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Recovery of bitumen from tar sand deposits using the IITRI RF process

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6469966
The IITRI RF (Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute Radio Frequency) process for tar sands consists of two steps: first, the deposit is volumetrically heated with radio frequency energy to lower the viscosity of the bitumen; and the second, the bitumen is produced by one of several petroleum recovery methods. The RF (radio frequency) heating step is accomplished by inserting tubular electrodes into boreholes, and energizing them with an RF power source. The recovery techniques investigated include replacement of the heated bitumen with sodium silicate solutions, by gravity drainage, and by autogeneously developed steam and hydrocarbon gases. Gravity drainage experiments performed on cores obtained from Asphalt Ridge, Utah indicate that up to 60% of the total bitumen can be recovered by subjecting the core to temperatures of 150 to 300/degree/C over a period of several months. 12 refs.
Research Organization:
Ill Inst of Technol, Chicago, USA
OSTI ID:
6469966
Report Number(s):
CONF-811023-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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