Abstract: The present invention reduces viscosity of highly viscous materials before entering a pump inlet by applying radio-frequency heating to the volume of material in a cage of rods that serve as electrodes surrounding a perforated inlet conduit. Applications include heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials such as tar and pitch in reservoirs, and sludge accumulating within oil storage tanks, ships, and barges. A mixer can be added to aid the process.

Abstract: Novel catalysts comprising nickel oxide nanoparticles supported on alumina nanoparticles, methods of their manufacture, heavy oil compositions contacted by these nanocatalysts and methods of their use are disclosed. The novel nanocatalysts are useful, inter alia, in the upgrading of heavy oil fractions or as aids in oil recovery from steam-assisted well reservoirs.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery method in which carbon dioxide is injected into a well to pressure the well or add lift a production flow from the well recaptures the injected carbon dioxide for reinjection into the well for lift or into another well in a group of for pressuring the well or adding lift to the production flow from the well. Geothermal energy in the production stream can be converted to electrical power for use in the recapturing of the carbon dioxide or other operations at the well site.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a bulk volume of particles, such as free-flowing or semi-flowable grains, ore, or powders, or a non-flowing mass such as sewage or wet-chopped bio-mass so all of the particles receive near-uniform exposure to a radio frequency (RF) electric and/or magnet (EM) field, preferably without any preference of exposure to a surface or side of particulate. The invention relates to an antenna that can be metallic or plasma for transmitting RF EM radiation into a mechanical mechanism used to convey, or preferably to mix a bulk volume of particles. Embodiments of the apparatus include the ability to adjust the level of EM radiation comprised of one or more frequencies between 30 Hz and 30 EHz to regulate either or both the magnitude of temperature rise and the rate of temperature rise, or to regulate either or both the magnitude of chemical reaction, or rate of reaction.

Abstract: A method includes alternating between (a) applying an electric current to a subterranean formation and (b) flowing an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) treatment fluid into a wellbore formed in the subterranean formation. The method includes flowing an aqueous salt solution into the wellbore to mobilize hydrocarbons within the subterranean formation after alternating between (a) and (b).

Abstract: An electrical grounding system can include an electrically conductive column configured for communication with a fault current source, wherein the electrically conductive column can include an open-ended copper tube, and carbon fiber fabric assembled onto at least a portion of the electrically conductive column, the carbon fiber fabric having a conductive relationship with at least a portion of the electrically conductive column.

Abstract: One method includes position an antenna inside a wellbore in a location corresponding to a formation where near wellbore damage occurs; wherein the wellbore extends from a surface of a hydrocarbon reservoir downward into the subterranean structure of the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave to the antenna; and irradiating, from the antenna, at least a portion of the EM wave at the formation, wherein the portion of the EM wave removes the near wellbore damage at the formation.

Abstract: A tubing string can be at a first position in a wellbore and can move to a second position in the wellbore with respect to a casing string. The tubing string can include a first tubing-side antenna and a second tubing-side antenna coupled at different locations on the tubing string. The first tubing-side antenna can communicatively couple to a casing-side antenna when the tubing string is at the first position in the wellbore, and can be out of communication range with the casing-side antenna when the tubing string is at the second position. The second tubing-side antenna can be coupled at a second location that is spaced a distance from the first location on the tubing string such that the second tubing-side antenna communicatively couples to the casing-side antenna when the tubing string is at the second position.

