Influence of cracking reactions during electromagnetic heating

ABSTRACT The electromagnetic heating for oil recovery is based on the transformation of electric energy into thermal energy. It happens through a direct interaction between the electromagnetic field and the electrically sensitive particles of the medium. There are different types of electromagnetic heating and the choice of the heating type depends on factors such as reservoir depth, geological heterogeneities, and electrical characteristics of the reservoir constituents. This study was based on reservoirs with characteristics similar to those found in the sedimentary basins of the Brazilian Northeast. The purpose of this work is to analyze the influence of the cracking reactions using electromagnetic heating and the influence of the fractures geometries in the reservoir model proposed.