Patent Publication Number: US-9416639-B2

Title: Combined RF heating and gas lift for a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus and associated methods

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of hydrocarbon resource recovery, and, more particularly, to hydrocarbon resource recovery using RF heating and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Energy consumption worldwide is generally increasing, and conventional hydrocarbon resources are being consumed. In an attempt to meet demand, the exploitation of unconventional resources may be desired. For example, highly viscous hydrocarbon resources, such as heavy oils, may be trapped in sands where their viscous nature does not permit conventional oil well production. This category of hydrocarbon resource is generally referred to as oil sands or heavy oils. Estimates are that trillions of barrels of oil reserves may be found in such oil sand formations. 
     Recovery of highly viscous hydrocarbon resources may be enhanced by heating the oil in-situ to reduce its viscosity and assist in movement. One approach is known as Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD). The oil is immobile at reservoir temperatures, and therefore, is typically heated to reduce its viscosity. In SAGD, pairs of injector and producer wells are formed to be laterally extending in the ground. Each pair of injector/producer wells includes a lower producer well and an upper injector well. The injector/production wells are typically located in the payzone of the subterranean formation between an underburden layer and an overburden layer. 
     Another approach for heating the oil is based on the use of radio frequency (RF) energy. U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,597 to Kasevich discloses using an RF generator to apply RF energy to an RF antenna in a horizontal portion of an RF well positioned above a horizontal portion of an oil producing well. The viscosity of the oil is reduced as a result of the RF energy, which causes the oil to drain due to gravity. The oil is recovered through the oil/gas producing well. 
     Instead of having separate RF and oil/gas producing wells, U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2012/0090844 to Madison et al. discloses a method of producing upgraded hydrocarbons in-situ from a production well. The method begins by operating a subsurface recovery of hydrocarbons with a production well. An RF absorbent material is heated by at least one RF antenna adjacent the production well and used as a heated RF absorbent material, which in turn heats the hydrocarbons to be produced. 
     Another method for heating heavy oil directly inside a production well is disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2012/0234536 to Wheeler et al. The method disclosed in Wheeler et al. raises the subsurface temperature of heavy oil by utilizing an activator that has been injected below the surface. The activator is then excited using at least one RF antenna adjacent the production well, wherein the excited activator then heats the heavy oil. 
     Instead of placing the RF antenna adjacent the production well, the RF antenna may be placed within the production well, as disclosing in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0137852 to Condsidine et al. In Condsidine et al., a combination of electrical energy and critical fluids with reactants are placed within a borehole to initiate a reaction of reactants in the critical fluids with kerogen in the oil shale thereby raising the temperatures to cause kerogen oil and gas products to be extracted as a vapor, liquid or dissolved in the critical fluids. The hydrocarbon fuel products of kerogen oil or shale oil and hydrocarbon gas are removed to the ground surface by a product return line. An RF generator provides RF energy to an RF antenna within the production well. 
     The use of RF energy to recover hydrocarbon resources increases the capital cost and operating cost for a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus. Consequently, there is a need to improve upon the use of applying RF energy to heat hydrocarbon resources within a subterranean formation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce capital cost and operating cost for a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus using RF energy to heat hydrocarbon resources within a subterranean formation. 
     This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus for a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus may comprise a radio frequency (RF) power source, a gas source, and an RF antenna within the wellbore. An RF transmission line may extend within the wellbore between the RF power source and the RF antenna and may be coupled to the gas source to be cooled by a flow of gas therefrom. At least one of the RF antenna and RF transmission line may define a gas lift passageway coupled to the gas source to lift hydrocarbon resources within the wellbore. 
     The hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus advantageously combines the RF antenna with the artificial gas lift within the same wellbore. This allows the flow of gas to be used to cool the RF transmission line while providing a dielectric medium and pressure balance. By using the flow of gas for two different functions, capital costs and operating costs for the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus may be reduced. 
     The RF transmission line may comprise an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. The RF antenna may surround the outer conductor in spaced relation therefrom, and may be configured as a dipole RF antenna. 
     The gas source may comprise a nitrogen source or a natural gas source, for example. The flow of gas may be used to cool the RF transmission line in a number of different embodiments. In one embodiment, the inner conductor may have a cooling fluid passageway therethrough coupled to the gas source. In another embodiment, the space between the inner and outer conductors may define the cooling fluid passageway coupled to the gas source. In yet another embodiment, the space between the outer conductor and the RF antenna may define a cooling fluid passageway coupled to the gas source. 
     Similarly, the hydrocarbon resources may be pumped from the wellbore in a number of different embodiments. In one embodiment, the inner conductor has a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift hydrocarbon resources from the wellbore. In another embodiment, the space between the inner and outer conductors defines a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift hydrocarbon resources from the wellbore. In yet another embodiment, the space between the outer conductor and the RF antenna defines a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift hydrocarbon resources from the wellbore. 
     Another aspect is directed to a hydrocarbon resource recovery method for a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The method may comprise operating an RF transmission line extending within the wellbore and coupled between an RF power source and an RF antenna within the wellbore and coupled to a gas source and cooled by a flow of gas therefrom. A gas lift passageway defined by at least one of the RF antenna and RF transmission line and coupled to the gas source may be operated to lift hydrocarbon resources within the wellbore. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus for a subterranean formation with a hydrocarbon resource recovery pump in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart for a hydrocarbon resource recovery method for a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus for a subterranean formation with a gas lift in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus with side pocket mandrels or gas lift injection valves within section A of the wellbore in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart for a hydrocarbon resource recovery method for a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notations are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  20  for a subterranean formation  22  with a hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  will now be discussed. The subterranean formation  22  has a wellbore  24  extending therein. The hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  20  includes a radio frequency (RF) power source  30 , a dielectric fluid source  32 , and an RF antenna  40  within the wellbore  24 . An RF transmission line  42  extends within the wellbore  24  between the RF power source  30  and to a feed point  41  of the RF antenna  40  and is coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32  to be cooled by a flow of dielectric fluid  44  therefrom while providing a dielectric medium and pressure balance. 
     A hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  is within the wellbore  24  and is also coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32  to be powered by the flow of dielectric fluid  44  therefrom. A return flow of dielectric fluid  48  is provided back to the dielectric fluid source  32  from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 . 
     The hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  pumps hydrocarbon resources  46  to a hydrocarbon resource collector  34  above the subterranean formation  22 . The hydrocarbon resource collector  34  is a storage tank or pipeline, for example. 
     The hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  20  advantageously uses the dielectric fluid to power the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  and to also cool the RF transmission line  42 . By using the same dielectric fluid for two different functions, capital costs and operating costs for the illustrated hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  20  may be reduced. 
     The wellbore  24  extends in a vertical direction, as illustrated. Alternatively, the wellbore  24  may extend in a horizontal direction. The RF power source  30 , the dielectric fluid source  32 , and the hydrocarbon resource collector  34  are coupled to a wellhead  38  above the wellbore  24  in the subterranean formation  22 . 
     Although the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  is illustrated at the bottom of the wellbore  24  below the RF antenna  40 , the pump may be located any where within the wellbore. For example, the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  may be to the side or even above the RF antenna  40 . 
     The hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  may be a jet pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump or a turbine, for example. Each one of these pump types is powered by the flow of dielectric fluid  44 , which is pressurized from the dielectric fluid source  32 . The dielectric fluid is typically a dielectric mineral oil and may be referred to as a power fluid. Operation of the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  is a closed loop pump, and the return flow of dielectric fluid  48  is provided back to the dielectric fluid source  32 . 
     Due to the potential length of the RF transmission line  42  and the losses associated therewith, increased RF power may need to be applied by the RF power source  30 . Increased RF power at the RF power source  30  causes the operating temperature of the RF transmission line  42  within the subterranean formation  22  to increase. Routing the flow of dielectric fluid  44  intended for the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  to also contact the RF transmission line  42  advantageously helps to cool the RF transmission line while providing a dielectric medium and pressure balance. 
     The RF antenna  40  transmits RF energy outwards from the wellbore  24 . The RF energy increases the temperature of the hydrocarbon resources to be recovered, thus reducing its viscosity and allowing it to be more easily collected. The RF antenna  40  may be configured as a dipole antenna. Included with the RF antenna  40  is the antenna feed point  41 , as well as isolators and common mode mitigation (e.g., chokes) to prevent currents from traveling to the surface, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     A passageway within the wellbore  24  used to collect the hydrocarbon resources  46  may also be adjacent with or below the RF antenna  40 . Collection of the hydrocarbon resources  46  within a wellbore is typically accomplished using a separate production tubing. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the production tubing is now positioned inside of the RF antenna  40 . This advantageously allows the tubing to extend to a bottom of the wellbore  24  to increase the amount of hydrocarbon resources that can be recovered in the wellbore  24 . In contrast, if conductive production tubing was placed outside of the RF antenna  40 , then the RF energy emitted by the RF antenna would be partially blocked. In this case, the externally placed production tubing would have to terminate above the RF antenna, which would allow for a lesser amount of hydrocarbon resources to be recovered in the wellbore  24 . 
