This two-day course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of emerging solvent and electromagnetic heating technologies in thermal recovery applications.

The program includes a detailed analysis of low-frequency electric resistive and ohmic heating methods (such as electrical heaters and electrodes), as well as high-frequency electromagnetic heating techniques, including inductive heating and radio-frequency (RF) heating, where electromagnetic energy is transmitted into the reservoir through antennas. The course introduces electromagnetic (EM) heating technologies across low, medium, and high frequency ranges and examines their applications in thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Participants will explore the fundamental physics governing the different EM heating methods, along with analytical and numerical approaches used to evaluate their performance. Practical examples, including Excel-based exercises, are incorporated to reinforce understanding.

On Day 1, the course covers thermodynamics and pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) behavior relevant to thermal processes, including parameter tuning to match laboratory data. Analytical oil rate prediction models, such as the Butler-Mokrys (1989) and Dunn-Nenniger-Rajan (1989) models, are also discussed.

On Day 2, the focus shifts to alternative heat transfer methods for heavy oil reservoirs using electromagnetic energy. Different EM heating techniques are examined in detail, with discussion of their operational principles, performance evaluation, and field application considerations.