Mathematical modeling and field application of heavy oil recovery by Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic stimulation

A multi-layer, two-dimensional mathematical model of reservoir heating by Radio-Frequency (RF) Electromagnetic (EM) radiation for heavy oil recovery is presented. The model takes into account the heat loss in the wellbore and into the surrounding formations. The validity of the mathematical model is tested on a real field case application. A sensitivity analysis on the damping coefficient of EM waves is also performed.It is shown that the occurrence of volumetric heat sources at the bottom hole caused by EM field action yields an intensive deep heating of the reservoir with a small temperature gradient. Numerical calculations show that the bottom-hole pressure and the EM generator power are essential factors in determining the heat transfer processes and heavy oil production. The method of RF-EM radiation is also compared to “cold” production (without any influence of heating).

► 2-D mathematical model of oil recovery by RF-EM heating presented first time.
► It takes into account the heat losses in the wellbore and reservoir.
► Results were validated against field data. A good agreement was obtained.
► Critical parameters on RF-EM heating (and EM damping coefficient) were evaluated.