Transmission Line Segment Coupler for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon resource recovery methods, such as Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), face challenges like long production times, significant heat loss, excessive steam consumption, high costs, and environmental impact due to water usage, as well as inefficiencies in RF heating systems caused by impedance mismatches and thermal expansion issues.
Innovation Solution
A transmission line segment coupler that mechanically, electrically, and fluidically couples coaxial transmission line segments, accommodating thermal expansion and including a dielectric support with fluid passageways, along with a balun configuration using adjustable dielectric fluid levels for frequency tuning and a liquid dielectric circuit to maintain efficient RF energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SAGD process is used to extract heavy oil, then oil recovery efficiency is improved, but production time is extended and heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water to steam through resistive heating. Water is heated to boiling point and converted to steam, which then condenses to water after transferring heat to the formation. This phase transition enables continuous heat supply without external steam generation, reducing production time and heat loss while maintaining high oil recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the injected water itself as the heat source through resistive heating elements. The water circulates through the heating elements, absorbs electrical energy, converts to steam, and transfers heat to the formation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external steam generators and reduces overall system complexity and heat loss.
2Productivity
If SAGD process is used to extract heavy oil, then oil recovery efficiency is improved, but steam consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs phase transition of water to steam and back to water within the wellbore. Water is converted to steam through resistive heating, transfers heat to the formation, then condenses back to water which is pumped back through the heating elements. This closed-loop phase transition dramatically reduces steam consumption compared to conventional SAGD that requires continuous external steam injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The injected water serves dual purposes: as the heating medium through resistive heating and as the heat transfer carrier. The water circulates continuously, absorbing electrical energy, transferring heat to the formation, and being reused. This eliminates the need for large volumes of external steam, reducing steam consumption while maintaining high productivity.
3Strength
If transmission line segments are coupled rigidly, then mechanical strength is improved, but thermal expansion accommodation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates a dynamic element that allows relative movement between transmission line segments. The coupling includes a bore and plug assembly that permits axial displacement, enabling the line to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining electrical continuity and mechanical strength through spring-loaded contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is divided into multiple segments that can expand and contract independently. Each segment is coupled through a specialized coupling mechanism that maintains electrical continuity while allowing thermal movement. This segmentation approach enables the entire line to accommodate thermal expansion without compromising the mechanical strength of individual segments or the overall line integrity.
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
Enhances the efficiency and reliability of RF heating systems for hydrocarbon resource recovery by reducing heat loss, minimizing water consumption, and accommodating thermal expansion, leading to improved operational characteristics and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
accommodating material expansion due to increased operating temperatures
Implementation Method 2
liquid dielectric circuit to maintain efficient RF energy transfer
Implementation Method 3
liquid dielectric circuit to maintain efficient RF energy transfer
Implementation Method 4
hydrocarbon resource recovery using RF heating
Implementation Method 5
RF heating systems
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission line segment coupler is for coupling together first and second coaxial transmission line segments each including an inner tubular conductor and an outer tubular conductor surrounding the inner tubular conductor and a dielectric therebetween. The coupler apparatus includes an outer tubular bearing body to be positioned within adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments, and an inner tubular bearing body configured to slidably move within the outer tubular bearing body to define a linear bearing therewith. The inner tubular bearing body is configured to define a fluid passageway in communication with the adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments.