Super-heater Control for Steam Oil Ratio Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enhanced oil and gas recovery systems face challenges in reducing operating expenses and Steam Oil Ratio (SOR) due to inefficiencies in steam generation and distribution, particularly in maintaining super-heated steam conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a boiler and a super-heater configured to generate multiple super-heat levels in various sections of the enhanced oil recovery system, controlled by a real-time control system using temperature feedback and control tables to optimize steam flow and reduce SOR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If saturated steam is used for enhanced oil recovery, then the system is simpler to operate, but the Steam Oil Ratio (SOR) is higher and operating expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from saturated steam to super-heated steam, changing the thermal state parameter of the steam. The super-heater increases steam temperature above saturation point, which reduces SOR and operating expenses while improving oil recovery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through real-time temperature monitoring and feedback control. The system continuously adjusts super-heat levels based on temperature feedback from multiple zones, creating a dynamic control cycle that optimizes steam delivery conditions
2Quantity of substance
If super-heated steam is generated to reduce SOR, then operating expenses decrease, but system complexity increases due to multiple control parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor steam temperature in different zones and feed this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically adjusts super-heat levels to maintain optimal conditions, simplifying operation despite the complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the super-heat level adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The real-time control system dynamically modifies operational parameters based on actual field conditions, allowing adaptation to changing requirements while maintaining reduced SOR
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple super-heat levels are implemented in different sections, then steam energy efficiency improves, but the number of control parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different super-heat levels in different spatial zones or sections of the oil reservoir. Each section receives customized steam temperature based on its specific characteristics, improving overall energy efficiency by matching steam conditions to local requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the oil recovery operation into multiple zones or sections, each with its own temperature control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section's steam parameters, improving energy efficiency while the centralized control system manages all parameters through a unified interface
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 solution effectively reduces operating expenses and SOR by optimizing steam generation and distribution, ensuring efficient use of steam energy and extending the reach of existing steam generators.
Implementation Method 1
a super-heater configured to generate a plurality of super-heat levels in a plurality of sections of the at least one of the enhanced oil recovery system and the gas recovery system downstream of the super-heater
Implementation Method 2
a real time control system controls the plurality of super-heat levels per section of the at least one of the enhanced oil recovery system and gas recovery system using a temperature feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for reducing an operating expense and a steam oil ratio (SOR) of at least one of an enhanced oil recovery system and a gas recovery system. The system can include a boiler configured to produce steam. The system can further include a super-heater in fluid communication with the boiler, the super-heater configured to generate a plurality of super-heat levels in a plurality of sections of the at least one of the enhanced oil recovery system and the gas recovery system downstream of the super-heater, wherein the plurality of super-heat levels are implemented per each one of the plurality of downstream sections of the at least one of the enhanced oil recovery system and gas recovery system to reduce the SOR.