CA2240016C - An apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids - Google Patents
An apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2240016C CA2240016C CA002240016A CA2240016A CA2240016C CA 2240016 C CA2240016 C CA 2240016C CA 002240016 A CA002240016 A CA 002240016A CA 2240016 A CA2240016 A CA 2240016A CA 2240016 C CA2240016 C CA 2240016C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- magnets
- housing
- core
- magnet
- pairs
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 55
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 35
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 abstract description 10
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 7
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052761 rare earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 150000002910 rare earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 229910000975 Carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010962 carbon steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 samarium-cobalt rare earth Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910000938 samarium–cobalt magnet Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/48—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields
- C02F1/481—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage with magnetic or electric fields using permanent magnets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C—MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03C1/00—Magnetic separation
- B03C1/02—Magnetic separation acting directly on the substance being separated
- B03C1/28—Magnetic plugs and dipsticks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B37/00—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)
- Water Treatment By Electricity Or Magnetism (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for magnetically treating fluids removed from a hydrocarbon well is described. The apparatus includes a hydrocarbon section and a reactor section. The hydrocarbon section is designed to treat crude oil to inhibit the deposition of paraffins, asphaltines, and the like. The reactor section is designed to treat aqueous fluids to inhibit the deposition of scale, and the like. The magnets in the two sections are arranged in a linear, co-axial relationship. Radial focus magnets are provided in the reactor section to distort the magnetic field and provide radial exposure of the magnetic flux. The advantage is a simple, effective arrangement of magnets that requires minimal space and therefore minimizes interference with fluid flow.
Description
AN APPARATUS FOR MAGNETICALLY
TREATING FLOWING FLUIDS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a conduit, and in particular, to an apparatus for inhibiting the formation of deposits and removing existing deposits of paraffins, asphaltines and the like, as well as scale on the inside of downhole oil production tubulars in a hydrocarbon well using permanent magnets.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The concept of using permanent magnets to treat fluid flow in oil wells is well known in the art.
However, the arrangement of polarity orientation and structural improvements for work efficiency is still evolving.
As an example, United States Patent No. 4,564,448 which issued Jan. 14, 1986 to 0'Meara, Jr., entitled Device for Treating Fluids with Magnetic Lines of Force.
This patent discloses a tool for treating fluids which includes a core magnet assembly and at least one spaced-apart and concentric elongated ring magnet assembly forming at least one annular passageway for the fluid.
Each magnet assembly comprises at least one tier of at least two magnetic sections arranged in coaxial lines in N-N and S-S relation in at least one permanent magnet (Fig. l). The magnet assemblies are positioned so that the polarities of adjacent polar ends of magnetic sections in one of the magnet assemblies are unlike the polarities of the oppositely disposed adjacent polar ends of magnetic sections in a spaced-apart magnet assembly.
The device described in this prior patent has a series (tier) of magnets axially oriented in the core with an annular fluid passageway around it. However, the magnetic flux fields are established as narrow radial bands between the opposite poles of magnets in the core assembly and magnets of the ring assembly (Fig. 1 ).
Therefore, the ring magnet assembly is essential for the device to work.
As another example, United States Patent No. 5,024,271 which issued June 18, 1991 to Bait Institute of Applied Design of New Materials, entitled Permanent-Magnet Wax-Proof Device. This patent discloses a permanent magnet wax-proof tool which includes one or more than one magnetic pole pairs, each of which includes two magnetic circuit units, each unit comprising radially oriented magnets co-operating with axially or circumferentially oriented magnets or both (Figs. 3 to 6). The second embodiment of the invention described in this patent (Figs. 5, 6, 8 and 10) can be connected in series with a sucker rod used in pumping some oil wells.
This embodiment forms a magnet core and the fluids flow around the core. The device described in this patent, and in particular as the second embodiment has axially oriented magnets in the pairs of magnetic circuits which are incorporated in a sucker rod connector and form a magnetic core, treating the fluids flowing around the core. This patent emphasizes that the main purpose of adding the axially oriented side magnets or the circumferentially oriented strip magnets, or both, to the radially oriented tile magnets is to suppress the leakage of magnetic field generated by the radially oriented tile magnets so as to significantly concentrate and thus enhance the field strength in the main area of oil flow.
As a further example, United States Patent No. 5,700,376 which issued on December 23, 1997 to Carpenter, entitled Method and Apparatus for Magnetically Treating Flowing Liquids. This patent discloses an apparatus which includes a plurality of parallel spacers secured at circumferentially spaced locations to the inside of a cylindrical portion of a housing, with a series of axially spaced, first and second magnets sandwiched between the inside surface of the cylindrical portion of the housing and the outer surface of a pipe and circumferentially spaced from each other and from the spacers, with the poles of the first and second magnets oppositely oriented so that a flux field is formed between the poles of the spaced-apart magnets.
As yet another example, United States Patent No. 5,178,757 which issued Jan. 12, 1993 to Mag-Well, Inc., is entitled Magnetic, Fluid-Conditioning Tools.
This patent discloses a device which includes an elongated hollow core, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally through the core, at least two longitudinally extending arrays of magnets on an exterior surface of the core on opposite sides of the fluid passage. The magnets in each array being in register across the fluid passage, each registered pair of magnets having adjacent opposite poles to provide a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the passage. An alternate embodiment of the device has three longitudinally extending arrays of magnets with two fluid passages between them.
United States Patent No. 5,453,188 which issued on September 26, 1995 to Florescu et al., is entitled Magnetic Apparatus for Preventing Deposit Formation in Flowing Fluids. This patent discloses an apparatus and a method for minimizing the formation of deposits of paraffin, asphaltine and scale on the surface of tubing in an oil well by increasing the turbulence of various electrically-charged microscopic particles populating crude oil colloidal suspensions, using effects of the Lorentz force which acts upon the flowing fluid. A
plurality of spaced-apart permanent magnet disc assembles are disposed perpendicularly of a fluid flowing through the tubing. The disc assemblies are specially configured to provide a unique helicoidal trajectory of the various electrically-charged microscopic particles, subjecting those particles to a prolonged exposure to an intense magnetic flux. As the fluid flows through the central passageway, the charged particles exhibit turbulent, helicoidal flow through the concentrated magnetic lines of force.