Abstract: An example laser tool configured for downhole laser beam generation is operable within a wellbore. The laser tool includes a generator to generate a laser beam. The generator is configured to fit within the wellbore, to withstand at least some environmental conditions within the wellbore, and to generate the laser beam from within the wellbore. The laser beam has an optical power of at least one kilowatt (1 kW). A control system is configured to control movement of at least part of the laser tool to cause the laser beam to move within the wellbore.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel system and method for Electrical Reservoir Stimulation (ERS) that increases reservoir permeability for petroleum and geothermal applications without requiring pumping of material into the subsurface. This system and method can provide an inexpensive, reliable and more-environmentally friendly increase in reservoir productivity by releasing hydrocarbons from traps and captives, increasing fluid mobility due to viscosity reduction from electrical heating of the reservoir (extremely important for the extraction of highly viscous hydrocarbons), and providing increased reservoir permeability in the direction of interest from the vibrational removal of particles within sediment pores and initiating micro-fractures.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for communicating between an operational asset and a backend network that include the actions of receiving first data from an operational asset through a first communication interface that is configured to communicate with an operational asset, and where the first data is formatted according to a first data format that is specific to the operational asset. Processing the first data according to an asset template to generate second data, where the second data includes the first data and being formatted according to a second data format that is specific to the backend network. Causing the second data to be transmitted to the backend network by a second communication interface that is configured to communicate with a backend network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation is presented. The apparatus is a radio frequency antenna module in a radio frequency antenna for delivering electromagnetic energy generated by a generator into the hydrocarbon formation. The antenna module comprises: a conductive member; at least one conductive sheath with a first and second end surrounding at least one portion of the conductive member; at least one electrical coupler electrically coupled to the conductive member and the at least one conductive sheath for receiving the electrical energy; and an electrically insulating seal inserted at the first and second end of each of the at least one conductive sheath between the conductive member and the conductive sheath to maintain an enclosed cavity defined by the conductive member, the conductive sheath and the electrically insulating seal.

Abstract: A combination subsurface heating system that incorporates electrical resistance heating and thermal conduction heating with systems disposed within a single borehole. The combination heating system includes an electrically conductive outermost well casing and a heating element that is electrically isolated from the casing but disposed within it or in an adjacent casing but within the same borehole. Each of the two heating components is powered by a separate power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing oil recovery with an electrochemical apparatus include introducing the electrochemical apparatus into an injection well bore. The electrochemical apparatus includes an anode, a cathode and an interior wall, the interior wall defining an interior that contains both the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that injection water of the injection well bore is introduced into the interior of the electrochemical apparatus. Electrical power is introduced to the electrochemical apparatus such that a portion of the injection water is converted into a product gas, the product gas including hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrochemical apparatus is operated such that the product gas forms product gas bubbles and the product gas bubbles travel into a formation, where the product gas bubbles react with a reservoir hydrocarbon of the formation to form a production fluid that is produced through a production well bore.

Abstract: Methods for treating water comprising dissolved solids in a wellbore include injecting water into a wellbore, where the wellbore has a depth that is sufficient for introducing a hydrostatic pressure that imparts supercritical pressure to water present at a water depth greater than or equal to the minimum depth needed to impart water supercritical pressure. A heating element is inserted into the wellbore to a heating element depth that is greater than or equal to the required depth. Power is transmitted to the heating element causing the heating element to heat water to a temperature sufficient to form supercritical water that causes the dissolved solids to precipitate out of the water as precipitated solids. Water and the precipitated solids are separated and extracted. The heating element includes a microwave antenna and a shell encapsulating the microwave antenna formed from a material that is capable of heating upon exposure to microwave radiation.

Abstract: Granular assets of a building are identified. Each granular asset represents one or more devices of that operate to produce, consume, or store resources in the building. General assets are defined by grouping the granular assets into groups. A non-granular optimization is performed to determine a non-granular allocation of the resources among the general assets. Non-granular allocation defines an amount of each of the resources consumed, produced, or stored by each of the general assets at each time step in a time period. A granular optimization is performed for each general asset to determine a granular allocation of the resources among the granular assets. The granular allocation defines an amount of each resource consumed, produced, or stored by the granular assets at each time step in the time period. The equipment of the building are operated to consume, produce, or store the amount of each resource defined by granular allocation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an oil-displacing system and method. The system includes a power supply, a control switch, a controller and a transient electromagnetic generator. The power supply is connected to the transient electromagnetic generator, the control switch is disposed in a connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator, and a control end of the control switch is connected to the controller. The controller is configured for controlling the closing and opening of the control switch, thereby controlling the connection and closing of the connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator. The transient electromagnetic generator is disposed in an oil well casing at a position in an oil formation, for generating a transient electromagnetic field according to the connection and closing of the connection path between the power supply and the transient electromagnetic generator.