     A cross-sectional view taken at section A in  FIG. 1  of the wellbore  24 , which includes the RF antenna  40 , will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 2 . Extending within this section of the well-bore  24  is a tubular pipe  60  that includes an inner conductor  62 , an outer conductor  64  and the RF antenna  40 . As will be discussed below, the tubular pipe  60  also provides a plurality of spaced apart passageways extending therethrough. These passageways extend from the wellhead  38  to the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 . 
     The RF transmission line  42  is defined by the inner conductor  62  and the outer conductor  64 , with the outer conductor  64  surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. The inner conductor  62  has a cooling fluid passageway  70  therethrough coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32 . The cooling fluid passageway  70  is for the flow of dielectric fluid  44 . The RF antenna  40  surrounds the outer conductor  64  in spaced relation therefrom. The RF transmission line  42  may comprise rigid or flexible inner and outer conductors. However, in alternative embodiments, the inner and outer conductors may be in a side-by-side configuration, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     The space between the inner and outer conductors  62 ,  64  defines a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72  coupled to the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  to pump hydrocarbon resources  46  from the wellbore  24 . The space between the outer conductor  64  and the RF antenna  40  defines a cooling fluid return passageway  74  for the return flow of dielectric fluid  48  back to the dielectric fluid source  32  from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 . 
     Alternatively, the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72  and the return cooling fluid return passageway  74  may be swapped. That is, the space between the outer conductor  64  and the RF antenna  40  defines the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 , and the space between the inner and outer conductors  62 ,  64  defines the cooling fluid return passageway  74 . 
     As also readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the return flow of dielectric fluid  48  back to the dielectric fluid source  32  from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  may be provided in a separate tubing that is external the tubular pipe  60 . 
     Another embodiment of the cross-sectional view of the wellbore  24 ′ at section A will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the RF transmission line  42 ′ is still defined by the inner conductor  62 ′ and the outer conductor  64 ′, with the outer conductor  64 ′ surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. However, the space between the inner and outer conductors  62 ′,  64 ′ now defines the cooling fluid passageway  70 ′ coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32 ′. The cooling fluid passageway  70 ′ is for the flow of dielectric fluid  44 ′. The RF antenna  40 ′ surrounds the outer conductor  64 ′ in spaced relation therefrom. 
     The inner conductor  62 ′ has the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 ′ coupled to the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 ′ to pump hydrocarbon resources from the wellbore  24 ′. The space between the outer conductor  42 ( 2 )′ and the RF antenna  40 ′ defines the cooling fluid return passageway  74 ′ for the return flow of dielectric fluid  48 ′ back to the dielectric fluid source  32 ′ from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 ′. 
     Alternatively, the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 ′ and the return cooling fluid return passageway  74 ′ may be swapped. That is, the space between the outer conductor  64 ′ and the RF antenna  40 ′ defines the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 ′, and the inner conductor  62 ′ has the cooling fluid return passageway  74 ′. 
     As also readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the return flow of dielectric fluid  48 ′ back to the dielectric fluid source  32 ′ from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 ′ may be provided in a separate tubing that is external the tubular pipe  60 ′. 
     Yet another embodiment of the cross-sectional view of the wellbore  24 ″ at section A will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the RF transmission line  42 ″ is still defined by the inner conductor  62 ″ and the outer conductor  64 ″, with the outer conductor  64 ″ surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. However, the space between the outer conductor  64 ″ and the antenna  40 ″ now defines the cooling fluid passageway  70 ″ coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32 ″. The cooling fluid passageway  70 ″ is for the flow of dielectric fluid  44 ″. 
     The inner conductor  62 ″ has a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 ″ coupled to the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 ″ to pump hydrocarbon resources from the wellbore  24 ″. The space between the inner and outer conductors  62 ″,  64 ″ defines the cooling fluid return passageway  74 ″ for the return flow of dielectric fluid  48 ″ back to the dielectric fluid source  32 ″ from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 ″. 
     Alternatively, the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 ″ and the return cooling fluid return passageway  74 ″ may be swapped. That is, the space between the inner and outer conductors  62 ″,  64 ″ defines the hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  72 ″, and the inner conductor has the cooling fluid return passageway  74 ″. 
     As also readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the return flow of dielectric fluid  48 ″ back to the dielectric fluid source  32 ″ from the hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50 ″ may be provided in a separate tubing that is external the tubular pipe  60 ″. 
