Vacuum extraction system
US4844797A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB09C2101/00
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
There is disclosed a vacuum extraction system in which one or more vacuum extraction vessels are suspended in one or more well bores and each is connected to a vacuum pump. In one embodiment, each extraction vessel has a vessel chamber, a top inlet port with an adjustable metering valve, a vent pipe, a liquid level sensor in the vessel chamber, and an outlet port connected to the vacuum pump through a controller. The controller responds to the level of liquid in the vessel chamber to connect and disconnect each of the outlet ports of each of the extraction vessels to and from the vacuum pump. The controller also activates and deactivates the vacuum pump. In another embodiment, the extraction vessel is suspended for reciprocation in the well bore in order to skim liquid hydrocarbons floating on the ground water. In another embodiment, the extraction vessel has a differentiation valve in its bottom which releases water, but not liquid hydrocarbons, when the extraction vessel is lifted free of the liquid in the well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.