Water Processing System for Thermal Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal enhanced oil recovery systems waste significant thermal and mechanical energy, and existing water processing technologies are inefficient in converting low-quality saline water into high-pressure steam for enhanced oil recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
A water processing system that utilizes the thermal and mechanical energy of produced water from hydrocarbon reservoirs to convert it into high-pressure steam without cooling, employing a reactor and heat generator arrangement that includes various energy sources such as fossil fuels, electrical heaters, and renewable energy, to produce steam with over 98% vapor content for downstream applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional thermal enhanced oil recovery systems are used to convert produced water into steam, then steam is produced for downstream operations, but significant thermal and mechanical energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted thermal and mechanical energy in produced water into useful energy for steam generation. By utilizing the inherent energy content of produced water through direct injection into the reactor, the system transforms what was previously a waste stream into a beneficial energy source, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and eliminating the need for separate cooling and reheating processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate processes into a single integrated system. The produced water treatment, heating, and steam generation functions are combined into one reactor system, allowing the produced water to directly contribute its thermal and mechanical energy to the steam generation process, thereby eliminating energy losses associated with separate cooling and reheating operations
2Productivity
If produced water is cooled and then reheated for steam generation, then steam is produced, but energy consumption increases due to cooling and reheating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by directly injecting the produced water into the reactor at its existing temperature and pressure conditions, rather than first cooling it down. This preliminary injection allows the water to immediately begin contributing to steam generation, eliminating the need for subsequent reheating and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining steam production efficiency
3Productivity
If conventional water processing systems are used to convert low-quality saline water into high-pressure steam, then steam is produced for enhanced oil recovery, but the conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted thermal and mechanical energy in produced water into useful energy for steam generation. By utilizing the inherent energy content of produced water through direct injection into the reactor, the system transforms what was previously a waste stream into a beneficial energy source, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and eliminating the need for separate cooling and reheating processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate processes into a single integrated system. The produced water treatment, heating, and steam generation functions are combined into one reactor system, allowing the produced water to directly contribute its thermal and mechanical energy to the steam generation process, thereby eliminating energy losses associated with separate cooling and reheating operations
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 system effectively recycles thermal and mechanical energy, reducing environmental impact and energy consumption, and produces high-quality steam for enhanced oil recovery, thermal water purification, and industrial processes, while minimizing waste and carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
convert this feed water input into a steam output for use in a downstream operation
Implementation Method 2
The heat generator arrangement is operable to supply a remaining thermal energy required to convert the feed water input into the steam output
Implementation Method 3
The system may comprise a separator arrangement including a separator configured to receive produced water from a hydrocarbon reservoir and separate oil and gas from the produced water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
M&C PA990432WO 2 2851632-1-DMURRAY ABSTRACT WATER PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD A water processing system (10) comprises a reactor (12) configured to receive a feed water input (FW). The reactor (12) is configured to convert the feed water input (FW) into a steam output (S) for use in a downstream operation. The processing system (10) is configured to utilise the thermal and/or mechanical energy of the feed water input (FW) to partially power the conversion of the feed water input (FW) to the steam output (S). The system (10) further comprises a heat generator arrangement operatively associated with the reactor (12), the heat generator arrangement supplying the remaining thermal energy required to convert the feed water input (FW) into the steam output (S).