Lube oil recovery system for geothermal lineshaft pump

Abstract

A geothermal pump includes a lineshaft, an internal casing disposed concentrically around the lineshaft and configured to form a lubrication-space between the lineshaft and the internal casing, an external casing disposed concentrically around the internal casing and configured to form a brine-space between the internal casing and the external casing, a piping network connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing, and a seal assembly disposed on a down-hole end of the lineshaft and connected to the piping network and the lubrication-space, such that a fluid circuit is formed, the seal assembly being configured to enable a lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network to the lubrication-space in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end of the lineshaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 62 / 198,804, filed Jul. 30, 2015, the contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]Field of the Invention[0003]Geothermal heat transfer is one alternative energy source that is becoming popular as a way to reduce dependence on traditional power sources like nuclear energy and fossil fuels. Geothermal applications use the internal energy of the earth and extract this internal energy as heat. The heat can then be used in a variety of ways, such as heating houses, warming water, and powering heat pumps. In other words, geothermal heat can be used like any other type of energy source. Geothermal applications are desirable because they avoid many of the harmful byproducts associated with some of the more commonly used fossil fuels.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]A known geothermal heat transfer process involves drawing hot geothermal brine from below g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus and system for collecting lubrication oil from geothermal brine. The system is closed, which prevents the lubrication oil from leaking out and getting contaminated. This reduces the loss of lubricants and allows for easier maintenance of the system.

Problems solved by technology

However, pumping the brine to the surface often requires high pressure below ground to facilitate fluid movement.

The rotational forces at work in the lineshaft, including the speed of rotation and the torque, can cause friction, and subsequently heat.

This heat can be harmful to the lineshaft, the pump, and many other secondary components associated with geothermal extraction systems.

This results in a loss of the lubrication fluid.

Implementing a separation process requires costly additions to the overall pumping system.

Furthermore, a separation process can waste valuable time that may otherwise be spent on drilling and brine recovery.

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