Importance

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Abstract

In one exemplar embodiment, method and apparatus include providing an electrode disposed in a plurality of insulated, spaced boreholes penetrating the oil formation. The plurality of electrodes in contact with a water electrolyte in the formation are connected to a source of AC electrical power for establishing a current flow between the spaced electrodes and through the oil bearing formation by means of the electrolyte. The electrodes are insulated from the earth structure surrounding the boreholes for preventing an electrical current path between the electrodes and the earth structure for isolating the electrical current path between the electrodes and the formation. When the AC current passing through the formation surpasses a minimum current density, AC disassociaton of the H.sub.2 O of the electrolyte occurs and generates free hydrogen and oxygen which may be trapped in the formation for increasing the formation pressure, the oxygen gas may combine with carbon molecules to form carbon dioxide which may dissolve in the oil for enhancing the flow characteristics of the oil in the formation. The increased pressure in the formation will aid in driving the oil into producing boreholes spaced from the electrode boreholes.

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First Claim