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Steam splitter

a technology of steam splitter and fluid injection, which is applied in the direction of fluid removal, insulation, borehole/well accessories, etc., can solve the problems of heavy oils which are not recoverable, limit the injectivity of fluid (heated or cold) into the formation,

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-07-25
WEATHERFORD TECH HLDG LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about injecting steam into a wellbore to improve oil and gas production. The invention is a device called a steam tubular that includes a body with a hole and a sleeve that allows steam to escape. The device also has a shroud that directs the steam towards wellbore outlets. Additionally, the patent describes methods of using the steam tubular to pump steam into the wellbore and transport wellbore fluid up the tubular. The technical effect of this invention is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of steam injection in wellbore operations.

Problems solved by technology

Throughout the world there are major deposits of heavy oils which are not recoverable using ordinary production techniques.
Furthermore, oil saturations in these formations are typically large, which limits the injectivity of a fluid (heated or cold) into the formation.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0019]The present invention generally relates to a steam splitter device for injecting steam into a wellbore. The device will be described herein in relation to a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) having two wellbores. It is to be understood, however, that the device may also be used in other wellbore operations, such as in the production wellbore as an inflow production device, without departing from principles of the present invention. To better understand the novelty of the device of the present invention and the methods of use thereof, reference is hereafter made to the accompanying drawings.

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a steam splitter device 100 disposed in a steam injection well 110 for use in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operation. In a typical SAGD operation, there are two coextensive horizontal wells, a production well 105 and the steam injection well 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the steam injection well 110 includes casing 115 on...

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PUM

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Abstract

The present invention generally relates to injecting steam into a wellbore using a device. The device includes a body having a bore configured to communicate steam through the body. The device also includes a sleeve movable in the bore of the body between a first position and a second position, wherein the sleeve in the first position blocks steam from exiting an opening of the body and the sleeve in the second position allows steam to exit the opening of the body. The device further includes a shroud disposed on a portion of the body such that an annulus is formed between the shroud and the body, wherein the annulus is configured to direct steam from the opening in the body toward steam outlets. In another aspect, a method of injecting steam into a wellbore using a steam tubular is provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to artificial lift for hydrocarbon wells. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and an apparatus for injecting steam into a wellbore.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Throughout the world there are major deposits of heavy oils which are not recoverable using ordinary production techniques. These deposits are often referred to as “tar sand” or “heavy oil” deposits due to the high viscosity of the hydrocarbons which they contain. These tar sands may extend for many miles and occur in varying thicknesses of up to more than 300 feet. The tar sands contain a viscous hydrocarbon material, commonly referred to as bitumen, in an amount which ranges from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of hydrocarbons. Bitumen is usually immobile at typical reservoir temperatures. Although tar sand deposits may lie at or near the earth's surface, generally they...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E21B43/24
CPCE21B43/12E21B43/2406E21B43/14
Inventor WATERHOUSE, FRANCIS IANMARCIN, JOZEPH ROBERTPALMER, CHRISTOPHER D.HANSON, ANDREW JAMES
Owner WEATHERFORD TECH HLDG LLC