Abstract

Abstract Electrical resistance heating (ERH) is a thermal stimulation technique in which electrical current passes through the formation. Field testing of this process is continuing. The current work uses results generated with reservoir simulation. Two models were used to describe ERH power dissipation (heating patterns): (1) a radial power model, and (2) an r-z power model. Wattenbarger and McDougal1 developed a hand method for estimating the heated oil production rate under ERH stimulation. The first objective of the current paper is to present improvements to that hand method. The new hand method has the following advantages: (1) downhole electrical power is estimated, (2) well damage is accounted for, and (3) accuracy of heated production rates is improved. This new hand method can be quickly and easily used for screening potential ERH projects. The second objective of this paper is to present results from the r-z power model. The r-z power model provides a more detailed description of in situ heating patterns, including areas of intense heating (hoc spots) which occur near the ends of the electrode. These hot spots may limit the amount of power that can be used in field installations.

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