Abstract: A method for recovering at least one of oil and gas from a geological formation includes injecting water into a wellbore, where the wellbore has a depth that is sufficient for introducing a hydrostatic pressure that imparts supercritical pressure to water present at a depth greater than or equal to the depth. A heating element is inserted into the wellbore to a heating element depth that is greater than or equal to the depth. Power is transmitted to the heating element causing the heating element to heat water to a temperature sufficient to form supercritical water. The heating element includes a microwave antenna and a shell encapsulating the microwave antenna formed from a material that is capable of heating upon exposure to microwave radiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining the performance and operational stability of an RF (radio frequency) antenna that is positioned in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, for heating the formation using electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range. Contaminants such as water or brine, metallic particulates and ionic or organic materials frequently occur in a wellbore being prepared for RF heating, or in an RF antenna installed in the wellbore. Prior to applying RF electrical energy to the formation, the antenna is decontaminated by circulating a preconditioning fluid through the antenna and recovering a spent fluid for treating and recycle. Decontamination is continued while the spent fluid from the antenna includes, but not limited to, water, metallic particles, ionic species, organic compounds contaminants, etc. An operational power level of radio frequency electrical energy is then applied to the decontaminated antenna for providing thermal energy to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining the performance and operational stability of an RF (radio frequency) antenna that is positioned in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, for heating the formation using electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range. Contaminants such as water or brine, metallic particulates and ionic or organic materials frequently occur in a wellbore being prepared for RF heating, or in an RF antenna installed in the wellbore. Prior to applying RF electrical energy to the formation, the antenna is decontaminated by circulating a preconditioning fluid through the antenna and recovering a spent fluid for treating and recycle. Decontamination is continued while the spent fluid from the antenna includes, but not limited to, water, metallic particles, ionic species, organic compounds contaminants, etc. An operational power level of radio frequency electrical energy is then applied to the decontaminated antenna for providing thermal energy to the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: A high-power microwave borehole fracturing device for an engineering rock mass includes a high-power microwave generator, a high-power microwave coaxial heater, a high-power low-loss microwave coaxial transmission line, and a microwave power adaptive regulation and control system. The high-power microwave generator includes a continuous wave magnetron, a permanent magnet, a waveguide excitation chamber, a coaxial circulator, a coaxial matching load, a coaxial coupling converter, a waveguide coaxial converter, and an output waveguide. The high-power microwave coaxial heater includes a microwave transmission inner conductor, a microwave transmission outer conductor, a microwave input connector, a microwave short circuit cap, and a conductor supporting cylinder. The high-power low-loss microwave coaxial transmission line includes an input end coaxial line, middle section coaxial lines, and an output end coaxial line.

Abstract: Examples of fiber reinforced and powered coil tubing include a hollow fiber reinforced composite coiled tubing with a tubing wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a wall thickness. The inner surface is formed to prevent absorption of fluids flowed through the coiled tubing to the tubing wall. The tubing can connect a power source at a surface of a wellbore to downhole equipment positioned within the wellbore. An electrical power conductor is embedded in the tubing wall. The conductor can transfer power from the power source to the downhole equipment. The tubing can be used to lower, install and remove downhole equipment into the wellbore without a work-over rig. The downhole equipment can be operated by transmitted power through the electrical power conductor.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for in-situ heating fluids with electromagnetic radiation are provided. An example tool includes a housing operable to receive a fluid flowed through a flow line and a heater positioned within the housing. The heater includes a number of tubular members configured to receive portions of the fluid and an electromagnetic heating assembly positioned around the tubular members and configured to generate electromagnetic radiation transmitted to heat the tubular members. The heated tubular members can heat the portions of the fluid to break emulsion in the fluid. Upstream the heater, the tool can include a homogenizer operable to mix the fluid to obtain a homogenous fluid and a stabilizer operable to stabilize the fluid to obtain a linear flow. Downstream the heater, the tool can include a separator operable to separate lighter components from heavier components in the fluid after the emulsion breakage.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system is for hydrocarbon recovery in a subterranean formation. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include an RF antenna within the subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery, an RF source aboveground, a coaxial RF transmission line coupled between the RF antenna and the RF source and having an aboveground portion, a dielectric fluid pressure source, and pressure members joined together in end-to-end relation to define a pressure housing coupled to the dielectric fluid pressure source and surrounding the aboveground portion of the coaxial RF transmission line. The pressure members may include a straight tubular pressure member, and an elbow pressure member coupled thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation. The method involves providing electrical power to at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating high frequency alternating current; using the electromagnetic wave generator to generate high frequency alternating current; using at least one pipe to define at least one of at least two transmission line conductors; coupling the transmission line conductors to the electromagnetic wave generator; and applying the high frequency alternating current to excite the transmission line conductors. The excitation of the transmission line conductors can propagate an electromagnetic wave within the hydrocarbon formation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that a hydrocarbon formation between the transmission line conductors is at least substantially desiccated; and applying a radiofrequency electromagnetic current to excite the transmission line conductors.