TREATING FLOWING FLUIDS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a conduit, and in particular, to an apparatus for inhibiting the formation of deposits and removing existing deposits of paraffins, asphaltines and the like, as well as scale on the inside of downhole oil production tubulars in a hydrocarbon well using permanent magnets.
THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The concept of using permanent magnets to treat fluid flow in oil wells is well known in the art.
However, the arrangement of polarity orientation and structural improvements for work efficiency is still evolving.
As an example, United States Patent No. 4,564,448 which issued Jan. 14, 1986 to 0'Meara, Jr., entitled Device for Treating Fluids with Magnetic Lines of Force.
This patent discloses a tool for treating fluids which includes a core magnet assembly and at least one spaced-apart and concentric elongated ring magnet assembly forming at least one annular passageway for the fluid.
Each magnet assembly comprises at least one tier of at least two magnetic sections arranged in coaxial lines in N-N and S-S relation in at least one permanent magnet (Fig. l). The magnet assemblies are positioned so that the polarities of adjacent polar ends of magnetic sections in one of the magnet assemblies are unlike the polarities of the oppositely disposed adjacent polar ends of magnetic sections in a spaced-apart magnet assembly.
The device described in this prior patent has a series (tier) of magnets axially oriented in the core with an annular fluid passageway around it. However, the magnetic flux fields are established as narrow radial bands between the opposite poles of magnets in the core assembly and magnets of the ring assembly (Fig. 1 ).
Therefore, the ring magnet assembly is essential for the device to work.
As another example, United States Patent No. 5,024,271 which issued June 18, 1991 to Bait Institute of Applied Design of New Materials, entitled Permanent-Magnet Wax-Proof Device. This patent discloses a permanent magnet wax-proof tool which includes one or more than one magnetic pole pairs, each of which includes two magnetic circuit units, each unit comprising radially oriented magnets co-operating with axially or circumferentially oriented magnets or both (Figs. 3 to 6). The second embodiment of the invention described in this patent (Figs. 5, 6, 8 and 10) can be connected in series with a sucker rod used in pumping some oil wells.
This embodiment forms a magnet core and the fluids flow around the core. The device described in this patent, and in particular as the second embodiment has axially oriented magnets in the pairs of magnetic circuits which are incorporated in a sucker rod connector and form a magnetic core, treating the fluids flowing around the core. This patent emphasizes that the main purpose of adding the axially oriented side magnets or the circumferentially oriented strip magnets, or both, to the radially oriented tile magnets is to suppress the leakage of magnetic field generated by the radially oriented tile magnets so as to significantly concentrate and thus enhance the field strength in the main area of oil flow.
As a further example, United States Patent No. 5,700,376 which issued on December 23, 1997 to Carpenter, entitled Method and Apparatus for Magnetically Treating Flowing Liquids. This patent discloses an apparatus which includes a plurality of parallel spacers secured at circumferentially spaced locations to the inside of a cylindrical portion of a housing, with a series of axially spaced, first and second magnets sandwiched between the inside surface of the cylindrical portion of the housing and the outer surface of a pipe and circumferentially spaced from each other and from the spacers, with the poles of the first and second magnets oppositely oriented so that a flux field is formed between the poles of the spaced-apart magnets.
As yet another example, United States Patent No. 5,178,757 which issued Jan. 12, 1993 to Mag-Well, Inc., is entitled Magnetic, Fluid-Conditioning Tools.
This patent discloses a device which includes an elongated hollow core, at least one fluid passage extending longitudinally through the core, at least two longitudinally extending arrays of magnets on an exterior surface of the core on opposite sides of the fluid passage. The magnets in each array being in register across the fluid passage, each registered pair of magnets having adjacent opposite poles to provide a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the passage. An alternate embodiment of the device has three longitudinally extending arrays of magnets with two fluid passages between them.
United States Patent No. 5,453,188 which issued on September 26, 1995 to Florescu et al., is entitled Magnetic Apparatus for Preventing Deposit Formation in Flowing Fluids. This patent discloses an apparatus and a method for minimizing the formation of deposits of paraffin, asphaltine and scale on the surface of tubing in an oil well by increasing the turbulence of various electrically-charged microscopic particles populating crude oil colloidal suspensions, using effects of the Lorentz force which acts upon the flowing fluid. A
plurality of spaced-apart permanent magnet disc assembles are disposed perpendicularly of a fluid flowing through the tubing. The disc assemblies are specially configured to provide a unique helicoidal trajectory of the various electrically-charged microscopic particles, subjecting those particles to a prolonged exposure to an intense magnetic flux. As the fluid flows through the central passageway, the charged particles exhibit turbulent, helicoidal flow through the concentrated magnetic lines of force.
The devices disclosed in the above prior patents all teach magnets arranged in radial relationship except for the second embodiment described in United States Patent No. 5,024,27 which device, however, has a magnet circuit with a complicated structure. Consequently, there exists a need for a simple, linear arrangement of magnets that effectively treat well fluids to inhibit the formation of deposits of asphaltines, paraffins and scale on the surface of a tubing in an oil well.
THE SLJ~RY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids removed from hydrocarbon wells.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids in which the magnets are principally arranged in a co-axial linear relationship so that constriction of a fluid path is minimized.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which magnetically treats both hydrocarbon and aqueous fluids.
THE SLJ~RY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids removed from hydrocarbon wells.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids in which the magnets are principally arranged in a co-axial linear relationship so that constriction of a fluid path is minimized.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which magnetically treats both hydrocarbon and aqueous fluids.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which includes two separate sections, a first being particularly adapted for treating hydrocarbon fluids and a second particularly adapted for treating aqueous fluids.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a tubing comprises:
a first housing adapted to be coupled to one end to the tubing, the housing being of magnetic material;
a first elongated core magnet assembly supported and axially extending within the first housing so that an annular passage is formed between the elongated core magnet assembly and the first housing, the core magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets co-axially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs, adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent, each of the pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer.
