Direct contact low emission steam generating system and method utilizing a compact, multi-fuel burner
First Claim
1. A method for thermal stimulation of existing petroleum wells comprising the steps of;
- generating a first mixture of combustion products in a high pressure combustor having fuel and oxidizer inlets, and an outlet for delivery of said products;
generating a second mixture of steam and combustion products in a steam generator having a feedwater inlet, an inlet for receiving said combustor combustion products, adjacent said combustor outlet, and an outlet;
separating said water, and other combustion products from said second mixture, forming a third mixture of steam and combustion gases;
injecting said third mixture into said petroleum well in order to enhance crude oil output.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A high output, high pressure direct contact steam generator for producing high quality steam particularly suited for use with low grade, low cost fuel. When used in a system incorporating heat recovery and conversion of carryover water enthalpy into shaft horesepower, the unit disclosed provides high quality, high pressure steam for "steam drive" or thermal stimulation of petroleum wells through injection of high pressure steam and combustion gas mixtures. A particular feature of the burner/system disclosed provides compression of a burner oxidant such as atmospheric air, and shaft horesepower for pumping high pressure feedwater, from a lowest cost energy source such as leased crude, or other locally available fuel.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for thermal stimulation of existing petroleum wells comprising the steps of;
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generating a first mixture of combustion products in a high pressure combustor having fuel and oxidizer inlets, and an outlet for delivery of said products; generating a second mixture of steam and combustion products in a steam generator having a feedwater inlet, an inlet for receiving said combustor combustion products, adjacent said combustor outlet, and an outlet; separating said water, and other combustion products from said second mixture, forming a third mixture of steam and combustion gases; injecting said third mixture into said petroleum well in order to enhance crude oil output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. In equipment for thermal stimulation of petroleum wells through downhole injection of high temperature fluids of the type having a steam generator operating from a high pressure combustor, the improvement comprising;
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a high temperature, high pressure combustor generating an output of gases and products of combustion; a steam generator responsive to said combustor output delivering a first fluid mixture; means separating said mixture for delivering primary steam and gases for injection and high temperature carryover water; means flashing said carryover water, generating secondary steam and residual water; means responsive to said secondary steam for compressing gaseous generator oxidizer; means heating generator feedwater from said residual water; means retaining said residual water. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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Specification