Non-Equidistant Transmission Lines for Uniform Reservoir Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic heating methods for hydrocarbon formations face challenges in maintaining separation between the steam chamber and the producer well, leading to reduced oil production due to pressure drops from direct steam contact, and non-uniform heating patterns that affect recovery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-equidistant open transmission line conductors, laterally spaced from the producer well by varying distances along the longitudinal axis, to generate an electromagnetic field with varying shapes and positions, promoting uniform heating and maintaining separation from the steam chamber, thereby enhancing oil recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional electromagnetic heating methods are used with equidistant transmission line conductors, then heating can be applied to hydrocarbon formations, but non-uniform heating patterns occur and steam chamber separation from producer well cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-equidistant open transmission line conductors where the distance between conductors varies along their length. This asymmetric configuration creates a traveling electromagnetic wave that produces uniform heating patterns while maintaining steam chamber separation from the producer well, resolving both the heating uniformity and reliability concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by creating a traveling electromagnetic wave through the non-equidistant conductor arrangement. The wave propagates along the transmission line, dynamically distributing thermal energy uniformly through the hydrocarbon formation while maintaining temporal separation between steam chamber formation and producer well contact.
2Temperature
If steam chamber forms and contacts producer well, then heating efficiency increases, but system pressure drops and oil production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the non-equidistant transmission line conductors to establish uniform heating patterns and maintain steam chamber separation before direct contact can occur. This preliminary control of thermal distribution prevents the pressure drop and productivity loss that would result from steam well contact.
3Device complexity
If equidistant transmission line conductors are used, then system configuration is simple, but heating pattern uniformity and steam chamber control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the conductor spacing to achieve uniform heating. The non-equidistant arrangement, while more complex than equidistant spacing, creates the necessary conditions for traveling wave propagation and uniform thermal distribution, trading acceptable complexity increase for significant heating uniformity improvement.
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 improves oil production by delaying steam chamber connection with the producer well, allowing for longer economical production and increased recovery factors through better lateral penetration and uniform heating patterns.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic (EM) heating can be used for enhanced recovery of hydrocarbons from underground reservoirs
Implementation Method 2
at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating alternating current... The at least two transmission line conductors are excitable by the alternating current to propagate a travelling wave within the hydrocarbon formation
Implementation Method 3
at least one waveguide for carrying the alternating current from the at least one electromagnetic wave generator to the at least two transmission line conductors
Implementation Method 4
a producer well positioned between the at least two transmission line conductors and at a greater depth than at least one of the at least two transmission line conductors to receive heated hydrocarbons via gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation. The method involves providing a producer well, which defines a longitudinal axis, between at least a first and second transmission line conductor. At a reference location along the length of the longitudinal axis, the first and second transmission line conductors are laterally spaced from the producer well by a first and second reference distance, respectively. At a second location, the first and second transmission line conductors are laterally spaced from the producer well by a third and fourth distance, respectively. At least one of the third and fourth distances are greater than the first and second reference distances, respectively. Excitation of the transmission line conductors generates an electromagnetic field having a reference shape and a reference position at the reference location and at least one of a more elongated shape and a different position at the second location.