CA2747766A1 - Submerged combustion vaporizer for heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs method, system and apparatus - Google Patents
Submerged combustion vaporizer for heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs method, system and apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2747766A1 CA2747766A1 CA2747766A CA2747766A CA2747766A1 CA 2747766 A1 CA2747766 A1 CA 2747766A1 CA 2747766 A CA2747766 A CA 2747766A CA 2747766 A CA2747766 A CA 2747766A CA 2747766 A1 CA2747766 A1 CA 2747766A1
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- combustion
- water
- flue gas
- steam
- reservoir
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- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 79
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 239000006200 vaporizer Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 title claims description 32
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 21
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 68
- 239000003546 flue gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon monoxide Chemical compound [O+]#[C-] UGFAIRIUMAVXCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000567 combustion gas Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005587 bubbling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009738 saturating Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010426 asphalt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 101100493705 Caenorhabditis elegans bath-36 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003085 diluting agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000295 fuel oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000638 stimulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/16—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons
- E21B43/24—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection
-
- 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
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/34—Arrangements for separating materials produced by the well
- E21B43/40—Separation associated with re-injection of separated materials
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F22—STEAM GENERATION
- F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
- F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
- F22B1/02—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers
- F22B1/18—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers the heat carrier being a hot gas, e.g. waste gas such as exhaust gas of internal-combustion engines
- F22B1/1853—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method by exploitation of the heat content of hot heat carriers the heat carrier being a hot gas, e.g. waste gas such as exhaust gas of internal-combustion engines coming in direct contact with water in bulk or in sprays
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
Abstract
A submerged combustion vaporizer which produces a mixture of high pressure saturated steam and combustion flue gas or alternatively superheated steam and combustion flue gas for injection and recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir. Steam is produced by direct contact between raw untreated water and high-pressure high-temperature combustion flue gases introduced into a pressurized water bath. For low pressure hydrocarbon recovery processes where the temperature of saturated steam is insufficient for hydrocarbon viscosity reduction, the vaporizer is configured to produce a superheated steam and flue gas mixture of sufficiently high temperature to achieve a lower hydrocarbon viscosity.
Description
SUBMERGED COMBUSTION VAPORIZER FOR HEATING AND
PRESSURIZING HYDROCARBON RESERVOIRS
METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to create high temperature fluids for use in heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Treated or raw untreated water is introduced into a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer which produces a mixture of saturated steam and combustion flue gas, or alternatively superheated steam and flue gas for use in thermal hydrocarbon recovery processes. A
unique feature and application of the submerged combustion vaporizer is production of a saturated steam and flue gas mixture for use during the first stage of heating a reservoir, followed by production of a superheated steam and flue gas mixture for use during a second stage of heating. This two stage reservoir heating process is particularly useful for heating low pressure hydrocarbon reservoirs which require heating to temperatures above that which can be provided by saturated steam supplied at reservoir pressure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Definitions A "submerged combustion reservoir heater" is a unique submerged combustion vaporizer which uses direct contact between high pressure and high temperature combustion gases and raw untreated water to produce a reservoir heating fluid consisting of both steam and combustion gases for injection into a hydrocarbon reservoir. Hydrocarbon fuel and combustion air are fed into a combustion burner at a pressure sufficiently high for injection into the reservoir. Combustion gases are bubbled up through water contained in a pressurized vaporizer, producing a mixture of saturated or superheated steam and flue gas for application in in-situ oil recovery processes.
A "SRS" hydrocarbon recovery scheme refers to a "Superheat Reservoir Stimulation"
process in which a submerged combustion reservoir hearer is used for the purpose of injecting a heating fluid consisting of a saturated steam, superheated steam, and water saturated combustion gas in a two stage heating process whereby (1) the reservoir is first partially heated by latent heat released as saturated steam and water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed, followed by (2) a second stage of heating whereby a superheated steam and high temperature water saturated combustion flue gas is injected to heat the reservoir to the higher temperature required to sufficiently reduce the hydrocarbon viscosity for the purpose of production. This second stage of heating is provided by sensible heat released as the superheated steam and combustion flue gas is cooled, and by latent heat of condensation as water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed.