The first core magnet assembly may also include a single magnet which is axially spaced from a first pair of the magnets on an upstream end with respect to a direction of flow of the fluids, the single magnet having a like pole oriented towards an adjacent pole of the first pair of the magnets.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the apparatus may further include a second housing which is made of magnetic material and adapted to be coupled to an upstream end of the first housing, the opposite end thereof being adapted for an entry of the fluids to be treated;
a second elongated magnet core assembly which extends axially within the second housing, so that an annular passage is formed between the second core magnet assembly and the second housing, the second core assembly including at least two pairs of magnets arranged co-axially in series, with opposite poles adjacent in each of pairs and like poles adjacent between the two pairs, the two pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer; and a first set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at an inner periphery of the second housing, the focusing magnets being diametrically spaced apart with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented towards each other, the first set of focusing magnets being located downstream of the second elongated magnet core assembly.
_ g Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and positioned radially opposite and axially off-set with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the second set of the focusing magnets having an axis of orientation which is offset 90° with respect to the first set of focusing magnets and axially located downstream from the first set of focusing magnets.
The apparatus may also include a third set of focusing magnets which includes two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and axially offset with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the third set of the focusing magnets being axially located downstream from the second set of the focusing magnets with one of the magnets having an axis of orientation parallel to that of the second set of focusing magnets, the other of the magnets being offset from that axis of orientation by less than 90°.
The first section of the apparatus including the first housing and the first core magnet assembly is particularly adapted for treating hydrocarbon fluids to inhibit the formation of deposits of paraffins, asphaltines, and the like. Any cross-section of the housing intersects at most one magnet. The second section, which is an optional component, of the apparatus includes a second housing and a second core magnet assembly, as well as the focusing magnets. The second section is particularly adapted for treating aqueous fluids, to inhibit the formation of deposits of scale on the inside of downhole oil production tubing as well as on the surrounding well casing. As in the first section, except from the first set of focusing magnets, any cross-section intersects at most one magnet. This arrangement uses a minimum of space, and therefore minimally interferes with flow through the production tubing. Even though the magnets are arranged in a linear co-axial relationship, experimentation has shown that he apparatus is extremely effective in inhibiting deposits of paraffins, asphaltines and scale in production tubing and well casing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be further explained by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for treating fluids in accordance with the invention shown in a cased hydrocarbon well bore;
FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional segmented view of an elongated core magnet assembly used in a hydrocarbon section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2b is a portion of the elongated core magnet assembly shown in FIG. 2a, schematically illustrating the flux fields generated by the core magnet assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a;
FIG. 3a is a detailed schematic view of a reactor section of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3b is a detailed schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the reactor section of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor section shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b taken along lines 4-4 of those Figures; and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor section shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, taken along lines 5-5 of those Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention relates to an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a tubing, such as a production tubing in a hydrocarbon well.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention suspended in a cased hydrocarbon well generally indicated by reference 12. As is well known in the art, the cased hydrocarbon well includes a casing 14 having a perforated area 16 in a hydrocarbon production zone 18. Typically, hydrocarbons in the form of natural gas, crude oil and water are produced simultaneously from the production zone 18. The fluids produced from the production zone 18 may also include colodial suspensions of sand or other particulates. The fluids enter the casing 14 through the perforations 16 and are raised to the surface through a production tubing (not illustrated). The fluids commonly contain asphaltines and/or paraffins which can foul the production tubing and slow or stop production from the well. The water which is produced along with the crude oil from the production zone 18 may also be contaminated with carbonates or other dissolved minerals which can foul the perforations 16 and/or the production tubing.
The apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention magnetically treats fluids flowing from the production zone 18 to inhibit the formation of deposits within the production tubing to maintain full production from the well.
The apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention includes a connector section 20 which is a "pup-joint" of production tubing used to connect the apparatus 10 to the bottom end of the production tubing through which fluids are produced from the well. The diameter of the connector section 20 is the same as the diameter of the production tubing in the well. A hydrocarbon section 22 for treating hydrocarbon fluids produced from the well is connected to the connector section 20 by a coupling 24.
The hydrocarbon section 22 includes an elongated core magnet assembly 26 axially suspended within a hydrocarbon section housing 28 and centralized by three sets of hanger components 29 so that an annular passage is formed through which flow fluids produced from the well.
The apparatus 10 further includes a reactor section 30 for treating an aqueous component of fluids produced from the production zone 18. The reactor section 30 is connected to the hydrocarbon section 22 by a coupling 32. The reactor section 30 includes a reactor core magnet assembly 34, a pair of lower radial focus magnets 36 and at least one pair of upper radial focus magnets 38. The details of the construction of both the hydrocarbon section 22 and the reactor section 30 are explained below in detail.
FIG. 2a is a schematic cross-sectional, sectionalized view of the core magnet assembly 26 of the hydrocarbon section 22 shown in FIG. 1. The assembly shown in FIG. 2a includes 55 magnets. The number of magnets included in any core magnet assembly is preferably a function of the composition and concentration of contaminants to be treated as well as the rate of flow from a well. In general, it has been observed that heavy asphaltines require a longer treatment time, and hence a longer core magnet assembly, than lighter paraffins It has also been observed that wells which produce fluids at a high rate of flow may require a longer core magnet assembly than wells which produce at a lower rate, depending of course on the concentration of impurities to be treated.
The core magnet assembly 26 shown in FIG. 2a comprises a plurality of rare earth magnets 40. The rare earth magnets are preferably samarium-cobalt rare earth magnets available from Hitachi Corporation, for example.
The strength of the magnets is preferably B-H of 19.5 MGO
with coercive force H~ of 8300 oerstads. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the core magnet assembly 26 includes 55 magnets 40 co-axially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent within each of the pairs. Adjacent pairs have like poles adj acent and are spaced apart by non-magnetic spacers 42. Each of the magnets 40 in each pair are also preferably spaced apart by a ferrous spacer 44, preferably a carbon steel. The non-magnetic spacers 42 are preferably brass. At a bottom end 46 of the core magnetic assembly 26, a single magnet 40 is preferably spaced from the last pair of magnets in the core magnet assembly by a non-magnetic spacer 42. The single magnet has a like pole oriented towards the last pair of magnets in order to produce a strong radial flux field through which fluids produced by the well flow as they enter the hydrocarbon section 22 of the apparatus 10. Preferably, a non-magnetic spacer 42 is also positioned beneath the lower most magnet 40 in the hydrocarbon section 22. The magnets in the core magnet assembly 26 may be bonded together using an epoxy resin or the like but are preferably contained within a core housing 48. The core housing 48 is radially supported on the inside surface of the hydrocarbon section housing 28 through the three sets of hanger components 29 and axially supported on a ring (not shown) which is welded to the bottom of the core housing 48 and wedged between the hydrocarbon section and the reactor section 30, and covered by the coupling 32.
