FLOW-INDUCED ELECTROSTATIC POWER GENERATOR FOR DOWNHOLE USE IN OIL AND GAS WELLS
First Claim
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1. A method of powering devices in a petroleum well through the generation of electrostatic energy downhole, the petroleum well originating at a geological surface and being operable for the production of oil, natural gas, or mixtures thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) flowing a substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, as a flowstream, through a substantially insulating membrane;
b) generating a net, steady-state electrostatic potential between the flowstream and said membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a plurality of flow channels through which the substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid can pass, and wherein at least a majority of said flow channels have an effective diameter of at least about 500 nm and at most about 200 μ
m;
c) harvesting electrical energy from the electrostatic potential via a ground electrode in electrical contact with the flowstream and an electrical lead in electrical contact with the membrane; and
d) using the electrical energy harvested in step (c) to power one or more devices downhole.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of powering devices in a petroleum well through the generation of electrostatic energy downhole, the petroleum well originating at a geological surface and being operable for the production of oil, natural gas, or mixtures thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) flowing a substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, as a flowstream, through a substantially insulating membrane; b) generating a net, steady-state electrostatic potential between the flowstream and said membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a plurality of flow channels through which the substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid can pass, and wherein at least a majority of said flow channels have an effective diameter of at least about 500 nm and at most about 200 μ
m;c) harvesting electrical energy from the electrostatic potential via a ground electrode in electrical contact with the flowstream and an electrical lead in electrical contact with the membrane; and d) using the electrical energy harvested in step (c) to power one or more devices downhole. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for powering devices in a petroleum well through the generation of electrostatic energy downhole, said system comprising:
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a) a wellbore originating at a geological surface extending from a surface into a geological formation; b) a plurality of tubular segments disposed within the wellbore, wherein said tubular segments are useful in conveying hydrocarbon-based fluids out of said wellbore; c) at least one membrane-bearing tubular segment comprising; i) an electrically-grounded outer upstream membrane electrode; ii) an inner downstream membrane electrode; iii) a dielectric filter membrane, comprising flow channels, disposed between the inner and outer membrane electrodes wherein at least a majority of said flow channels have an effective diameter of at least about 500 nm and at most about 200 μ
m;d) at least one device-bearing tubular segment comprising at least one device that can be usefully employed downhole; e) at least one electrical lead establishing connectivity between the inner downstream membrane electrode and the at least one device-bearing tubular segment; f) a flow of substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, wherein said flow is directed through the tubular segments in an upward direction toward the surface; wherein an electrical potential exists between the electrically-grounded outer upstream membrane electrode and the inner downstream membrane electrode, and wherein this electrical potential is harnessed to power at least one device in the at least one device-bearing tubular segment. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification