THOR downhole heater · Cavitas Energy (UK)
Downhole heating that doubles heavy-oil rates without steam
Heat at the perforations cuts viscosity and lifts the well.
Represented in Pakistan by Prestil Energy Pakistan Cavitas Energy logo
Snapshot
AberdeenCavitas Energy Limited, Scotland, UK
3½–7 inCasing sizes; tool length 3–15 m
644 kWMax power (863 HP); up to 55 kW per metre
0–260°CHeating range at the perforations
91%Tool efficiency (company-stated)
~80%Less CO2 than topside steam (company-stated)
Credentials
- Highly Commended, Emerging Technology, Offshore Achievement Awards 2025
- Field use in California and Utah; projects in Africa and the Middle East
- Runs on the same permanent-magnet motor as an ESP
- Offered on a rental model
Photo needed: THOR tool at the wellsite
How it works
Heat at the perforations cuts viscosity and lifts the well
-
1
Heat
Fluids heated at the perforations; sandstone stores heat (~20 days)
-
2
Thin
Oil viscosity falls sharply, e.g. 450 cP to 5 cP at 150°C
-
3
Flow
Inflow and lift improve; pump efficiency up to 50% higher
-
4
Assure
Keeps wax and asphaltene in solution to the wellhead
Compared
THOR against other heating methods
| THOR | Electric heater | Topside steam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon, gCO2/MJ | 1.5 | 2.3 | up to 29.3 |
| Reliability | 3–5 years | 6–18 months | 5+ years |
| Break-even | 4–8 weeks | 6–24 months | 24+ months |
Comparison as stated by Cavitas
Also in Enhanced Oil Recovery