An overview of the RF heating process in the petroleum industry

Modeling of Microwave Heating and Oil Filtration in Stratum

“…Due to deep penetration and the volumetric heat release, and absence of coolant, electromagnetic radiation can provide (compared to traditional methods) high speed and uniform heating, the possibility of optimal control and automation of technological processes, virtually eliminate the harmful effects on the environment. The results of laboratory and field trials in Russia (Sayakhov et al, 1970, Makogon et al, 1989, Sayakhov et al, 2002 and practical experience of using this technology on an industrial scale in the U.S. and Canada (Da Mata et al, 1997, Vermeulen & McGee, 2000, Sahni et al, 2000, Chhetri & Islam, 2008 show perspective utility of this trend. However, the effective realization of these opportunities is hindered by the lack of reliable data on the study of heat and mass transfer processes in multiphase media, typical for the oil and gas technologies, when subjected to these media microwave electromagnetic radiation.…”

“…This process produces significantly greater yields and lower costs than are available using existing technologies. Over the past 10-15 years several reviews of methods of electromagnetic heating for enhanced oil recovery (Da Mata et al, 1997, Vermeulen & McGee, 2000, Sahni et al, 2000, Chhetri & Islam, 2008) have been published. Theoretical studies of heat and mass transfer in the oil stratum under the influence of high frequency electromagnetic radiation were carried out by teams of specialists under the leadership of R.I. Nigmatulin and F.P.…”