Abstract: A process is provided for vaporizing volatile contaminants present in soil and removing the contaminant vapors. The process involves heating the soil by passing current between electrodes buried in the soil and simultaneously injecting water through the electrodes to transfer heat by convection. The coupling of electrical heating with heat transfer by convection improves the efficiency and uniformity of heating. The contaminant vapors are removed by applying suction at extraction wells positioned between the electrodes.

Abstract: The tool comprises one or more core-coil assemblies 2 jacketed in an non-magnetic and electrically insulating, tubular outer housing, 10. The housing enables high power transfer efficiency. A structural skeleton 20 extends longitudinally through the tool for axially reinforcement. The core-coil assemblies 2 are encapsulated in epoxy 77 to mechanically rigidify and protect them as well as to isolate the coil windings 51 from the power bus 23 extending longitudinally of the core-coil assemblies through a peripheral busway 60, 61.

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.