Steam Generation Control for EOR Venting and Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam generation apparatuses used in enhanced oil recovery require efficient management of process variables and equipment control during startup and continuous operation to ensure optimal steam quality and pressure for effective oil extraction, which existing systems often fail to achieve consistently.
Innovation Solution
A steam generation apparatus comprising a feedwater supply system, a steam generation system, and a delivery system with a control system that includes instruments for sensing physical parameters and controlling pressure, allowing for the adjustment of feedwater flow rate and steam quality to maintain desired injection pressure and quality, and includes a method for determining and adjusting parameters to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam generation apparatus operates during startup phase, then steam production begins, but pressure control and steam quality become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions during startup by gradually opening the steam valve and adjusting feedwater flow rate before full operation begins. The control system pre-establishes appropriate pressure and flow parameters to ensure stable transition into normal operation, preventing sudden pressure fluctuations and maintaining steam quality from the outset.
2Productivity
If steam valve opens to deliver steam to destination, then steam flow increases, but pressure in main steam header pipe decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors pressure in the main steam header pipe and steam valve position, using this feedback to dynamically adjust the steam valve opening degree. When pressure drops due to increased demand, the system responds by opening the valve further or increasing feedwater flow, thereby maintaining pressure within the desired range while meeting delivery requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If feedwater flow rate increases to maintain steam quality, then steam production capacity improves, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adjusts feedwater flow rate based on real-time monitoring of steam valve position and main header pressure, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain consistent steam quality by correlating valve opening degree with appropriate feedwater flow, thereby achieving precision control without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
The apparatus ensures consistent delivery of steam at desired injection pressure and quality, improving oil recovery by maintaining optimal steam conditions, reducing operational costs, and enhancing the durability and safety of the steam generation system.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generation system... capable of producing at least one of water and steam
Implementation Method 2
steam generation system... delivering steam at a desired injection pressure
Implementation Method 3
a feedwater pump... supplying water to the steam generation system
Implementation Method 4
sending at least one of water and steam to the venting reservoir if the pressure in the main steam header pipe is not within acceptable parameters
Data Source
AI summary
The current disclosure relates to a method of steam generation. Particularly, the current disclosure relates to steam generation supply apparati and associated control systems that are used for enhanced oil recovery. Certain embodiments are provided including methods and associated control systems related to the startup as well as main steam pressure header control or maintenance of a desired steam quality for such steam generation systems during normal operation.