In situ electromagnetic heating for hydrocarbon recovery and environmental remediation

The thermal oil recovery method applied in the recovery of heavy oil and oil sand deposits and in environmental remediation have been discussed. The recovery process is an electro-thermal process in which electromagnetic energy is converted to heat in situ using a system of wellbore electrodes from which currents flow through the formation. The process is carried out at a power frequency where the formation acts as a resistive heating element between the electrodes. The process is free from problems like low initial formation injectivity, poor heat transfer, and controlling the movements of fluids and gases injected into the formation.