Method and apparatus for injecting steam into a geological formation
US7350577B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/24
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for injecting a compressible fluid at a controlled flow rate into a geological formation at multiple zones of interest. In one aspect, the invention provides a tubing string with a pocket and a nozzle at each isolated zone. The nozzle permits a predetermined, controlled flow rate to be maintained at higher annulus to tubing pressure ratios. In another aspect, the present invention assures that the fluid is supplied uniformly to a long horizontal wellbore by providing controlled injection at multiple locations that are distributed throughout the length of the wellbore. In another aspect, the invention ensures that saturated steam is injected into a formation in a predetermined proportion of water and vapor by providing a plurality of apertures between a tubing wall and a pocket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.