocarbon extraction.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a power source to supply periodic electrical power at a low frequency, which is converted to a higher frequency by impulse generator units, coupled with electromagnetic energy into the reservoir through a conducting cable and pipe, allowing for efficient energy transmission and adjustment of operational parameters based on sensor data to optimize energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If RF power is transmitted over long distances through narrow wellbores using conventional transmission lines, then the radiating element can be positioned deep in the reservoir, but considerable RF power is lost before reaching the radiating element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical transmission lines with electromagnetic wave propagation through the reservoir formation itself. Instead of using physical conductors that suffer from resistive losses over long distances, the system uses the reservoir formation as a waveguide to transmit RF energy directly to the radiating element, eliminating the problematic intermediate transmission line infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir formation acts as an intermediary medium that enables energy transfer. By utilizing the natural electromagnetic properties of the formation, the system allows RF energy to propagate through the subsurface geology rather than relying on artificial transmission lines, thus solving the power loss problem in long-distance wellbores.
2Area of stationary object
If the well diameter is limited, then the well can be drilled through existing infrastructure, but the maximum RF power that can be transmitted is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional power transmission through narrow conduits to three-dimensional electromagnetic field propagation through the reservoir volume. By radiating energy in multiple directions through the formation rather than confining it to a narrow wellbore, the system overcomes the power transmission limits imposed by well diameter constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical constraint of physical transmission lines within narrow wells with electromagnetic field propagation through the reservoir. This substitution allows much higher power levels to be delivered because electromagnetic waves are not constrained by the physical dimensions of the wellbore once they enter the formation.
3Length of moving object
If conventional transmission lines are used in horizontal wells 200 meters or longer, then power can be delivered to the radiating element, but the system becomes impractical due to excessive power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for long conventional transmission lines by using electromagnetic wave propagation through the reservoir formation. This substitution makes horizontal well applications practical by removing the exponential power loss that occurs over 200+ meter transmission distances through narrow wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the transmission function from the physical transmission line and relocates it to the reservoir formation itself. By taking out the problematic intermediate transmission infrastructure and using the formation as the transmission medium, the system eliminates the power loss issue in long horizontal wells.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances hydrocarbon extraction by reducing power losses and increasing the amount of energy delivered to the reservoir, improving heat penetration and extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one impulse generator unit operable to convert the periodic electrical power at the first frequency into periodic electrical power at a second frequency and to couple electromagnetic energy generated by the periodic electrical power at the second frequency into the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The extraction of hydrocarbons can be enhanced through the heating of shale oil, heavy oil, oil sand, or carbonate rock reservoirs with electromagnetic (EM) radiation in the radio frequency (RF) range. This is normally called 'RF heating'
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for enhancing the extraction of hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir using a well is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a power source operable to supply periodic electrical power at a first frequency; at least one impulse generator unit operable to convert the periodic electrical power at the first frequency into periodic electrical power at a second frequency and to couple electromagnetic energy generated by the periodic electrical power at the second frequency into the reservoir, the second frequency being at least ten times higher than that of the first frequency; and a conducting cable being operatively coupled between the power source and the at least one impulse generator unit.