Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters for processes including enhanced oil recovery
US9461229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/46
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the water flow network and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct at least one portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a first sequence, and direct the at least one portion or a different portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a second sequence different than the first sequence.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.