Electric and hydraulic powered thermal stimulation and recovery system and method for subterranean wells
US4285401A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1980 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/129
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A thermal recovery system for a subterranean well includes an electric heater located immediate the bottom of the well which cyclically receives electric power generated at the well surface. A pump directs a stream of pressurized fluid, such as water, through a conduit to a solenoid valve located at the bottom of the well. The solenoid valve senses electric power application relative to the heater and directs the stream of pressurized water to one of two fluid circuits. When electric power is supplied to the heater, the solenoid valve directs the fluid stream into the heater. The heater thermally stimulates the well and is cooled by the water which is heated and exhausted to thermally stimulate the well. When electric power is not supplied to the heater, the solenoid valve directs the pressurized water to a turbine for driving a production pump. In an alternate embodiment, both the heater and the production pump are operated continuously and the fluid stream is divided between the turbine and the heater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.