Abstract: The invention involves combining a plurality of vertical wells, each having a power conditioning unit located on the surface and an electrode in electrical contact with the reservoir, with a horizontal well extending through the reservoir in spaced relation to the vertical wells. The liner and tubing of the horizontal well function as the common return means for the circuit. Low frequency current is supplied to flow between the vertical and horizontal wells at adequate levels so as to cause heating in the near-wellbore regions of all the wells. Oil is produced, at the same time as electrical heating, at enhanced rates as a result.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separation of bitumen from tar sands involving an electric flotation cell formed of a container in which is placed a charge of unseparated tar sand to a first level and which is then filled with water to a second level and electrodes positioned in the cell in relation to the tar sand such that on application of a voltage to the electrodes an electric current flows through the tar sand and water. It has been found that after application of the electrical energy to the tar sands agitation and then separation takes place with the bitumen being floated to the upper surface.