Direct Steam Generator Super-Heat Scheduling for Oil Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam-based oil and gas recovery systems suffer from inefficiencies, leading to high Steam Oil Ratios (SOR) due to wasted steam energy, particularly in the form of saturated steam which has lower heat transfer efficiency compared to super-heated steam.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a direct steam generator (DSG) boiler, optionally coupled with a multiphase close-coupled heat exchanger system and a super-heater, to schedule and optimize the delivery of super-heated steam to the downhole portion of the steam system, thereby improving the SOR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If saturated steam is used in steam-based oil and gas recovery systems, then the system can operate with conventional steam boilers, but the heat transfer efficiency is low and Steam Oil Ratio (SOR) is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of steam from saturated state to super-heated state by adding a super-heater component. This parameter change increases the temperature and energy content of the steam, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing energy loss during the oil recovery process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the steam beyond saturation point before it enters the downhole portion. The super-heater prepares the steam with excess thermal energy in advance, ensuring more effective heat transfer when the steam contacts the oil deposits
2Device complexity
If conventional steam boilers are used, then the system design is simpler, but condensate loss and heat energy wastage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the scheduling system that monitors and adjusts super-heat delivery to optimize performance. This feedback mechanism ensures that steam energy is delivered efficiently, minimizing condensate loss and heat energy wastage while maintaining optimal recovery conditions
3Productivity
If super-heated steam is delivered to downhole portion, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but scheduling and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a scheduling system that dynamically adjusts super-heat delivery based on real-time conditions. This dynamic control optimizes heat transfer efficiency by varying steam parameters according to downhole conditions, maximizing energy utilization
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes condensate loss and heat energy wastage, allowing super-heated steam to effectively deliver its energy to the oil deposits, thereby reducing the SOR and enhancing the overall efficiency of oil and gas recovery processes.
Implementation Method 1
the DSG boiler is configured to schedule super-heat delivered to the downhole portion to optimize the SOR associated with the system
Implementation Method 2
an optional multiphase close-coupled heat exchanger system
Implementation Method 3
This approach minimizes condensate loss and heat energy wastage
Data Source
AI summary
A system for improving a steam oil ratio (SOR) includes a direct steam generator (DSG) boiler fluidly coupled with a downhole portion of a steam system via at least a DSG outlet, wherein the DSG boiler is configured to schedule super-heat delivered to the downhole portion to optimize the SOR associated with the system.