Microwave heating of heavy oil and bitumen

Abstract

A theoretical study is presented for the feasibility of a microwave heating device that will raise the temperature of heavy oil and bitumen reservoir. The device is enclosed in a radome which is surrounded by a perforated metal pipe. Outside the pipe is occupied by a mixture of heavy oil and calcite. Various dielectric properties are assumed for the radome and the calcite region. Analytical and numerical results are presented for the temperature rise around the pipe.