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Preliminary study of the remote sensing of a modified in situ oil shale retort by electromagnetic methods

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5719987

A preliminary study has been conducted to ascertain the feasibility of interrogating a vertical modified in situ oil shale retort by high frequency electromagnetic methods. The study is focused on determining the distribution of void and particle size after rubblization within the retort zone. The ability to map void fraction distribution by this method shows promise; however, oil shale anisotropy along with variations in oil shale electrical properties with grade, moisture content, and mineral content, will somewhat limit the accuracy of such a technique. Laboratory measurements of oil shale electrical properties indicate that frequencies high enough to observe scattering effects are feasible with typical source to receiver separation distances. However, computer simulation shows that the scattering effects are primarily dependent on void dimensions rather than rock sizes. Recommendations are given for future laboratory and theoretical studies as well as a field test with existing equipment.

Research Organization:
Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-0789
OSTI ID:
5719987
Report Number(s):
SAND-79-1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English