Multiple Chamber Gas Generator for Borehole Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas generator systems for petroleum recovery struggle to control gas output pressures in heterogeneous reservoirs, particularly in low permeability formations, which can lead to reservoir fracturing and inefficient petroleum extraction.

Innovation Solution

A multiple chamber gas generator system with independently controlled combustion chambers, allowing for selective activation and deactivation of gas generators based on changing borehole conditions to maintain pressure within predetermined ranges, thereby optimizing petroleum recovery without fracturing the reservoir.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single gas generator system is used to increase gas output for petroleum recovery, then productivity is improved, but the pressure control capability deteriorates leading to reservoir fracturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas output volumeVSAvoidpressure control stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gas generator system is divided into multiple independent combustion chambers (first, second, third chambers) that can be controlled separately. Each chamber operates as an independent gas generation unit, allowing the system to segment total gas output into controllable portions. This enables better pressure management while maintaining high productivity through coordinated operation of multiple chambers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gas generators are activated simultaneously to maintain pressure in low permeability formations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to changing borehole conditionsVSAvoidnumber of independently controlled chambers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic control of multiple combustion chambers based on real-time borehole conditions. The control system can activate, deactivate, or adjust the operation of individual chambers (first, second, third chambers) according to changing pressure requirements, formation permeability, and petroleum recovery needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond flexibly to varying conditions without requiring permanent complex configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If gas output pressure is increased to enhance petroleum recovery efficiency, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to reservoir fracturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepetroleum extraction efficiencyVSAvoidreservoir fracturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor borehole pressure, gas output rates, and formation responses in real-time. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts the operation of individual combustion chambers to maintain pressure within optimal ranges that maximize petroleum recovery without exceeding thresholds that would cause harmful reservoir fracturing. This closed-loop control ensures productive operation while preventing adverse effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enables efficient and controlled gas generation in boreholes, ensuring stable pressure conditions and preventing reservoir fracturing, thereby enhancing petroleum product recovery in both high and low permeability formations.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of gas generators (10) has an elongate combustion chamber (50) and burns a fuel and an oxidizing agent to produce the high pressure combustion gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

The walls of the combustion chamber (50) are cooled by cooling water flowing through an annular cooling jacket (70)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a portion of the cooling water is injected through injection apertures (71) into the combustion chamber (50) to form a steam plume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

The combustion gases and the steam plume are conducted through a restricted orifice (78) at the exhaust end (24) of the combustion housing (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8950471B2Method of operation of a downhole gas generator with multiple combustion chambers

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 KREIS SYNGAS

AI summary

A method for generating gasses in a borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The method utilizes a multiple chamber gas generator system that includes a plurality of gas generators each having an elongate combustion chamber. The multiple chamber gas generator system is positioned in the borehole, and the operation of each of the plurality of gas generators is controlled to selectively turn each of the gas generators on or off, to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in conditions within the borehole.