Submerged Combustion Vaporization The concept of heating water or other material in a submerged combustion vaporizer, in which hot combustion gases are bubbled up through a bath containing the material, is well known and utilized in many industries. In the prior art, submerged combustion vaporizers or heaters have always been operated at essentially atmospheric pressure, and the combustion flue gases are released to the atmosphere instead of being conserved as a reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid.
Deficiencies of the Prior Art None of the prior art discloses a method, system and apparatus to create a hydrocarbon reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid by bubbling combustion gas from a high pressure burner up through water contained in a pressure vessel. None of the prior art discloses method, system and apparatus for reducing the temperature in the burner or reducing the temperature of the combustion gases after the burner by recycling a portion of the lower steam and flue gas produced by the vaporizer back to either the inlet or outlet of a high pressure burner. None of the prior art discloses a method, system and apparatus for the purpose of producing in a first stage of operation a mixture of pressurized saturated steam and combustion flue gas, and in a second stage of operation a very high temperature mixture of superheated steam and combustion flue gas which is injected into a reservoir for the purpose of recovering hydrocarbons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards overcoming prior art deficiencies by providing an improved method, system and apparatus use in an in-situ process for the recovery of viscous hydrocarbons, bitumen, and kerogen from shallow low pressure oil sands, shale and carbonate formations. Known recovery methods are employed in conjunction with new and improved processes and equipment in accordance with the present invention.
The present invention discloses a method, system and apparatus for producing a high temperature fluid from raw untreated water and combustion gas, which fluid is then used to heat a shallow low pressure reservoir up to the temperature required for the extraction and production of bitumen, heavy oil, and kerogen.
Unique designs included in the present invention include (1) a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer that incorporates spargers which bubble combustion gases from a high pressure burner up through untreated water in a pressure vessel, the combustion gases coming in direct contact with the untreated water, thereby producing a high pressure reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid, (2) a steam and flue gas recycle process for controlling the temperature of a burner assembly and reducing the temperature of combustion gases to spargers in a submerged combustion vaporizer, and (3) a method of using the submerged combustion vaporizer to produce reservoir heating fluids consisting of high temperature pressurized saturated and superheated steam and combustion flue gas for use in a two stage reservoir heating process.
PRESSURIZING HYDROCARBON RESERVOIRS
METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to create high temperature fluids for use in heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Treated or raw untreated water is introduced into a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer which produces a mixture of saturated steam and combustion flue gas, or alternatively superheated steam and flue gas for use in thermal hydrocarbon recovery processes. A
unique feature and application of the submerged combustion vaporizer is production of a saturated steam and flue gas mixture for use during the first stage of heating a reservoir, followed by production of a superheated steam and flue gas mixture for use during a second stage of heating. This two stage reservoir heating process is particularly useful for heating low pressure hydrocarbon reservoirs which require heating to temperatures above that which can be provided by saturated steam supplied at reservoir pressure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Definitions A "submerged combustion reservoir heater" is a unique submerged combustion vaporizer which uses direct contact between high pressure and high temperature combustion gases and raw untreated water to produce a reservoir heating fluid consisting of both steam and combustion gases for injection into a hydrocarbon reservoir. Hydrocarbon fuel and combustion air are fed into a combustion burner at a pressure sufficiently high for injection into the reservoir. Combustion gases are bubbled up through water contained in a pressurized vaporizer, producing a mixture of saturated or superheated steam and flue gas for application in in-situ oil recovery processes.
A "SRS" hydrocarbon recovery scheme refers to a "Superheat Reservoir Stimulation"
process in which a submerged combustion reservoir hearer is used for the purpose of injecting a heating fluid consisting of a saturated steam, superheated steam, and water saturated combustion gas in a two stage heating process whereby (1) the reservoir is first partially heated by latent heat released as saturated steam and water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed, followed by (2) a second stage of heating whereby a superheated steam and high temperature water saturated combustion flue gas is injected to heat the reservoir to the higher temperature required to sufficiently reduce the hydrocarbon viscosity for the purpose of production. This second stage of heating is provided by sensible heat released as the superheated steam and combustion flue gas is cooled, and by latent heat of condensation as water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed.
