Method and apparatus for generating electricity from the flow of fluid through a well
First Claim
1. Apparatus for generating electricity from the fluid pressure of a well comprising:
- a fluid driven motor having an inlet side and an outlet side;
a well head, means securing the outlet of said well head to the inlet of said fluid driven motor for directing a portion of the fluid through the motor;
an output shaft rotatably driven by said fluid driven motor;
a generator;
means securing said output shaft of said fluid driven motor to said generator;
a pipe line;
means securing the outlet of said fluid driven motor to the pipe line;
electrical conductor means connected to the output terminals of said generator;
load means; and
means for controlling the load on the generator to control the temperature of fluid flowing through the pipe.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating electricity from a generator driven by the flow of fluid flowing from a fluid producing well. A fluid driven motor is positioned in the pipeline adjacent to or above the well head such that the fluid passes through the motor to turn the motor shaft to drive the generator. By controlling the electrical load connected to the generator, the force required to drive the motor and thereby the pressure reduction across the motor can be controlled. The electricity produced by the generator may be used to heat the fluid in the pipe to prevent freezing of the fluid. The electricity can be utilized to heat the emulsion in an emulsion separator dehydrator for separating gas, water, and oil prior to its introduction into the pipeline. Separate motor may be utilized for gaseous fluid and liquids. Where the well produces both gas and liquid a separator is employed to separate the gas and liquid.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. Apparatus for generating electricity from the fluid pressure of a well comprising:
- a fluid driven motor having an inlet side and an outlet side;
a well head, means securing the outlet of said well head to the inlet of said fluid driven motor for directing a portion of the fluid through the motor;
an output shaft rotatably driven by said fluid driven motor;
a generator;
means securing said output shaft of said fluid driven motor to said generator;
a pipe line;
means securing the outlet of said fluid driven motor to the pipe line;
electrical conductor means connected to the output terminals of said generator;
load means; and
means for controlling the load on the generator to control the temperature of fluid flowing through the pipe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- a fluid driven motor having an inlet side and an outlet side;
Specification