Vol. 337 No. 10 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/10/5824
Development of an induction borehole steam generator for exploitation of fields with hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves
Relevance. Oil companies are forced to develop fields with hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves, which requires reservoir stimulation. Physicochemical methods such as cold production, polymer and composite flooding, thermopolymer stimulation, and gas injection are used to stimulate the reservoir. However, these methods have a detrimental impact on the environment and are quite energy-intensive. Therefore, thermal stimulation of the reservoir is often achieved by injecting hot steam. The most common method of injecting steam is through specialized steam injection wells. Steam is generated at the wellhead and cools as it is pumped to the required depth, transferring heat to the wellbore walls. Downhole steam generators, which receive water and power from the surface, eliminate this drawback, generating steam directly in the wellbore at the required depth. Induction heating is the most effective method. These factors determine the relevance of the development of borehole induction steam generators, as well as the creation of calculation models for the rapid design of devices with the required characteristics. Aim. Theoretical justification of the efficiency of a borehole induction steam generator, obtaining a calculation model to reduce time losses on designing devices with the required characteristics (power, performance, geometric dimensions), conducting experimental tests of the developed induction steam generator. Methods. Theoretical foundations of electrical engineering, magnetic field theory, thermal physics research, mathematical modeling. Results. The authors have proposed a design for a borehole induction steam generator, and created a computational model for designing devices with the required characteristics. Experimental studies of the developed steam generator were conducted on a developed test bench intended for validation of the proposed technical solutions implemented in a borehole induction steam generator.
For citation: Aflyatunov R.R., Khlyupin P.A., Khakimyanov M.I. Development of an induction borehole steam generator for exploitation of fields with hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 10, pp. 146–158. http://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/10/5824
Keywords:
hard-to-recover hydrocarbon reserves, thermal stimulation, downhole steam generator, induction heating, inductor, multifunctional integrated electromagnetic component
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