Process for recovering heavy oil using multiple effect evaporation
US7578345B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D5/006
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for recovering heavy oil including recovering an oil-water mixture from a well and separating oil from the oil-water mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. The produced water is separated into a series of produced water streams. Each produced water stream is directed into each of a plurality of interconnected evaporators in a multiple effect evaporator. A first produced water stream is heated and vaporized to form a first vapor stream. The first vapor stream then heats and vaporizes a second produced water stream to form a second vapor stream. This process may continue wherein the second vapor stream heats and vaporizes a third produced water stream. The vapor streams are condensed to form a distillate that is directed to a steam generator. The steam generator then heats the distillate and produces steam to inject into an oil injection well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.