The core housing 48 is constructed of a non-magnetic material. Experimentation has shown that stainless steel is the material of choice because of its corrosion resistance to the corrosive environments commonly encountered in hydrocarbon wells.
FIG. 2b is a schematic illustration of the flux fields created in the hydrocarbon section 22 of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. As is explained above, the hydrocarbon section includes an hydrocarbon section housing 28 which is of a magnetic material, preferably carbon steel. The arrangement of the rare earth magnets 40 within the core housing 48 creates strong radial flux fields which circulate through the hydrocarbon section housing 28 and subject fluids flowing through an annular passage 50 to magnetic treatment as described above.
FIG. 3a shows a first preferred embodiment of the reactor section 30 of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. The reactor section 30 includes a reactor section housing 51 having a top end 52 and a bottom end 54. The top end 52 is adapted to be coupled to the coupling 32 which is connected to a bottom end of the hydrocarbon section 28. The bottom end 54 is off-set 90°
with respect to a plane in which the axis of the axial slots 58 and is bolted to the reactor section housing 51 of the reactor section 30. A core housing 64 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4) of the reactor core assembly 34 is preferably welded to the U-shaped bracket 60. The U-shaped bracket 60 is preferably made of a magnet material such as carbon steel to enhance a magnetic flux field created between the lower set of radial focus magnets 36 and the reactor core magnet assembly 34.
The first set of radial focus magnets 36 are preferably rare earth magnets which are radially oriented and supported in pockets 66 welded to an inner surface of the reactor section housing 51. The first set of radial focus magnets 36 are inserted through bores from an outside of the reactor section housing 51 into the pockets 66. A U-shaped bracket 60 retains the radial focus magnets 36 within the pockets 66. The radial focus magnets 36 are diametrically opposed and oriented in a plane that is off-set 90° with respect to the axial slots 58. The lower pair of radial focus magnets preferably have like poles directed inwardly. The preferred arrangement is north poles inwardly and south poles outwardly directed. It should be noted that the pole of the most upstream magnet in the core magnet assembly 26 (FIG. 2a), the pole of the most downstream magnet in the reactor core magnet assembly 34 (FIG. 4) and the inwardly directed poles of the focus magnets 36, 38 and 74 are all of the same polarity, namely "north".
The upper set of radial focus magnets 38 are likewise retained in pockets (not illustrated) welded to an inside surface of the reactor section housing 51. The upper pair of radial focus magnets are axially off-set from each other in a plane which is off-set 90° with respect to the pair of lower focus magnets 36. The pair of upper focus magnets 38 are retained in their pockets by a sleeve 68 which preferably rests on a machined shoulder 70 and is secured by set screws 72 or the like.
The function of the pairs of focus magnets 36, 38 is to distort the magnetic flux field so that aqueous solutions are treated to keep dissolved minerals in solution.
The reactor section 30 shown in FIG. 3b is identical to that shown in FIG. 3a with the exception that two pairs of upper focus magnets are provided. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3b is used for treating wells which produce aqueous fluids high in dissolved minerals and/or high concentrations of particulates such as sand, or the like. The focus magnets 74, which are most downstream are preferably oriented in the same plain as the focus magnets 38 with the exception that an upper, or the most downstream, focus magnet 74 may be off-set with respect to the other by up to about 45°. Off-sets of 12.5° and 23° are preferred. In general, experimentation has shown that the more viscous the crude oil produced from the well, or the more heavily laden with sand or other particulates, the greater the off-set required for the most downstream focus magnet 74.
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the reactor core magnetic assembly 34 taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3a.
The reactor core magnet assembly 34 is identical in construction to the core magnet assembly 26 described above. The magnets are co-axially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs and adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent. Each of the pairs are separated by a non-magnetic spacer 42 which is preferably brass. Each of the magnets in each pair are separated by a ferrous spacer 44, preferably carbon steel. The reactor core magnet assembly 34 is contained within a reactor core housing 64 of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel. The reactor core magnet assembly 34 preferably includes 4 rare earth magnets 40, although more magnets may be added if the aqueous component of production fluids is very high in dissolved minerals.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG.3a. As explained above, the U-shaped bracket 60 extends across the bottom end 54 of the reactor section 30. It supports the reactor core magnet assembly 34, which is preferably welded to the U-shaped bracket 60. The pair of axial slots 58 are off-set at 90°
to the U-shaped bracket 60, as described above.
In use, the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention, is connected to the bottom of a production tubing and lowered into a hydrocarbon well. The bottom end 54 of the reactor section 30 is preferably positioned in a vicinity of the highest production region of the production zone 18 (FIG. 1). Experimentation has demonstrated that even heavy crudes high in paraffin are successfully produced over long periods of time using the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. Such wells will normally foul a production tubing and require hot-oil treatment, or the like, to clear the tubing so that production can be re-commenced.
Use of the tool under experimental conditions has shown that a well which required hot-oil treatment every four to six weeks to remove paraffin deposits has been produced successfully for eight months using the apparatus in accordance with the invention, without any blockage of the production tubing by paraffin deposits.
In further experimental use, a well producing oil and water laden with carbonates had decreased in production from eight cubic meters per day to four cubic meters per day due to mineral deposits in and around the perforations in the casing. The production tubing was pulled from the well and an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention was inserted so that the reactor section 30 was located at the most permeable region of the casing perforations in the production zone. After four months of production, production was restored to near original production levels. The production tubulars were then pulled from the well and inspected. All evidence of deposits on the tubulars had disappeared and the tubulars appeared to be perfectly clean in the areas adjacent the reactor section 30 of the apparatus 10.
Consequently, there is good experimental evidence to support the efficacy of the apparatus 10 in magnetically treating well fluids. Although use of the apparatus 10 has been described with reference to downhole applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to such use.