Abstract: A contaminated medium (such as soil and/or groundwater) contaminated with petrogenic and/or other organic contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, light non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), persistent organic pollutants (i.e. sulfolane), chlorinated compounds, and volatile organic compounds, can be mixed with enhanced stimulators and be thermally remediated. The enhanced stimulators are heat induced to undergo exothermic reactions, which initiate a series of in-situ chemical reactions to such as to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas causes hydrocracking of heavy hydrocarbons to produce light hydrocarbons which can be recovered such as for future use.

Abstract: A method is for thermal separation of a non-polar organic compound from a material by steam distillation, where microwave radiation provides energy to the material, and where a susceptor comprising an organic substance with an electric dipole characteristic is added to and mixed with the material prior to the steam distillation, and the susceptor contributes with vapor to the steam distillation. Use of the susceptor in a steam distillation process is described as well.

Abstract: A process and system for in situ electrical heating of a hydrocarbon bearing formation includes a tool capable of being lowered down a well casing. The tool has a plurality of metal arms capable of extending radially within a secondary well casing. Each of the metal arms includes an injection electrode, a bucking electrode, and first and second monitoring electrodes. An insulating member is mounted to each metal arm. The insulating member is arranged and designed to make contact with the casing and prevent the metal arm from directly contacting the casing. A switch is provided that is capable of being electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes of one metal arm at a time. A logging cable having a plurality of wires connected at one end to the switch and a second end to instrumentation at the ground surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for communicating between an operational asset and a backend network that include the actions of receiving first data from an operational asset through a first communication interface that is configured to communicate with an operational asset, and where the first data is formatted according to a first data format that is specific to the operational asset. Processing the first data according to an asset template to generate second data, where the second data includes the first data and being formatted according to a second data format that is specific to the backend network. Causing the second data to be transmitted to the backend network by a second communication interface that is configured to communicate with a backend network.

Abstract: A method and system to remediate soil containing PFAS compounds and organic carbon. Total organic carbon is reduced by heating the soil at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient duration to reduce surface effects between the PFAS compounds and the organic carbon to permit evaporation and treatment of the PFAS compounds from the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating a disturbance in the differential mode of propagation of an RF signal transmitted along a coaxial transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a micro-grid distributed energy resource bidding method based on artificial immunity including the following steps: processing the collected information by a bidding unit agent to form artificial immune antigen of quotation environmental; performing solving based on artificial immune algorithm to obtain antibody meeting the interest of a distributed energy resource; and decoding the antibody to obtain a bidding scheme of the distributed energy resource. The present invention utilizes artificial immune intelligent algorithm with strong ability of information processing and self-adaption, thus solving the problem of uncontrollable bidding under complicated environment. Uncertainty problem resulted by the intermittent power supply is overcomed by the capability of self-adaption and defect tolerance of artificial immunity during bidding process. In addition, the coordination of entire micro-grid MAS is improves by coordinated evolution of artificial immunity.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include an RF source, and an RF antenna assembly coupled to the RF source and within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator coupled between the first and second tubular conductors, an RF transmission line having an inner conductor and an outer conductor extending within the first tubular conductor, the outer conductor being coupled to the first tubular conductor, and a feed structure coupled to the second tubular conductor. The inner conductor may have a distal end being slidable within the outer conductor and cooperating with the feed structure to define a latching arrangement having a latching threshold lower than an unlatching threshold.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system may include an RF source, and an RF antenna assembly coupled to the RF source and within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator so that the first and second tubular conductors define a dipole antenna. The RF antenna assembly may include a thermal expansion accommodation device configured to provide a sliding arrangement between the second tubular conductor and the second electrical contact sleeve when a compressive force therebetween exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method of electrically enhancing oil-recovery from an underground rock formation comprising an oil-bearing reservoir is herein detailed. According to the method a controlled electrical charging potential between two or more electrically conductive elements is imposed for a charging time sufficient to cause a capacitive charging of the rock formation, the charging being followed by lowering or maintaining the charging potential below 40 mV per running meter between the conductive elements; during oil withdrawal. Further, a capacitor charging pump having feedback means for use with the method is detailed.