Submerged Combustion Vaporization The concept of heating water or other material in a submerged combustion vaporizer, in which hot combustion gases are bubbled up through a bath containing the material, is well known and utilized in many industries. In the prior art, submerged combustion vaporizers or heaters have always been operated at essentially atmospheric pressure, and the combustion flue gases are released to the atmosphere instead of being conserved as a reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid.
Deficiencies of the Prior Art None of the prior art discloses a method, system and apparatus to create a hydrocarbon reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid by bubbling combustion gas from a high pressure burner up through water contained in a pressure vessel. None of the prior art discloses method, system and apparatus for reducing the temperature in the burner or reducing the temperature of the combustion gases after the burner by recycling a portion of the lower steam and flue gas produced by the vaporizer back to either the inlet or outlet of a high pressure burner. None of the prior art discloses a method, system and apparatus for the purpose of producing in a first stage of operation a mixture of pressurized saturated steam and combustion flue gas, and in a second stage of operation a very high temperature mixture of superheated steam and combustion flue gas which is injected into a reservoir for the purpose of recovering hydrocarbons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards overcoming prior art deficiencies by providing an improved method, system and apparatus use in an in-situ process for the recovery of viscous hydrocarbons, bitumen, and kerogen from shallow low pressure oil sands, shale and carbonate formations. Known recovery methods are employed in conjunction with new and improved processes and equipment in accordance with the present invention.
The present invention discloses a method, system and apparatus for producing a high temperature fluid from raw untreated water and combustion gas, which fluid is then used to heat a shallow low pressure reservoir up to the temperature required for the extraction and production of bitumen, heavy oil, and kerogen.
Unique designs included in the present invention include (1) a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer that incorporates spargers which bubble combustion gases from a high pressure burner up through untreated water in a pressure vessel, the combustion gases coming in direct contact with the untreated water, thereby producing a high pressure reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid, (2) a steam and flue gas recycle process for controlling the temperature of a burner assembly and reducing the temperature of combustion gases to spargers in a submerged combustion vaporizer, and (3) a method of using the submerged combustion vaporizer to produce reservoir heating fluids consisting of high temperature pressurized saturated and superheated steam and combustion flue gas for use in a two stage reservoir heating process.
A pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer is used for the purpose of producing a reservoir heating and pressurizing fluid consisting of saturated steam, superheated steam, and water saturated combustion flue gas. A compressor is used to boost combustion air up to the pressure required to inject the combustion flue gas into a reservoir that is to be heated. The compressed air and a high pressure hydrocarbon fuel are mixed in a stoichiometric ratio and burned to produce high temperature combustion flue gas with a temperature in the range of 2000 Centigrade degrees. The combustion gas is introduced into a pressure vessel filled with water, where spargers are utilized to bubble the gas up through the water bath to produce a mixture of saturated steam, high temperature superheated steam, and water saturated combustion flue gas for injection into a reservoir.
Optionally, to protect the burner from damage and to reduce the temperature of the combustion gases prior to introduction into spargers and the water bath, a portion of the steam and gas exiting the heater is recycled back to the burner where it is mixed with the combustion gas before it is introduced into the water bath.
The pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer and a SRS hydrocarbon recovery scheme are employed to heat a low pressure reservoir in a two stage process.
The reservoir is first heated by means of latent heat released as saturated steam and water of saturation in the combustion gas is condensed. Once the reservoir has reached the maximum temperature that can be achieved by condensing the saturated steam at the respective reservoir pressure, a second stage of heating to the higher temperature is required to reduce the hydrocarbon viscosity. This is achieved by adjusting the operation of the submerged combustion vaporizer to produce a high temperature superheated steam and combustion flue gas mixture. As the superheated steam is cooled in the reservoir it releases sensible heat, and as water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed it releases latent heat, raising the temperature of the reservoir up to that which is required to reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon for in-situ recovery purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects and benefits of the invention will be more fully set forth below in connection with the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention, and in connection with which there are illustrations provided in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view depicting a typical development scheme for in-situ recovery of hydrocarbons from shallow low pressure oilsands employing a pressurized submerged combustion reservoir heater in conjunction with a SRS.
Figure 2 is a schematic of a pressurized submerged combustion reservoir heater designed to create a reservoir heating fluid consisting of saturated or superheated steam, and water saturated combustion flue gas.
