How ET-DSP™ Works

The ET-DSP™ method process involves passing electrical current from surface power distribution equipment down to hollow steel electrodes suspended in the formation. The current passes between electrodes through the natural connate water that exists in the formation and acts to heat the bitumen.

Vertical electrode wells are drilled into the formation in a grid pattern. The spacing of the electrode wells is optimized to provide the most efficient heating of the formation. Vertical production wells are drilled into the formation to bring the heated liquid to surface storage facilities.

Bitumen is pumped to surface using progressive cavity pump where it is separated from the produced water and prepared for sale. The produced water is injected back into the formation through the electrode matrix. This is critical to maintain electrical conductivity and enhances the heat transfer to the formation by establishing convection. The PDS units control where the electrical current flows between the electrodes ensuring that the formation is uniformly heated throughout.

Simple surface processing facilities are all that are required for a commercial development of ET-DSP™. Electrical power from the grid is available from a sub-station located nearby. Satellite pumping stations transfer produced bitumen and water to a central processing facility where the bitumen and water are separated. Dilbit is trucked or pipelined to market and the produced water is returned to the satellite station for re-injection.