Down hole physical upgrading of heavy crude oils by selective energy absorption

Abstract

The present invention utilizes the ability of electromagnetic energy at the appropriate frequency to selectively deposit thermal energy in the heavy oil for precise control of cracking temperature throughout a given volume of material. Selective electromagnetic energy absorption in the heavy crude oil provides energy efficient transfer of heat at the molecular level and thereby insures precise temperature control throughout the treatment volume. This allows for optimization of the visbreaking process using electromagnetic energy.

1 . A system for use in treating heavy crude oil underground, the system comprising: 
 a borehole in an area in which crude oil exists in the ground;    an electromagnetic energy applicator positioned within the borehole in the vicinity of the heavy crude oil to be treated;    a cable attached to the electromagnetic energy applicator to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator;    an electromagnetic energy generator attached to the cable to generate electromagnetic energy to be supplied to the applicator; and    a product return pipe running through the borehole, the product return pipe comprised of: 
 a distal end positioned in the vicinity of the electromagnetic energy applicator through which oil or other products may be recovered; and  
 a proximal end on or near the surface of the ground.  
   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the applicator is an antenna array.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the applicator is a solenoid antenna.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the applicator is a helical antenna.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  in which at least one of the cable and applicator are attached to the product return pipe.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  in which the product return pipe is connected to a storage or processing facility.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a wellhead at the surface of the borehole, the wellhead comprising: 
 a bellows connected to the applicator structure in such a way that the bellows supports the weight of the applicator.  
   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  further comprising a sealable opening for the introduction of gas to the wellhead and borehole.  
   
   
       9 . A method for treating heavy crude oil underground, the method comprising the steps of: 
 positioning an electromagnetic energy applicator in a borehole in the vicinity of heavy crude oil;    generating electromagnetic energy;    applying the electromagnetic energy to the heavy crude oil with the applicator to achieve thermal cracking; and    recovering heavy crude oil through a product return pipe.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the steps of: 
 controlling the electromagnetic energy applied to the heavy crude oil in order to upgrade the heavy crude oil in situ.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , in which the electromagnetic energy is applied to heavy crude oil in oil shale.