SELF-FORMING TRAVELLING WAVE ANTENNA MODULE BASED ON SINGLE CONDUCTOR TRANSMISSION LINES FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC HEATING OF HYDROCARBON FORMATIONS AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formationispresented. The apparatus is a radio frequency antenna module in a radiofrequencyantenna for delivering electromagnetic energy generated by a generator intothehydrocarbon formation. The antenna module comprises: a conductive member; atleastone conductive sheath with a first and second end surrounding at least oneportion of theconductive member; at least one electrical coupler electrically coupled to theconductivemember and the at least one conductive sheath for receiving the electricalenergy; and anelectrically insulating seal inserted at the first and second end of each ofthe at least oneconductive sheath between the conductive member and the conductive sheath tomaintainan enclosed cavity defined by the conductive member, the conductive sheath andtheelectrically insulating seal.