US 11,939,851 B2
Microwave heating technique for treatment of condensate buildup
Abdullah M. Alharith, Dhahran (SA)
Assigned to SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY, Dhahran (SA)
Filed by SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY, Dhahran (SA)
Filed on Aug. 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/818,536.
Prior Publication US 2024/0052736 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. E21B 43/24 (2006.01); E21B 36/04 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 43/2401 (2013.01) [E21B 36/04 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
10. A method of treating condensate buildup in a well, comprising:
lowering a microwave heating tool into the well to a treatment zone comprising accumulated condensates, wherein the microwave heating tool comprises:
a body comprising:
a microwave generator; and
a wave guide provided in an extension of the body extending from a first side of the body;
a susceptor shell connected to the first side of the body, the susceptor shell comprising:
a wall made of a susceptor material;
a cavity formed between the wall and the body; and
an opening to the cavity formed at an axial end of the susceptor shell,
wherein the opening is fitted around and connected to the extension of the body, and
wherein the microwave generator is positioned in the body proximate the opening to the cavity; and
a thermometer connected to an outer side of the body and positioned outside of the susceptor shell,
wherein the microwave generator is attached to the cavity of the susceptor material;
providing power to the microwave heating tool via an electrical cable, wherein the electrical cable electrically connects the microwave generator to a power source at a surface of the well;
generating microwave radiation from the microwave generator that is then absorbed by the susceptor material, which upon absorption of the microwave radiation generates heat;
increasing a temperature of the treatment zone to an elevated temperature using the generated heat; and
removing the accumulated condensates in the treatment zone.