IN SITU RETORTING OF OIL SHALE USING RF HEATING A CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Field test work in Utah during 1980 proved that application of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic heating will raise Green River Formation oil shale to retorting temperatures. Laboratory results indicate substantial permeability are induced at in situ retorting conditions and high oil recoveries are anticipated. Subsequently, a preliminary conceptual design for a commercial scale integrated RF retorting plant was developed. Significant advantages for in situ oil production through RF retorting are suggested by this work. Potentially attractive economic incentives and the prospect of achieving greater resource recovery warrant additional field test work. The key issue to be demonstrated is the creation of adequate permeability to accommodate induced fluid flow and achieve high oil recoveries under autogenous pressure drives at commercial operating conditions. A plan for a $20 million proof-of-concept field test program was created and is described.

Data and Resources

Field Value
Citation "\"J.R. Bowden, G.D. Gould, R.R. McKinsey, J.E. Bridges, G.C. Sresty\""
Is NETL associated "\"Yes\""
NETL Point of Contact "\"Roy Long\""
NETL Point of Contact's Email "\"Roy.long@netl.doe.gov\""
NETL program or project "\"KMD\""
Publication Date "\"11/1/1985\""
Groups
  • AmeriGEOSS
  • Global Provider
Tags
  • amerigeo
  • amerigeoss
  • ckan
  • edx
  • energy
  • energy-data-exchange
  • geo
  • geoss
  • global
  • kmd
isopen True
license_id other-open
license_title Other (Open)
metadata_created 2025-11-25T21:03:43.628897
metadata_modified 2025-11-25T21:03:43.628901
notes Field test work in Utah during 1980 proved that application of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic heating will raise Green River Formation oil shale to retorting temperatures. Laboratory results indicate substantial permeability are induced at in situ retorting conditions and high oil recoveries are anticipated. Subsequently, a preliminary conceptual design for a commercial scale integrated RF retorting plant was developed. Significant advantages for in situ oil production through RF retorting are suggested by this work. Potentially attractive economic incentives and the prospect of achieving greater resource recovery warrant additional field test work. The key issue to be demonstrated is the creation of adequate permeability to accommodate induced fluid flow and achieve high oil recoveries under autogenous pressure drives at commercial operating conditions. A plan for a $20 million proof-of-concept field test program was created and is described.
num_resources 1
num_tags 10
title IN SITU RETORTING OF OIL SHALE USING RF HEATING A CONCEPTUAL DESIGN