Figure 3 is schematic representation of a submerged combustion reservoir heater with the optional embodiments of an external combustion burner and a recycle system for the purpose of reducing the temperature of burner equipment and combustion flue gas before it is introduced into a water bath.
Submerged Combustion Hydrocarbon Recovery System Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view depicting a conceptual hydrocarbon production system and process for in-situ recovery of hydrocarbons from a low pressure reservoir 3.
Included are a submerged combustion reservoir heater 17, an underdrain 4 constructed between a wellhead-casing assembly 2 installed through the overburden 7 and connected to an underground production facility 6 supported by the underburden 8, vertical injection wells 5, a central treating facility 12, and a process whereby a reservoir heating fluid is introduced into both the vertical injection wells and the underdrain. The vertical injection wells may optionally be used for the purpose of injecting air, solvent, diluents and other fluids into the reservoir, or for the purpose of inserting electro-thermal heating equipment in the reservoir. The drawing also depicts an access shaft 1 to the base of the reservoir which is subsequently backfilled after an underdrain and underground production facility is installed.
Figure 1 depicts a typical SRS hydrocarbon recovery scheme employing a submerged combustion reservoir heater in a two stage process for pressurizing and heating a shallow low pressure reservoir. Pump 15 injects untreated water 10 into a pressure vessel included in a submerged combustion reservoir heater 17 to create a water bath.
Pressurized combustion air 16 from air compressor 19 and hydrocarbon fuel 18 are fed to the heater burner, and the high temperature combustion gas from burning the fuel is bubbled up through the water bath, vaporizing the water and producing a reservoir heating fluid 20 consisting of superheated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas. As contaminants are concentrated in the water bath due to vaporization, a small blowdown stream 21 is removed to maintain contaminants in the water bath within acceptable levels for operational purposes. In the first stage of operation, a mixture of saturated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas 20 plus optional solvents 23 are injected into wells 5 and the underdrain, and the reservoir is partially heated by means of latent heat as the steam and water of saturation are condensed. In a second stage of operation, the submerged combustion reservoir heater is operated such that it produces high temperature superheated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas, thereby heating the reservoir to the higher temperature required to sufficiently reduce the hydrocarbon viscosity for the purpose of production. Heating is provided by sensible heat released as the high temperature combustion gas and superheated steam are cooled down to final reservoir temperature, and by latent heat released as water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed. As the reservoir is heated, hydrocarbon 22 is released to flow down through the reservoir, through the permeable wall of the underdrain and into the underground production facility. Produced vapor 9 and liquids 11 are separated in the underground production facility and transported to the central treating facility where liquids are separated. Produced hydrocarbon is stored in sales tank 13 and produced water is sent to storage tank 14 for use in the hydrocarbon recovery process.
Optionally, to protect the burner from damage and to reduce the temperature of the combustion gases prior to introduction into spargers and the water bath, a portion of the steam and gas exiting the heater is recycled back to the burner where it is mixed with the combustion gas before it is introduced into the water bath.
The pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer and a SRS hydrocarbon recovery scheme are employed to heat a low pressure reservoir in a two stage process.
The reservoir is first heated by means of latent heat released as saturated steam and water of saturation in the combustion gas is condensed. Once the reservoir has reached the maximum temperature that can be achieved by condensing the saturated steam at the respective reservoir pressure, a second stage of heating to the higher temperature is required to reduce the hydrocarbon viscosity. This is achieved by adjusting the operation of the submerged combustion vaporizer to produce a high temperature superheated steam and combustion flue gas mixture. As the superheated steam is cooled in the reservoir it releases sensible heat, and as water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed it releases latent heat, raising the temperature of the reservoir up to that which is required to reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon for in-situ recovery purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects and benefits of the invention will be more fully set forth below in connection with the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention, and in connection with which there are illustrations provided in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view depicting a typical development scheme for in-situ recovery of hydrocarbons from shallow low pressure oilsands employing a pressurized submerged combustion reservoir heater in conjunction with a SRS.
Figure 2 is a schematic of a pressurized submerged combustion reservoir heater designed to create a reservoir heating fluid consisting of saturated or superheated steam, and water saturated combustion flue gas.
