Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a radiofrequency reactor for use in thermally recovering oil and related materials. The radiofrequency reactor includes a radiofrequency antenna configured to be positioned within a well, where the well is provided within an area in which crude oil exists in the ground. The radiofrequency antenna includes a cylindrically-shaped radiating element for radiating radiofrequency energy into the area in which crude oil exists. The cylindrically-shaped radiating element is configured to allow passage of fluids there through. The radiofrequency reactor also includes a radiofrequency generator electrically coupled to the radiofrequency antenna. The radiofrequency reactor is operable to control the radiofrequency energy generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of radiofrequency energy to heat heavy crude oil or both heavy crude oil and subsurface water in situ, thereby enhancing the recovery and handling of such oil. The present invention further relates to methods for applying radiofrequency energy to heavy oils in the reservoir to promote in situ upgrading to facilitate recovery. This invention also relates to systems to apply radiofrequency energy to heavy oils in situ.

Abstract: A new application of electromagnetic tomography is described directly related to the efficient recovery of oil and gas as well the removal of unwanted liquids from subsurface formations. The process involves the deployment of both surface and a single borehole magnetic dipole structures used for both transmitting and receiving low frequency electromagnetic energy. The surface antenna consists of circularly concentric arrays of small receiving solenoid antennas and the downhole system consists of one or more solenoid antenna in a single borehole. The concentricity of the surface array is centered about or in proximity to the borehole axis. The electromagnetic field radiated by the downhole antenna is received by each surface antenna. The amplitude and phase of voltages and currents received by each surface antenna is electronically processed based on the theoretical processing principles similar to what has been recently established for electromagnetic impedance tomography (EMIT).