Abstract: A downhole drilling system is disclosed. The downhole drilling system may include a pulse-generating circuit electrically coupled to a power source to provide power at a frequency, the pulse-generating circuit comprising an input stage tank circuit electrically coupled to the power source, the input stage tank circuit configured to have a resonant frequency approximately equal to the frequency; a series tank circuit electromagnetically coupled to the input stage tank circuit, the series tank circuit configured to have a resonant frequency approximately equal to the frequency; and an output stage tank circuit electromagnetically coupled to the series tank circuit, the output stage tank circuit configured to have a resonant frequency approximately equal to the frequency; and a drill bit including a first electrode and a second electrode electrically coupled to the output stage tank circuit to receive an electric pulse from the pulse-generating circuit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons from a geologic structure. The present methods include causing corrosion of a base metal within a geologic structure to produce a gaseous product to increase pressure and form fractures in the geologic structure. Some embodiments of the present methods include injecting a fluid composition comprising the base metal into a wellbore (e.g., into a geologic structure via the wellbore).

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating extraction of subterranean hydrocarbons from a geologic structure. The present methods include causing corrosion of a base metal within a geologic structure to produce a gaseous product to increase pressure and form fractures in the geologic structure. Some embodiments of the present methods include injecting a fluid composition comprising the base metal into a wellbore (e.g., into a geologic structure via the wellbore).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for fracturing geological formations in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes forming a borehole in a hydrocarbon reservoir from a surface of the hydrocarbon reservoir extending downward into the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave through the borehole: directing at least a portion of the EM wave to rocks at a location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir; and fracturing the rocks at the location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir by irradiating the rocks around the borehole using at least the portion of the EM wave, wherein irradiating the rocks elevates pore-water pressure in the rocks causing fracturing of the rocks.