It may also be used in pipelines, conduits and tubing, either horizontal or vertical where the deposition of waxes or minerals is a problem.
Changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described above will no doubt become apparent to persons skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a tubing comprises:
a first housing adapted to be coupled to one end to the tubing, the housing being of magnetic material;
a first elongated core magnet assembly supported and axially extending within the first housing so that an annular passage is formed between the elongated core magnet assembly and the first housing, the core magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets co-axially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs, adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent, each of the pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer.
The first core magnet assembly may also include a single magnet which is axially spaced from a first pair of the magnets on an upstream end with respect to a direction of flow of the fluids, the single magnet having a like pole oriented towards an adjacent pole of the first pair of the magnets.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the apparatus may further include a second housing which is made of magnetic material and adapted to be coupled to an upstream end of the first housing, the opposite end thereof being adapted for an entry of the fluids to be treated;
a second elongated magnet core assembly which extends axially within the second housing, so that an annular passage is formed between the second core magnet assembly and the second housing, the second core assembly including at least two pairs of magnets arranged co-axially in series, with opposite poles adjacent in each of pairs and like poles adjacent between the two pairs, the two pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer; and a first set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at an inner periphery of the second housing, the focusing magnets being diametrically spaced apart with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented towards each other, the first set of focusing magnets being located downstream of the second elongated magnet core assembly.
_ g Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and positioned radially opposite and axially off-set with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the second set of the focusing magnets having an axis of orientation which is offset 90° with respect to the first set of focusing magnets and axially located downstream from the first set of focusing magnets.
The apparatus may also include a third set of focusing magnets which includes two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and axially offset with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the third set of the focusing magnets being axially located downstream from the second set of the focusing magnets with one of the magnets having an axis of orientation parallel to that of the second set of focusing magnets, the other of the magnets being offset from that axis of orientation by less than 90°.
The first section of the apparatus including the first housing and the first core magnet assembly is particularly adapted for treating hydrocarbon fluids to inhibit the formation of deposits of paraffins, asphaltines, and the like. Any cross-section of the housing intersects at most one magnet. The second section, which is an optional component, of the apparatus includes a second housing and a second core magnet assembly, as well as the focusing magnets. The second section is particularly adapted for treating aqueous fluids, to inhibit the formation of deposits of scale on the inside of downhole oil production tubing as well as on the surrounding well casing. As in the first section, except from the first set of focusing magnets, any cross-section intersects at most one magnet. This arrangement uses a minimum of space, and therefore minimally interferes with flow through the production tubing. Even though the magnets are arranged in a linear co-axial relationship, experimentation has shown that he apparatus is extremely effective in inhibiting deposits of paraffins, asphaltines and scale in production tubing and well casing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be further explained by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for treating fluids in accordance with the invention shown in a cased hydrocarbon well bore;
FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional segmented view of an elongated core magnet assembly used in a hydrocarbon section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2b is a portion of the elongated core magnet assembly shown in FIG. 2a, schematically illustrating the flux fields generated by the core magnet assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2a;
FIG. 3a is a detailed schematic view of a reactor section of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3b is a detailed schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the reactor section of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor section shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b taken along lines 4-4 of those Figures; and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the reactor section shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, taken along lines 5-5 of those Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention relates to an apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a tubing, such as a production tubing in a hydrocarbon well.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention suspended in a cased hydrocarbon well generally indicated by reference 12. As is well known in the art, the cased hydrocarbon well includes a casing 14 having a perforated area 16 in a hydrocarbon production zone 18. Typically, hydrocarbons in the form of natural gas, crude oil and water are produced simultaneously from the production zone 18. The fluids produced from the production zone 18 may also include colodial suspensions of sand or other particulates. The fluids enter the casing 14 through the perforations 16 and are raised to the surface through a production tubing (not illustrated). The fluids commonly contain asphaltines and/or paraffins which can foul the production tubing and slow or stop production from the well. The water which is produced along with the crude oil from the production zone 18 may also be contaminated with carbonates or other dissolved minerals which can foul the perforations 16 and/or the production tubing.
The apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention magnetically treats fluids flowing from the production zone 18 to inhibit the formation of deposits within the production tubing to maintain full production from the well.
The apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention includes a connector section 20 which is a "pup-joint" of production tubing used to connect the apparatus 10 to the bottom end of the production tubing through which fluids are produced from the well. The diameter of the connector section 20 is the same as the diameter of the production tubing in the well. A hydrocarbon section 22 for treating hydrocarbon fluids produced from the well is connected to the connector section 20 by a coupling 24.
The hydrocarbon section 22 includes an elongated core magnet assembly 26 axially suspended within a hydrocarbon section housing 28 and centralized by three sets of hanger components 29 so that an annular passage is formed through which flow fluids produced from the well.
The apparatus 10 further includes a reactor section 30 for treating an aqueous component of fluids produced from the production zone 18. The reactor section 30 is connected to the hydrocarbon section 22 by a coupling 32. The reactor section 30 includes a reactor core magnet assembly 34, a pair of lower radial focus magnets 36 and at least one pair of upper radial focus magnets 38. The details of the construction of both the hydrocarbon section 22 and the reactor section 30 are explained below in detail.
FIG. 2a is a schematic cross-sectional, sectionalized view of the core magnet assembly 26 of the hydrocarbon section 22 shown in FIG. 1. The assembly shown in FIG. 2a includes 55 magnets. The number of magnets included in any core magnet assembly is preferably a function of the composition and concentration of contaminants to be treated as well as the rate of flow from a well. In general, it has been observed that heavy asphaltines require a longer treatment time, and hence a longer core magnet assembly, than lighter paraffins It has also been observed that wells which produce fluids at a high rate of flow may require a longer core magnet assembly than wells which produce at a lower rate, depending of course on the concentration of impurities to be treated.
The core magnet assembly 26 shown in FIG. 2a comprises a plurality of rare earth magnets 40. The rare earth magnets are preferably samarium-cobalt rare earth magnets available from Hitachi Corporation, for example.
