Steam Generator Using Rotating Fluid for Wellbore Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam generation methods for wellbore servicing tools often suffer from premature component failure and inadequate steam quality due to heat transfer issues caused by impurities and the formation of less conductive vapor phases, which reduce electrical conductivity and inhibit steam production.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, moving along a curved path and subjected to an electrical current, to vaporize at least a portion of the fluid, thereby maintaining electrical conductivity and promoting separation of vapor from liquid, ensuring continuous steam generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is heated by conducting heat from resistive electrical heating elements, then steam generation is achieved, but the heating elements overheat and fail prematurely due to water separation from the conduction surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotating drum as an intermediary component that facilitates continuous water contact with the heating element surface. The drum rotates to bring fresh water into contact with the heated surface, preventing permanent water separation while maintaining effective heat transfer, thus preventing overheating and premature failure of the heating element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotation of the drum to continuously change the contact interface between water and heating element. This dynamic motion ensures that water is constantly replenished at the conduction surface, preventing the formation of stable vapor barriers and maintaining reliable heat transfer throughout operation
2Productivity
If electrical current is passed through water to heat it, then steam generation is achieved, but steam production is inhibited when conductive path is decreased due to vapor formation within the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating drum creates dynamic motion that continuously renews the electrical conductive path by bringing fresh conductive water into contact with the heated surface. This prevents the formation of stable vapor barriers that would increase resistance, thereby maintaining high steam generation rates throughout operation
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous rotation of the drum ensures uninterrupted electrical conduction and heating process. By constantly replenishing the water layer on the heating surface, the system maintains continuous steam generation without the conductive path degradation that would occur with static water exposure
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 solution effectively generates high-quality steam by maintaining electrical conductivity and preventing vapor buildup, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of steam generation for wellbore servicing tools.
Implementation Method 1
passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body
Implementation Method 3
converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor
Implementation Method 4
a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating steam by moving at least a portion of an electrically conductive fluid body along a curved path, passing an electrical current through at least a portion of the fluid body that is moving along the curved path, and vaporizing at least a portion of the fluid body. A steam generating apparatus having a first hydrocyclone configured to promote a rotational kinetic characteristic of a fluid body introduced into the first hydrocyclone and a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver an electrical current to the fluid body. A method of servicing a wellbore by providing a fluid body with rotational kinetic characteristics, passing an electrical current through the fluid body to heat the fluid body, converting liquid of the fluid body to vapor, and delivering the vapor to the wellbore.