Thermal vapor stream apparatus and method
US9410409B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/14
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A low-emission and environmentally-friendly apparatus and method is used to generate a high-pressure stream of thermal vapor. The thermal vapor stream may be injected into a subsurface petroleum-bearing formation for recovery of highly viscous petroleum or used to turn a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator. In one implementation, the high-pressure stream of thermal vapor is generated by burning a high-temperature fuel, including any short or long chain hydrocarbon products from methane to coal, in an enclosed vessel to produce combustion gases. Various cooling techniques, including regenerative cooling, may be employed to maintain the internal temperature of the vessel below a predefined safe level. The high-pressure thermal vapor stream may then be used to enhance recovery of highly viscous petroleum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.