The strength of the magnets is preferably B-H of 19.5 MGO
with coercive force H~ of 8300 oerstads. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the core magnet assembly 26 includes 55 magnets 40 co-axially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent within each of the pairs. Adjacent pairs have like poles adj acent and are spaced apart by non-magnetic spacers 42. Each of the magnets 40 in each pair are also preferably spaced apart by a ferrous spacer 44, preferably a carbon steel. The non-magnetic spacers 42 are preferably brass. At a bottom end 46 of the core magnetic assembly 26, a single magnet 40 is preferably spaced from the last pair of magnets in the core magnet assembly by a non-magnetic spacer 42. The single magnet has a like pole oriented towards the last pair of magnets in order to produce a strong radial flux field through which fluids produced by the well flow as they enter the hydrocarbon section 22 of the apparatus 10. Preferably, a non-magnetic spacer 42 is also positioned beneath the lower most magnet 40 in the hydrocarbon section 22. The magnets in the core magnet assembly 26 may be bonded together using an epoxy resin or the like but are preferably contained within a core housing 48. The core housing 48 is radially supported on the inside surface of the hydrocarbon section housing 28 through the three sets of hanger components 29 and axially supported on a ring (not shown) which is welded to the bottom of the core housing 48 and wedged between the hydrocarbon section and the reactor section 30, and covered by the coupling 32.
The core housing 48 is constructed of a non-magnetic material. Experimentation has shown that stainless steel is the material of choice because of its corrosion resistance to the corrosive environments commonly encountered in hydrocarbon wells.
FIG. 2b is a schematic illustration of the flux fields created in the hydrocarbon section 22 of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. As is explained above, the hydrocarbon section includes an hydrocarbon section housing 28 which is of a magnetic material, preferably carbon steel. The arrangement of the rare earth magnets 40 within the core housing 48 creates strong radial flux fields which circulate through the hydrocarbon section housing 28 and subject fluids flowing through an annular passage 50 to magnetic treatment as described above.
FIG. 3a shows a first preferred embodiment of the reactor section 30 of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. The reactor section 30 includes a reactor section housing 51 having a top end 52 and a bottom end 54. The top end 52 is adapted to be coupled to the coupling 32 which is connected to a bottom end of the hydrocarbon section 28. The bottom end 54 is off-set 90°
with respect to a plane in which the axis of the axial slots 58 and is bolted to the reactor section housing 51 of the reactor section 30. A core housing 64 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4) of the reactor core assembly 34 is preferably welded to the U-shaped bracket 60. The U-shaped bracket 60 is preferably made of a magnet material such as carbon steel to enhance a magnetic flux field created between the lower set of radial focus magnets 36 and the reactor core magnet assembly 34.
The first set of radial focus magnets 36 are preferably rare earth magnets which are radially oriented and supported in pockets 66 welded to an inner surface of the reactor section housing 51. The first set of radial focus magnets 36 are inserted through bores from an outside of the reactor section housing 51 into the pockets 66. A U-shaped bracket 60 retains the radial focus magnets 36 within the pockets 66. The radial focus magnets 36 are diametrically opposed and oriented in a plane that is off-set 90° with respect to the axial slots 58. The lower pair of radial focus magnets preferably have like poles directed inwardly. The preferred arrangement is north poles inwardly and south poles outwardly directed. It should be noted that the pole of the most upstream magnet in the core magnet assembly 26 (FIG. 2a), the pole of the most downstream magnet in the reactor core magnet assembly 34 (FIG. 4) and the inwardly directed poles of the focus magnets 36, 38 and 74 are all of the same polarity, namely "north".
The upper set of radial focus magnets 38 are likewise retained in pockets (not illustrated) welded to an inside surface of the reactor section housing 51. The upper pair of radial focus magnets are axially off-set from each other in a plane which is off-set 90° with respect to the pair of lower focus magnets 36. The pair of upper focus magnets 38 are retained in their pockets by a sleeve 68 which preferably rests on a machined shoulder 70 and is secured by set screws 72 or the like.
The function of the pairs of focus magnets 36, 38 is to distort the magnetic flux field so that aqueous solutions are treated to keep dissolved minerals in solution.
The reactor section 30 shown in FIG. 3b is identical to that shown in FIG. 3a with the exception that two pairs of upper focus magnets are provided. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3b is used for treating wells which produce aqueous fluids high in dissolved minerals and/or high concentrations of particulates such as sand, or the like. The focus magnets 74, which are most downstream are preferably oriented in the same plain as the focus magnets 38 with the exception that an upper, or the most downstream, focus magnet 74 may be off-set with respect to the other by up to about 45°. Off-sets of 12.5° and 23° are preferred. In general, experimentation has shown that the more viscous the crude oil produced from the well, or the more heavily laden with sand or other particulates, the greater the off-set required for the most downstream focus magnet 74.
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the reactor core magnetic assembly 34 taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3a.
The reactor core magnet assembly 34 is identical in construction to the core magnet assembly 26 described above. The magnets are co-axially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs and adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent. Each of the pairs are separated by a non-magnetic spacer 42 which is preferably brass. Each of the magnets in each pair are separated by a ferrous spacer 44, preferably carbon steel. The reactor core magnet assembly 34 is contained within a reactor core housing 64 of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel. The reactor core magnet assembly 34 preferably includes 4 rare earth magnets 40, although more magnets may be added if the aqueous component of production fluids is very high in dissolved minerals.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG.3a. As explained above, the U-shaped bracket 60 extends across the bottom end 54 of the reactor section 30. It supports the reactor core magnet assembly 34, which is preferably welded to the U-shaped bracket 60. The pair of axial slots 58 are off-set at 90°
to the U-shaped bracket 60, as described above.
In use, the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention, is connected to the bottom of a production tubing and lowered into a hydrocarbon well. The bottom end 54 of the reactor section 30 is preferably positioned in a vicinity of the highest production region of the production zone 18 (FIG. 1). Experimentation has demonstrated that even heavy crudes high in paraffin are successfully produced over long periods of time using the apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention. Such wells will normally foul a production tubing and require hot-oil treatment, or the like, to clear the tubing so that production can be re-commenced.
Use of the tool under experimental conditions has shown that a well which required hot-oil treatment every four to six weeks to remove paraffin deposits has been produced successfully for eight months using the apparatus in accordance with the invention, without any blockage of the production tubing by paraffin deposits.
