Induction Heating System for Formation Viscosity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-situ thermal methods for extracting heavy oil and bitumen often require large amounts of energy and result in uneven temperature profiles within the formation, leading to unrecovered hydrocarbons due to reliance on heat conduction from a single location and hot fluid injection.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system using a magnetic core and coils inserted into a borehole to generate an oscillating magnetic field, inducing eddy currents and resistive heating within the formation, allowing for targeted and contactless heating of hydrocarbon deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If steam injection or SAGD is used to heat the formation, then the hydrocarbon deposits can be liquefied and flow more easily, but large amounts of energy are required and uneven temperature profiles result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system of steam injection with an electromagnetic induction system. Coils generate an oscillating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the formation, converting electromagnetic energy directly into heat within the formation itself, eliminating the need for steam generation and injection infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The formation itself generates the heat through induced eddy currents rather than relying on external heat sources. The magnetic field induces currents within the formation materials, and the electrical resistance of the formation converts this current into heat directly where needed, making the formation self-heating
2Productivity
If heat conduction from a single location is used, then the formation can be heated, but unrecovered hydrocarbons remain due to uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is segmented into multiple independent heating zones along the borehole. Multiple coil assemblies can be positioned at different depths, each creating localized heating zones that collectively provide uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire formation volume, preventing cold spots where hydrocarbons would remain unrecovered
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional heat conduction (from a single point or line source) to three-dimensional volumetric heating. The oscillating magnetic field penetrates the formation and induces eddy currents throughout the heated volume, creating heat distribution in all spatial dimensions simultaneously rather than relying on gradual heat diffusion from a single location
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 method reduces the viscosity of hydrocarbons without relying on heat conduction or hot fluid penetration, enabling more efficient extraction and potentially recovering previously unrecovered hydrocarbons by generating heat externally and uniformly within the formation.
Implementation Method 1
the first controller is to oscillate the first current to generate an oscillating magnetic field in the formation
Implementation Method 2
heat is to be generated in the formation via electric currents induced to flow in the formation
Implementation Method 3
heat is to be generated in the formation via electric currents induced to flow in the formation
Data Source
AI summary
An example of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a magnetic core to be inserted into a borehole to a formation. The apparatus further includes a first coil wound about the magnetic core. In addition, the apparatus includes a first current supply to generate a first current to run through the first coil. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a first controller to control the first current supply. The first controller is to oscillate the first current to generate a magnetic field in the formation. Heat is to be generated in the formation via induction.