Figure 3 is schematic representation of a submerged combustion reservoir heater with the optional embodiments of an external combustion burner and a recycle system for the purpose of reducing the temperature of burner equipment and combustion flue gas before it is introduced into a water bath.
Submerged Combustion Hydrocarbon Recovery System Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view depicting a conceptual hydrocarbon production system and process for in-situ recovery of hydrocarbons from a low pressure reservoir 3.
Included are a submerged combustion reservoir heater 17, an underdrain 4 constructed between a wellhead-casing assembly 2 installed through the overburden 7 and connected to an underground production facility 6 supported by the underburden 8, vertical injection wells 5, a central treating facility 12, and a process whereby a reservoir heating fluid is introduced into both the vertical injection wells and the underdrain. The vertical injection wells may optionally be used for the purpose of injecting air, solvent, diluents and other fluids into the reservoir, or for the purpose of inserting electro-thermal heating equipment in the reservoir. The drawing also depicts an access shaft 1 to the base of the reservoir which is subsequently backfilled after an underdrain and underground production facility is installed.
Figure 1 depicts a typical SRS hydrocarbon recovery scheme employing a submerged combustion reservoir heater in a two stage process for pressurizing and heating a shallow low pressure reservoir. Pump 15 injects untreated water 10 into a pressure vessel included in a submerged combustion reservoir heater 17 to create a water bath.
Pressurized combustion air 16 from air compressor 19 and hydrocarbon fuel 18 are fed to the heater burner, and the high temperature combustion gas from burning the fuel is bubbled up through the water bath, vaporizing the water and producing a reservoir heating fluid 20 consisting of superheated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas. As contaminants are concentrated in the water bath due to vaporization, a small blowdown stream 21 is removed to maintain contaminants in the water bath within acceptable levels for operational purposes. In the first stage of operation, a mixture of saturated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas 20 plus optional solvents 23 are injected into wells 5 and the underdrain, and the reservoir is partially heated by means of latent heat as the steam and water of saturation are condensed. In a second stage of operation, the submerged combustion reservoir heater is operated such that it produces high temperature superheated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas, thereby heating the reservoir to the higher temperature required to sufficiently reduce the hydrocarbon viscosity for the purpose of production. Heating is provided by sensible heat released as the high temperature combustion gas and superheated steam are cooled down to final reservoir temperature, and by latent heat released as water of saturation in the combustion flue gas is condensed. As the reservoir is heated, hydrocarbon 22 is released to flow down through the reservoir, through the permeable wall of the underdrain and into the underground production facility. Produced vapor 9 and liquids 11 are separated in the underground production facility and transported to the central treating facility where liquids are separated. Produced hydrocarbon is stored in sales tank 13 and produced water is sent to storage tank 14 for use in the hydrocarbon recovery process.
Figure 2 is a schematic of a submerged combustion reservoir heater designed to create high temperature pressurized reservoir heating fluids. A compressor or pump 34 is used to boost hydrocarbon fuel 18 into a burner 32 where it is mixed with air and burned to produce combustion gas 35 at a pressure sufficiently high for injection into a reservoir.
Combustion gas is introduced into a distributor 33 equipped with spargers from where it enters a water bath 36 contained in a pressure vessel 30. The high combustion gas exiting the spargers produces high temperature bubbles 39 which rise up through the bath where they vaporize water to produce high pressure superheated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas 40 for use as a reservoir heating fluid. Free water carried with the steam and gas is removed in a separator 31 and returned to the water bath. A
pressure control valve 42 and pressure controller 43 are used to control the operating pressure of the heater. The amount of water pumped into the heater is controlled by water bath level control valve 37 and level controller 38.
Figure 3 is schematic representation of a submerged combustion reservoir heater with the optional embodiments of, an external combustion burner and a recycle system for the purpose of reducing the temperature of the burner and the temperature of combustion gas introduced into a water bath. Fuel is mixed with air and combusted in burner 51 located in an external flue 50. The high temperature combustion gas is mixed with a stream of recycled steam and gas 53 to reduce the temperature of combustion flue gas 54 before it is distributed by spargers 55 into the water bath. Free water 56 carried with the steam and gas exiting the pressure vessel is removed in a vortex separator and returned to the water bath.