In further experimental use, a well producing oil and water laden with carbonates had decreased in production from eight cubic meters per day to four cubic meters per day due to mineral deposits in and around the perforations in the casing. The production tubing was pulled from the well and an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention was inserted so that the reactor section 30 was located at the most permeable region of the casing perforations in the production zone. After four months of production, production was restored to near original production levels. The production tubulars were then pulled from the well and inspected. All evidence of deposits on the tubulars had disappeared and the tubulars appeared to be perfectly clean in the areas adjacent the reactor section 30 of the apparatus 10.
Consequently, there is good experimental evidence to support the efficacy of the apparatus 10 in magnetically treating well fluids. Although use of the apparatus 10 has been described with reference to downhole applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to such use.
It may also be used in pipelines, conduits and tubing, either horizontal or vertical where the deposition of waxes or minerals is a problem.
Changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described above will no doubt become apparent to persons skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (27)
1. An apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a tubing comprising:
a first housing adapted to be coupled to one end to the tubing, the housing being of magnetic material;
a first elongated core magnet assembly supported and axially extending within the first housing so that an annular passage is formed between the elongated core magnet assembly and the first housing, the core magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets coaxially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs, adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent, each of the pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer.
a first housing adapted to be coupled to one end to the tubing, the housing being of magnetic material;
a first elongated core magnet assembly supported and axially extending within the first housing so that an annular passage is formed between the elongated core magnet assembly and the first housing, the core magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets coaxially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs, adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent, each of the pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first core magnet assembly comprises a first core housing retaining the magnets in the coaxial arrangement, the core housing being of non-magnetic material.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first core magnet assembly further comprises a plurality of spacers each of which is made of magnetic material and is positioned between each magnet of each of the pairs of magnets.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first core magnet assembly comprises a plurality of hanger components that centralize the first core magnet assembly within the first housing.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first core magnet assembly further includes a single magnet which is axially spaced from a first pair of the magnets on an upstream side with respect to a direction of flow of the fluids, the single magnet having a like pole oriented towards an adjacent pole of the first pair of the magnets.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the single magnet is supported within the first core housing and spaced from the adjacent first pair of magnets by a non-magnetic spacer.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
a second housing which is made of magnetic material and adapted to be coupled to an upstream end of the first housing, the opposite end thereof being adapted for an entry of the fluids to be treated;
a second elongated magnet core assembly which extends axially within the second housing, so that an annular passage is formed between the second core magnet assembly and the second housing, the second core assembly including at least two pairs of magnets arranged coaxially in series, with opposite poles adjacent in each of pairs and like poles adjacent between the two pairs, the two pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer; and a first set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at an inner periphery of the second housing, the focusing magnets being diametrically spaced apart with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented towards each other, the first set of focusing magnets being located downstream of the second elongated magnet core assembly.
a second housing which is made of magnetic material and adapted to be coupled to an upstream end of the first housing, the opposite end thereof being adapted for an entry of the fluids to be treated;
a second elongated magnet core assembly which extends axially within the second housing, so that an annular passage is formed between the second core magnet assembly and the second housing, the second core assembly including at least two pairs of magnets arranged coaxially in series, with opposite poles adjacent in each of pairs and like poles adjacent between the two pairs, the two pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer; and a first set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at an inner periphery of the second housing, the focusing magnets being diametrically spaced apart with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented towards each other, the first set of focusing magnets being located downstream of the second elongated magnet core assembly.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a second set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and positioned radially opposite and axially off-set with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the second set of the focusing magnets having an axis of orientation which is offset 90° with respect to the first set of focusing magnets and axially located downstream from the first set of focusing magnets.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a third set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and axially offset with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the third set of the focusing magnets being axially located downstream from the second set of the focusing magnets with one of the magnets having an axis of orientation parallel to that of the second set of focusing magnets, the other of the magnets being offset from that axis of orientation by less than 90°.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein a polarity of a pole of a magnet in the first core magnet assembly at the upstream end and a polarity of a pole of a magnet in the second core magnet assembly at the downstream end are the same as a polarity of each of the inwardly oriented poles of the focusing magnets.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the first and second core magnet assemblies comprise respectively a first and a second core housings, each of the core housings retaining the corresponding magnets in position, the core housings being of non-magnetic material.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second core magnet assembly includes a plurality of spacers each of which is made of magnetic material and is positioned between each magnet of each of the pairs of magnets.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:
a U-shaped retainer of magnetic material secured to the other end of the second housing and supporting the second core housing.
a U-shaped retainer of magnetic material secured to the other end of the second housing and supporting the second core housing.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 further comprising:
a retaining ring secured with the first core housing and wedged between the first and second housing, being covered with a coupling which couples the first and second housing.
a retaining ring secured with the first core housing and wedged between the first and second housing, being covered with a coupling which couples the first and second housing.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein each of the focusing magnets is supported within a pocket which secured to the inner periphery of the second housing.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the other end of the second housing is perforated and includes a pair of axial grooves extending from the other end of the housing toward a downstream end of the second housing.
17. An apparatus for treating hydrocarbon and aqueous fluids within a downhole oil production tubing using permanent magnets comprises a first housing adapted to be coupled to one end to the tubing, the housing being of magnetic material;
a first elongated core magnet assembly supported and axially extending within the first housing so that an annular passage is formed between the elongated core magnet assembly and the first housing, the first core magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets coaxially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs, adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent, each of the pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer.
a second housing which is made of magnetic material and coupled to an upstream end of the first housing, the opposite end thereof being adapted for an entry of the fluids to be treated;
a second elongated magnet core assembly which extends axially within the second housing, so that an annular passage is formed between the second core magnet assembly and the second housing, the second core assembly including at least two pairs of magnets arranged coaxially in series, with opposite poles adjacent in each of pairs and like poles adjacent between the two pairs, the two pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer; and a first set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at an inner periphery of the second housing, the focusing magnets being diametrically spaced apart with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented towards each other, the first set of focusing magnets being located downstream of the second elongated magnet core assembly.
