Patent · US Expired

Heat injection process and apparatus

US5404952A · kind A · utility

324Cited by
14References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 20, 1993
Grant dateApr 11, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 20, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B36/04
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method for heat injection into a subterranean formation is provided. The method utilizes flameless combustion and a gas fired heater having an electrical heated surface for ignition of the gas. The absence of a flame eliminates the flame as a radiant heat source and results in a more even temperature distribution throughout the length of the burner. Flameless combustion is accomplished by preheating the fuel and the combustion air to a temperature above the autoignition temperature of the mixture. Preheating hydrocarbon fuel requires the inclusion of a carbon formation suppressant such as carbon dioxide or steam to prevent carbon formation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.