Abstract: A method to control the shape of an opening in a formation including the steps of emitting a laser beam from a fiber optic cable into a direction unit, focusing the laser beam in the focusing lens to produce a focused laser, collimating the focused beam in the collimating lens to produce a directed beam, directing the directed beam onto a motorized master, where the compact scanner further comprises a motorized slave, wherein the motorized master comprises a master mirror and a master motor, wherein the motorized slave comprises a slave mirror and a slave motor, operating the motorized master and the motorized slave to produce a controlled beam, where the controlled beam moves in a movement pattern, introducing the controlled beam to a laser head, sublimating the formation to produce the opening, and vacuuming the dust and vapor with the vacuum nozzle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a particularly effective well configuration that can be used for SAGD and other steam based oil recovery methods. Fishbone multilateral wells are combined with SAGD, effectively expanding steam coverage, but the fishbones are preheated to mitigate plugging problems, with e.g., resistive heating, EM heating or chemical heating.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for communicating between an operational asset and a backend network that include the actions of receiving first data from an operational asset through a first communication interface that is configured to communicate with an operational asset, and where the first data is formatted according to a first data format that is specific to the operational asset. Processing the first data according to an asset template to generate second data, where the second data includes the first data and being formatted according to a second data format that is specific to the backend network. Causing the second data to be transmitted to the backend network by a second communication interface that is configured to communicate with a backend network.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon conversion device and method are disclosed. A partially produced hydrocarbon subterranean reservoir comprising residual hydrocarbons is provided. A carbon dioxide source is provided, positioned on a surface proximate to the reservoir. A surface mounted high-pressure fluid injector system connecting the carbon dioxide source and the reservoir is provided. A backflow preventer is disposed in-line between the injector system and the reservoir. The injector system injects a catalyst-free feed stream, comprising carbon dioxide, into the reservoir up to an operating pressure. The backflow preventer maintains the operating pressure in the reservoir and sequesters the feed stream in the reservoir. The sequestered carbon dioxide reacts with water and at least a portion of the residual hydrocarbons over a time period to produce additional hydrocarbons. The water is present in the reservoir, provided by the feed stream, or both.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluation of a hydrocarbon-bearing shale formation employs a data processing system that defines a response model that relates first data representing measured petrophysical properties of the shale formation at a given location to second data representing volume fractions for a particular set of formation components at the given location. The first data includes hydrogen index at the given location, and the particular set of formation components of the second data include a number of mineral components and a number of hydrocarbon-bearing components. The hydrocarbon-bearing components include at least one kerogen component. A computation solver processes the response model along with the first data to solve for the second data. The solved second data representing the volume fraction of the at least one kerogen component is processed to derive at least one ratio that is indicative of kerogen maturity at the given location.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing hydrocarbons from a reservoir. The process includes within the hydrocarbon reservoir, electrically heating a liquid heating fluid such that the liquid heating fluid is evaporated to produce a gaseous heating fluid, heating hydrocarbon material with the gaseous heating fluid such that the heated hydrocarbon material is mobilized and such that the gaseous heating fluid is condensed to produce a condensed heating fluid, and electrically heating at least a fraction of the condensed heating fluid such that the at least a condensed heating fluid fraction is re-evaporated, and while the evaporation, the condensing, and the re-evaporation are being effected, producing a produced fluid including at least the mobilized hydrocarbon material.

Abstract: An electrical grounding system can include an electrically conductive column configured for communication with a fault current source and a carbon fiber layer in conductive relationship with at least a portion of the electrically conductive column. The system can also include a salt replenishment tube configured for attachment to a ground member, the salt replenishment tube having a tube wall defining a weep hole. The system can further include electrolytic fill disposed within a column chamber at least partially-defined by the electrically-conductive column, the electrolytic fill comprising a material configured to conduct at least a portion of any fault current received by the ground member radially outwardly from the ground member. The system can further include a bus bar comprising electrically-interconnected bus bar connectors, wherein the bus bar electrically communicates with the electrically conductive column and with the fault current source.

Abstract: An induction device and method for introducing an inductor loop into a rock formation to heating an oil reservoir in the rock formation to extract oil extraction, wherein a first inductor bore is chilled for introducing a first inductor arm, a second inductor bore is drilled for introducing a second inductor arm, at least one intersecting bore is drilled to create a first area of intersection with the first inductor bore and a second area of intersection with the second inductor bore, the first inductor arm is introduced into the first inductor bore and the second inductor arm is introduced into the second inductor bore, and at least one connecting arm is introduced into the intersecting bore for electrically conductive connection to the two inductor arms in the two areas of intersection so as to form the inductor loop.

Abstract: An electric barrier to limit crossing of a border or perimeter. It consists of rows of vertical electrodes installed underground or above ground. It has two modes of operation. In an RF heating mode a generator powers electric fields to heat the ground in a pattern around the fence. A temperature may be reached which makes human occupation of tunnels untenable. Humans may also be subjected to RF radiation effects, especially if the frequency is tuned to a resonant frequency of tunnel cavities. Detection of a resonant frequency by suitable instrumentation may also indicate the presence of tunnels. In another mode occupants of a tunnel may be subjected to shock from an electric pulse, without heating, depending on small amounts of moisture to transmit the pulse through soil to the tunnel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for fracturing geological formations in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes forming a borehole in a hydrocarbon reservoir from a surface of the hydrocarbon reservoir extending downward into the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave through the borehole: directing at least a portion of the EM wave to rocks at a location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir; and fracturing the rocks at the location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir by irradiating the rocks around the borehole using at least the portion of the EM wave, wherein irradiating the rocks elevates pore-water pressure in the rocks causing fracturing of the rocks.