Abstract: A method of modeling electromagnetic heating for oil recovery for a wide range of frequencies includes arranging a plurality of electrodes and/or antennas in an array in a multi-layer earth model of a reservoir formation, wherein the arranging includes selecting a number of electrodes/antennas and an array topology; selecting a frequency of the array; determining a temperature profile of the reservoir using the frequency and reservoir formation characteristics; providing the a heat rate to a reservoir simulator; inputting reservoir characteristics into the reservoir simulator; calculating, by processor, an oil recovery production rate of the reservoir based on the heat rate and reservoir characteristics; and graphically displaying the oil recovery production rate.

Abstract: A method for enhanced subsurface hydrocarbon recovery, comprising the use of at least one in-situ broadband antenna to radiate radio frequency energy into the reservoir to heat a target zone. The use of a broadband antenna allows for compensation of growing impedance mismatch between the antenna and the reservoir that occurs during recovery operations.

Abstract: A SAGD operation is provided, comprising: drilling a SAGD well pair in a bitumen bearing formation, the well pair comprising an injector well and a producer well; introducing an electro-thermal heating element comprising at least one individually controllable heating section in or near either the injector well, the producer well, or both; positioning the at least one individually controllable heating section at or near a sector of either the injector well, the producer well, or both, which sector may require greater thermal heat to establish thermal communication between the injector well and the producer well; and operating the at least one individually controllable heating section at a desired temperature for a period of time sufficient to establish thermal communication between the injector well and the producer well. The electro-thermal heating element having the at least one electrical heating section may remain in the injection well beyond start-up to assist in effectively recovering the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of modeling electromagnetic heating for oil recovery for a wide range of frequencies includes arranging a plurality of electrodes and/or antennas in an array in a multi-layer earth model of a reservoir formation, wherein the arranging includes selecting a number of electrodes/antennas and an array topology; selecting a frequency of the array; determining a temperature profile of the reservoir using the frequency and reservoir formation characteristics; providing the a heat rate to a reservoir simulator; inputting reservoir characteristics into the reservoir simulator; calculating, by processor, an oil recovery production rate of the reservoir based on the heat rate and reservoir characteristics; and graphically displaying the oil recovery production rate.

Abstract: A method for enhanced subsurface hydrocarbon recovery, comprising the use of at least one in-situ broadband antenna to radiate radio frequency energy into the reservoir to heat a target zone. The use of a broadband antenna allows for compensation of growing impedance mismatch between the antenna and the reservoir that occurs during recovery operations.

Abstract: A method for initiating and/or propagating fractures in a hydrocarbon reservoir, to improve fluid-flow permeability and hydrocarbon production. The method comprises the use of at least one electromagnetic energy pulse to both heat the reservoir rock and water within, causing thermal pressurization, and initiate electrokinetic pressurization.

Abstract: A method for enhanced oil recovery using cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and electromagnetic heating (EMH). One or more CSS cycles are conducted on a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir in order to dilate the reservoir and improve permeability, followed by EMH application for thermal recovery of the hydrocarbon to surface. The alternating process can be repeated as desired while economically viable. The method is particularly applicable to produce heavy hydrocarbons such as bitumen or heavy oil from a heterogeneous reservoir that has low permeability.