Abstract

The system and the method of the present invention for the in-situ retorting of a hydrocarbon stratum, having a borehole traversing it, with electrical energy at a radio frequency (hereinafter referred to as rf energy) includes apparatus for conducting the rf energy from an rf energy source down a borehole. The apparatus has an outer conductor and inner conductor. A first plurality of electrodes is inserted into the hydrocarbon stratum. A second plurality of electrodes spatially related to the first plurality of electrodes, is also inserted into a hydrocarbon stratum. A first conductive device makes contact between the outer conductor of the apparatus and the first plurality of electrodes. A second conductive device makes electrical contact between the inner conductor of the apparatus and the second plurality of electrodes so that when the rf source provides the rf energy, the rf energy is applied acorss that portion of the hydrocarbon stratum between the two pluralities of electrodes.