Methods of providing wellbores for electromagnetic heating of underground hydrocarbon formations and apparatus thereof
US12071837B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B17/023
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods for providing wellbores for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation positioned below a ground surface and apparatus thereof are provided. The apparatus includes two or more wellbore casings positioned within two or more wellbores. The two or more wellbores extend from a proximal end at the ground surface to a distal end at the underground hydrocarbon formation. Each of the two or more wellbore casings have a proximal portion and a distal portion. The two or more wellbores are in proximity to one another at a junction. The apparatus also includes a first electrical connection between the proximal portions of the two or more wellbore casings for grounding the two or more wellbore casings and a second electrical connection between the distal portions of the two or more wellbore casings. The second electrical connection is located at the junction and provides a short circuit that reduces current traveling on the two or more wellbore casings to the ground surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.