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Microwave process for intrinsic permeability enhancement and hydrocarbon extraction from subsurface deposits

  • US 7,828,057 B2
  • Filed: 05/25/2007
  • Issued: 11/09/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of in-situ extraction of hydrocarbons from a selected layer of subsurface oil shale, tar sands, or conventional oil reservoirs comprising the steps of drilling a hole down to the selected layer of hydrocarbons and applying continuous microwave energy at frequencies greater than 2 GHz to a directional antenna positioned in the-selected layer and launching a narrow phase boundary that reduces the viscosity of the hydrocarbons to permit them to flow to the drilled hole.

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