Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

Larry J Manak

Robert D Kaminsky

William A Symington

James S Burns

Erik H Clayton

A method of recovering hydrocarbons includes forming a first electrode by creating a first hydraulic fracture within the subsurface formation and pumping a first electrically conductive material into the first hydraulic fracture; forming a second electrode by creating a second hydraulic fracture within the subsurface formation and pumping a second electrically conductive material into the second hydraulic fracture; electrically connecting a first power transmitting mechanism to the first electrode; electrically connecting a second power transmitting mechanism to the second electrode; and heating the subsurface formation between the first electrode and the second electrode by transmitting an electrical current via the first power transmitting mechanism to the first electrode and via the second power transmitting mechanism to the second electrode and by flowing the electrical current from the first electrode to the second electrode. The electrical current substantially includes a frequency between 60 Hertz and 500 Kilohertz.

Growing community of inventors

The Woodlands, TX, United States of America

Larry J Manak