Direct Electric Current Oil Recovery (EEOR)—A New Approach to Enhancing Oil Production

Abstract

Based on laboratory experiments and several tests, the application of direct electric current to enhance oil recovery appears to be a cost-effective technology. It can be used for both heavy and light crudes. The technology is based primarily on electrokinetics, with coupled thermal effects.

Keywords:

• electrokenitics
• enhanced oil recovery

Notes

^a Steamflood figures from San Joaquin Valley, California for 8 × 2.5 A 5-spots (20 A total), with 8 steam injectors and 15 production wells with associated generation, compression, and transmission equipment.

^b EEOR figures extrapolated from Santa Maria Basin Field Demonstration for 6 power converters, and surface anode arrays with 23 subsurface cathodes located in production wells covering a 20 A footprint.

^c Exclusive of normal production well costs. Steamflood costs are front loaded, whereas EEOR costs can be incremental over the project life cycle.

^d Steamflood: 155,200,000 cu ft/yr natural gas at $US 0.40/Therm

^e EEOR: 862,000 KW-hr/yr at $US 0.10/kW-hr.