Importance

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Abstract

Methods are provided for mitigating thief zone losses during hydrocarbon recovery by thief zone pressure maintenance through downhole radio frequency (RF) radiation heating. A thief zone situated near a hydrocarbon reservoir poses a risk of losing valuable components from the reservoir to the thief zone. In addition to the risk of loss of diluent, heat, or steam to the thief zone, valuable hydrocarbons may also be lost to the thief zone. One way to mitigate these losses is by maintaining thief zone pressure. RF radiation may be used to heat a thief zone fluid to maintain pressure in the thief zone, decreasing the driving force for losses to the thief zone. In some cases, steam generated thusly may be used to enhance hydrocarbon thermal recovery. Advantages of methods herein include: lower costs, higher efficiencies, higher hydrocarbon recovery, less hydrocarbon contamination, increased hydrocarbon mobility, and fewer thief zone losses.

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First Claim