Patent ID: 7677673
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for recovering a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing material, comprising: (a) from a manned underground excavation emitting, from at least first and second emitters, radiation, the first emitter transmitting microwave radiation and the second emitter transmitting acoustic energy into a selected region of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation, to heat and lower a viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing material in the selected region, wherein at least one of the first and second emitter is positioned in the excavation and in direct physical contact with the formation, wherein the first emitter is in contact with an impedance transformer, the transformer being in direct physical contact with the formation and wherein an acoustic energy transducing medium is in direct physical contact with the formation; and (b) recovering, by a production well in proximity to the selected region, the irradiated hydrocarbon-containing material.