a first elongated core magnet assembly supported and axially extending within the first housing so that an annular passage is formed between the elongated core magnet assembly and the first housing, the first core magnet assembly including a plurality of magnets coaxially arranged in series, the magnets being grouped in pairs with opposite poles adjacent in each of the pairs, adjacent pairs having like poles adjacent, each of the pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer.
a second housing which is made of magnetic material and coupled to an upstream end of the first housing, the opposite end thereof being adapted for an entry of the fluids to be treated;
a second elongated magnet core assembly which extends axially within the second housing, so that an annular passage is formed between the second core magnet assembly and the second housing, the second core assembly including at least two pairs of magnets arranged coaxially in series, with opposite poles adjacent in each of pairs and like poles adjacent between the two pairs, the two pairs being spaced apart by a non-magnetic spacer; and a first set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at an inner periphery of the second housing, the focusing magnets being diametrically spaced apart with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented towards each other, the first set of focusing magnets being located downstream of the second elongated magnet core assembly.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 further comprising a second set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and positioned radially opposite and axially off-set with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the second set of the focusing magnets having an axis of orientation which is offset 90° with respect to the first set of focusing magnets and axially located downstream from the first set of focusing magnets.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a third set of focusing magnets which include two magnets supported respectively at the inner periphery of the second housing and axially offset with a like pole of each of the magnets oriented inwardly, the third set of the focusing magnets being axially located downstream from the second set of the focusing magnets with one of the magnets having an axis of orientation parallel to that of the second set of focusing magnets, the other of the magnets being offset from that axis of orientation by less than 90°.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein a polarity of a pole of a magnet in the first core magnet assembly at the upstream end and a polarity of a pole of a magnet in the second core magnet assembly at the downstream end are the same as a polarity of each of the inwardly oriented poles of the focusing magnets.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the first and second core magnet assemblies comprise respectively a first and a second core housings, each of the core housings retaining the corresponding magnets in position, the core housings being of non-magnetic material.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the first and second core magnet assembly include a plurality of spacers each of which is made of magnetic material and is positioned between each magnet of each of the pairs of magnets.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the first core magnet assembly comprises a plurality of hanger components that centralize the first core magnet assembly within the first housing.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein the first core magnet assembly further includes a single magnet which is axially spaced from a first pair of the magnets on an upstream side with respect to a direction of flow of the fluids, the single magnet having a like pole oriented towards an adjacent pole of the first pair of the magnets, the single magnet being supported within the first core housing and spaced from the adjacent first pair of magnets by a non-magnetic spacer.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 further comprising:
a U-shaped retainer of magnetic material secured to the other end of the second housing and supporting the second core housing;
a retaining ring secured with the first core housing and wedged between the first and second housing, being covered with a coupling which couples the first and second housing.
a U-shaped retainer of magnetic material secured to the other end of the second housing and supporting the second core housing;
a retaining ring secured with the first core housing and wedged between the first and second housing, being covered with a coupling which couples the first and second housing.
26. An apparatus as claimed 19 wherein each of the focusing magnets is supported within a pocket which secured to the inner periphery of the second housing.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the other end of the second housing is perforated and includes a pair of axial grooves extending from the other end of the housing toward a downstream end of the second housing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240016A CA2240016C (en) | 1998-06-08 | 1998-06-08 | An apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240016A CA2240016C (en) | 1998-06-08 | 1998-06-08 | An apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2240016A1 CA2240016A1 (en) | 1999-12-08 |
| CA2240016C true CA2240016C (en) | 2005-03-29 |
Family
ID=29275858
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240016A Expired - Fee Related CA2240016C (en) | 1998-06-08 | 1998-06-08 | An apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2240016C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6733668B2 (en) | 2002-09-23 | 2004-05-11 | Omni-Tech 2000 Inc. | Apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids |
| EP1757797A1 (en) * | 2005-08-26 | 2007-02-28 | Henry Richard Schlachet | Magnetic and electromagnetic treatment of fluids and gases and device with adaptable geometry therefor |
| BR102015030045B1 (en) * | 2015-11-30 | 2017-07-18 | Real Time Tecnologia Ltda. | gas-boosting device for clean energy generation |
-
1998
- 1998-06-08 CA CA002240016A patent/CA2240016C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2240016A1 (en) | 1999-12-08 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5052491A (en) | Oil tool and method for controlling paraffin deposits in oil flow lines and downhole strings | |
| US5454943A (en) | Device for the magnetic treatment of fluids | |
| US5348050A (en) | Magnetic fluid treatment device | |
| US4564448A (en) | Device for treating fluids with magnetic lines of force | |
| US5366623A (en) | Apparatus for magnetically treating a fluid | |
| US4289621A (en) | Device for treating fluids with magnetic lines of force | |
| US3951807A (en) | Water conditioning apparatus | |
| US6143171A (en) | Magnetic device for treatment of fluids | |
| US7357862B2 (en) | Fluid conditioning system and method | |
| US4611615A (en) | Fluid treatment apparatus and method | |
| US5356534A (en) | Magnetic-field amplifier | |
| RU2007112831A (en) | MAGNETIC NODES FOR PREVENTING SEDIMENT FORMATION | |
| US6325942B1 (en) | Liquid treatment unit | |
| WO1981002529A1 (en) | Magnetic water conditioner apparatus | |
| US6733668B2 (en) | Apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids | |
| CA2240016C (en) | An apparatus for magnetically treating flowing fluids | |
| US4417984A (en) | Method and device for treating fluids with magnetic lines of force | |
| US5221471A (en) | Tool for magnetic treatment of water | |
| RU2417303C1 (en) | Device for prevention of corrosion and sediments of paraffin in oil pipe string | |
| RU2180894C1 (en) | Device for magnetic treatment of liquid | |
| RU2623758C1 (en) | Blast-hole magnetic complex for formation fluid processing in bottom-hole zone | |
| RU2346146C1 (en) | System meant for magnetic processing of fluid in well equipped with electric centrifugal pump with submersible electric motor (versions) | |
| JPH05506603A (en) | Improved magnetic field amplifier | |
| RU2235690C2 (en) | Magnetic petroleum treatment apparatus | |
| SU1190006A1 (en) | Method of magnetizing well fluid |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20130610 |