Term 251

Microwave-Assisted In-Situ Oil Shale Extraction

Project Type: Self-Initiated

Project Description

Problem Statement: Conventional extraction methods struggle with tight formations and highly viscous heavy crude, resulting in low natural gas recovery and high extraction costs. Large volumes of gas remain unrecovered in reservoirs, and heavy crude requires significant energy to mobilize. A new heating approach is needed to improve recovery efficiency and reduce operating costs. Solution: MAVE’s microwave-assisted technology delivers rapid, uniform volumetric heating that enhances fluid mobility and recovery. Prototype testing using a 700 W microwave, heavy crude samples, temperature measurements, and viscometer analysis showed strong performance. This approach can enable the recovery of up to 25% of unrecovered natural gas and achieve more than a 30% reduction in heavy crude extraction costs through faster heating and improved flowability. Conclusion, Testing confirmed that microwave heating significantly reduces the viscosity of the heavy crude and improves energy efficiency compared to conventional methods. Combined with its potential to recover 25% more natural gas and cut heavy-oil extraction costs by over 30%, Mave’s technology demonstrates a promising path toward cleaner, faster, and more economical hydrocarbon recovery.

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