Method and apparatus for heating viscous fluids in a well
US6006837A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B36/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system for heating viscous fluids in a wellbore includes a submergible pumping system comprising a pump and submergible electric motor. A heating unit is coupled to the pumping system and is supplied with electrical energy through a cable used to supply electrical energy to the motor. The heating unit may include a direct or alternating current heater and protective circuitry. The heating unit may be supplied with electrical energy through the motor stator windings or via a jumper arranged in parallel with the stator windings. Switches may be included in the heating unit and in a motor base for energizing the motor and the heating unit based upon sensed temperatures of the viscous fluids surrounding the pumping system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.