     Referring now to the flowchart  80  in  FIG. 5 , a hydrocarbon resource recovery method for a subterranean formation  22  having a wellbore  24  extending therein includes, from the start (Block  82 ), operating the RF transmission line  42  at Block  84  extending within the wellbore  24  and coupled between the RF power source  30  and the RF antenna  40  within the wellbore and coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32  and cooled by a flow of dielectric fluid therefrom. The hydrocarbon resource recovery pump  50  is operated at Block  86  within the wellbore  24  and is also coupled to the dielectric fluid source  32  to be powered by the flow of dielectric fluid therefrom. The method ends at Block  88 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , another aspect of the invention is directed to a hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  120  for a subterranean formation  122  with a gas lift  150 . The gas lift  150  is an artificial lift method, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The subterranean formation  122  has a wellbore  124  extending therein. The hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  120  includes a radio frequency (RF) power source  130 , a gas source  132 , and an RF antenna  140  within the wellbore  124 . 
     An RF transmission line  142  extends within the wellbore  124  between the RF power source  130  and to a feed point  141  of the RF antenna  140  and is coupled to the gas source  132  to be cooled by a flow of gas  144  therefrom while providing a dielectric medium and pressure balance, At least one of the RF antenna  140  and RF transmission line  142  defines a gas lift passageway at the gas lift  150 , with the gas lift passageway coupled to the gas source  132  to lift hydrocarbon resources  146  within the wellbore  124 . 
     The flow of gas  144  from the gas source  132  is injected into the gas lift passageway at the gas lift  150  to lift a mixture of the gas and the hydrocarbon resources  146  to a hydrocarbon resource collector  134  above the subterranean formation  122 . The hydrocarbon resource collector  134  is a storage tank or pipeline, for example. 
     The flow of gas  144  into the gas lift passageway reduces the weight of the hydrostatic column therein, which in turn reduces the back pressure and allows the reservoir pressure within the subterranean formation  122  to push the mixture of the gas and hydrocarbons resources  146  up to the surface. The gas lift passageway may include side pocket mandrels or gas lift injection valves to further assist with lifting of the mixture of the gas and hydrocarbons resources  146  up to the surface. The gas from the gas source  132  may be nitrogen or natural gas, for example. 
     The hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  120  advantageously combines the RF antenna  140  with the artificial gas lift  150  within the same wellbore  122 . This allows the flow of gas  144  to be used as a dielectric medium to pressure balance and to cool the RF transmission line  142 . By using the flow of gas  144  for two different functions, capital costs and operating costs for the illustrated hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus  120  may be reduced. 
     The wellbore  124  extends in a vertical direction, as illustrated. Alternatively, the wellbore  124  may extend in a horizontal direction. The RF power source  130 , the gas source  132 , and the hydrocarbon resource collector  134  are coupled to a wellhead  138  above the wellbore  124  in the subterranean formation  122 . 
     Due to the potential length of the RF transmission line  142  and the losses associated therewith, increased RF power may need to be applied by the RF power source  130 . Increased RF power at the RF power source  130  causes the operating temperature of the RF transmission line  142  within the subterranean formation  122  to increase. Routing the flow of gas  144  to also contact the RF transmission line  142  advantageously helps to cool the RF transmission line while providing a dielectric medium and pressure balance. 
     The RF antenna  140  transmits RF energy outwards from the wellbore  124 . The RF energy increases the temperature of the hydrocarbon resources to be recovered, thus reducing its viscosity and allowing it to be more easily collected. The RF antenna  140  may be configured as a dipole antenna. Included with the RF antenna  140  is the antenna feed point  141 , as well as isolators and common mode mitigation (e.g., chokes) to prevent currents from traveling to the surface, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     The gas lift passageway used to collect the hydrocarbon resources  146  within the gas lift  150  is positioned below the RF antenna  140 . This advantageously allows the gas lift passageway to extend to a bottom of the wellbore  24  to increase the amount of hydrocarbon resources that can be recovered in the wellbore  24 . The gas lift passageway may also be referred to as production tubing. 
     A cross-sectional view taken at section A in  FIG. 6  of the wellbore  124 , which includes the RF antenna  140 , will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 7 . Extending within this section of the well-bore  124  is a tubular pipe  160  that includes an inner conductor  162 , an outer conductor  164  and the RF antenna  140 . As will be discussed below, the tubular pipe  160  also provides a plurality of spaced apart passageways extending therethrough. These passageways extend from the wellhead  138  to the gas lift passageway at the illustrated gas lift  150  at the bottom of the wellbore  124 . 
     The RF transmission line  142  is defined by the inner conductor  162  and the outer conductor  164 , with the outer conductor  164  surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. The inner conductor  162  has a cooling fluid passageway  170  therethrough coupled to the gas source  132 . The cooling fluid passageway  170  is for the flow of gas  144  to the gas lift  150 . The RF antenna  140  surrounds the outer conductor  164  in spaced relation therefrom. 
