A method of increasing the near-wellbore permeability of porous formation comprises exposing formation to an elevated temperature of 400.degree. C. or greater to cause dehydration of the clay lattices, vaporization of any blocked water, mud filtrate or other fluids, and/or destruction of the clay structure.
A method and apparatus for subterranean thermal conditioning. The first step involves providing a tubular magnetic induction apparatus. The second step involves positioning the magnetic induction apparatus into a subterranean environment. The third step involves supplying voltage waves to the magnetic induction apparatus thereby inducing a magnetic field in and adjacent to the magnetic induction apparatus to thermally condition the subterranean environment. This method and apparatus has application in the petroleum and mining industries.
A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.
An electric downhole heating system for formation heat treatment in the field of oil and gas production contains a separate wiring chamber, heating chamber, and cooling chamber, the latter being inserted between the wiring chamber and the heating chamber. The heat treatment is carried out by inserting the heater in a borehole to be treated. A gas, preferably nitrogen or air, is brought to the heater with a hose or tube. The gas flows through the wiring chamber and cooling chamber, and is heated by following a tortuous path in the heating chamber before it is expelled from the heater.
A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.
A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.
