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 McMurray formation. For the Field Test project, these electrodes are 6 m long, 12” diameter sections of steel pipe. The current passes between electrodes through the natural connate water that exists in the formation and acts to heat the bitumen.

Vertical electrodes 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. Spacing for the initial phase of the Field Test was 8 metres and will be expanded up to 20 metres in the Field Test Expansion. Vertical production wells are drilled into the formation to bring the heated liquid to surface storage facilities.