     The space between the inner and outer conductors  162 ,  164  defines a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  172  in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146  and the gas from the wellbore  124 . 
     The space between the outer conductor  164  and the RF antenna  140  may define an additional gas lift passageway  174  in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to provide an additional lift of the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146  and the gas from the wellbore  124 . Alternatively, the space between the outer conductor  164  and the RF antenna  140  may define an additional cooling fluid passageway coupled to the gas source  132 . 
     Another embodiment of the cross-sectional view of the wellbore  124 ′ at section A will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, the RF transmission line  142 ′ is still defined by the inner conductor  162 ′ and the outer conductor  164 ′, with the outer conductor  164 ′ surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. However, the space between the inner and outer conductors  162 ′,  164 ′ now defines the cooling fluid passageway  170 ′ coupled to the gas source  132 ′. The cooling fluid passageway  170 ′ is for the flow of gas  144 ′. 
     The inner conductor  162 ′ defines a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  172 ′ in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146 ′ and the gas from the wellbore  124 ′. 
     The space between the outer conductor  164 ″ and the RF antenna  140 ′ may define an additional gas lift passageway  174 ′ in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to provide an additional lift of the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146 ′ and the gas from the wellbore  124 ′. Alternatively, the outer conductor  164 ″ and the RF antenna  140 ′ may define an additional cooling fluid passageway coupled to the gas source  132 . 
     Yet another embodiment of the cross-sectional view of the wellbore  124 ″ at section A will now be discussed with reference to  FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the RF transmission line  142 ″ is still defined by the inner conductor  162 ″ and the outer conductor  164 ″, with the outer conductor  164 ″ surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. However, the space between the outer conductor  164 ″ and the antenna  140 ″ now defines the cooling fluid passageway  170 ′ coupled to the gas source  132 ″. The cooling fluid passageway  170 ′ is for the flow of gas  144 ″. 
     The space between the inner and outer conductors  162 ″,  164 ″ defines a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  172 ″ in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146 ″ and the gas from the wellbore  124 ″. 
     The space between the inner and outer conductors  162 ″,  164 ″ may define an additional gas lift passageway  174 ″ in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to provide an additional lift of the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146 ″ and the gas from the wellbore  124 ″. Alternatively, the space between the inner and outer conductors  162 ″,  164 ″ may define an additional cooling fluid passageway coupled to the gas source  132 ″. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , another embodiment of the cross-sectional view of the wellbore  124 ″′ at section A includes side pocket mandrels or gas lift injection valves  190 ″′. In this embodiment, the side pocket mandrels or gas lift injection valves  190 ″′ allow the flow of gas  144 ″′ to be split. 
     The RF transmission line  142 ″′ is still defined by the inner conductor  162 ″′ and the outer conductor  164 ″′, with the outer conductor  164 ″′ surrounding the inner conductor in space relation therefrom. The space between the inner and outer conductors  162 ″′,  164 ″′ defines the cooling fluid passageway  170 ″′ coupled to the gas source  132 ″′. The cooling fluid passageway  170 ″′ is for the flow of gas  144 ″′. 
     The side pocket mandrels or gas lift injection valves  190 ″′ allow the flow of gas  144 ″′ to be split. One split is for the inner conductor  162 ″′ defining a hydrocarbon resource recovery passageway  172 ″′ in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to lift the mixture of the hydrocarbon resources  146 ″′ and the gas from the wellbore  124 ″′. 
     Another split is for the space between the outer conductor  164 ″′ and the RF antenna  140 ″′ defining a gas flow return passageway  174 ″′ in fluid communication with the gas lift passageway to provide a clean return  147 ″′ for the gas from the wellbore  124 ″′. The side pocket mandrels or gas lift injection valves  190 ′″ may be positioned in different locations within the wellbore so that the other passageways may be utilized for the clean return of the gas flow  147 ″′ and for the mixture of the oil and gas recovery  146 ″′, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to the flowchart  180  in  FIG. 11 , a hydrocarbon resource recovery method for a subterranean formation  122  having a wellbore  124  extending therein includes, from the start (Block  182 ), operating the RF transmission line  142  at Block  184  extending within the wellbore  124  and coupled between the RF power source  130  and the RF antenna within the wellbore and coupled to the gas source  130  and cooled by a flow of gas therefrom. The gas lift passageway defined by at least one of the RF antenna  140  and RF transmission line  142  and coupled to the gas source  132  is operated at Block  186  to lift hydrocarbon resources  146  within the wellbore  124 . The method ends at Block  188 . 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.