What is claimed is:
(1) Method, system and apparatus for injecting saturated steam, superheated and water saturated combustion flue gas into a hydrocarbon reservoir using spargers which have perforated tubes which bubble hot combustion flue gas into water contained in a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer, and by means of direct contact between the combustion flue gas produces pressurized steam for recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir due to (1) increasing the pressure of the reservoir (2) heating the formation to the high temperature required to reduce viscosity and increase mobility of hydrocarbons using both saturated steam and superheated steam and high temperature combustion gas, and (3) saturating the oil with CO2 contained in the combustion flue gas for the purpose of increasing hydrocarbon mobility by means of foamy oil flow.
(2) An apparatus according to claim I which combusts hydrocarbon fuel in a high pressure burner, the products of combustion being introduced into a pressure vessel containing raw untreated water where the hot combustion flue gas comes into direct contact with the contaminant laden water where a portion of the water is converted into steam and remaining water containing concentrated contaminate is removed from the pressure vessel.
Combustion gas is introduced into a distributor 33 equipped with spargers from where it enters a water bath 36 contained in a pressure vessel 30. The high combustion gas exiting the spargers produces high temperature bubbles 39 which rise up through the bath where they vaporize water to produce high pressure superheated steam and water saturated combustion flue gas 40 for use as a reservoir heating fluid. Free water carried with the steam and gas is removed in a separator 31 and returned to the water bath. A
pressure control valve 42 and pressure controller 43 are used to control the operating pressure of the heater. The amount of water pumped into the heater is controlled by water bath level control valve 37 and level controller 38.
Figure 3 is schematic representation of a submerged combustion reservoir heater with the optional embodiments of, an external combustion burner and a recycle system for the purpose of reducing the temperature of the burner and the temperature of combustion gas introduced into a water bath. Fuel is mixed with air and combusted in burner 51 located in an external flue 50. The high temperature combustion gas is mixed with a stream of recycled steam and gas 53 to reduce the temperature of combustion flue gas 54 before it is distributed by spargers 55 into the water bath. Free water 56 carried with the steam and gas exiting the pressure vessel is removed in a vortex separator and returned to the water bath.
What is claimed is:
(1) Method, system and apparatus for injecting saturated steam, superheated and water saturated combustion flue gas into a hydrocarbon reservoir using spargers which have perforated tubes which bubble hot combustion flue gas into water contained in a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer, and by means of direct contact between the combustion flue gas produces pressurized steam for recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir due to (1) increasing the pressure of the reservoir (2) heating the formation to the high temperature required to reduce viscosity and increase mobility of hydrocarbons using both saturated steam and superheated steam and high temperature combustion gas, and (3) saturating the oil with CO2 contained in the combustion flue gas for the purpose of increasing hydrocarbon mobility by means of foamy oil flow.
(2) An apparatus according to claim I which combusts hydrocarbon fuel in a high pressure burner, the products of combustion being introduced into a pressure vessel containing raw untreated water where the hot combustion flue gas comes into direct contact with the contaminant laden water where a portion of the water is converted into steam and remaining water containing concentrated contaminate is removed from the pressure vessel.
Claims
What is claimed is:
(1) Method, system and apparatus for injecting saturated steam, superheated and water saturated combustion flue gas into a hydrocarbon reservoir using spargers which have perforated tubes which bubble hot combustion flue gas into water contained in a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer, and by means of direct contact between the combustion flue gas produces pressurized steam for recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir due to (1) increasing the pressure of the reservoir (2) heating the formation to the high temperature required to reduce viscosity and increase mobility of hydrocarbons using both saturated steam and superheated steam and high temperature combustion gas, and (3) saturating the oil with CO2 contained in the combustion flue gas for the purpose of increasing hydrocarbon mobility by means of foamy oil flow.
(2) An apparatus according to claim 1 which combusts hydrocarbon fuel in a high pressure burner, the products of combustion being introduced into a pressure vessel containing raw untreated water where the hot combustion flue gas comes into direct contact with the contaminant laden water where a portion of the water is converted into steam and remaining water containing concentrated contaminate is removed from the pressure vessel.
(3) An apparatus according to claim 1 for producing 100% quality steam from raw untreated water in a direct contact steam generator, the steam used for the purpose of heating a hydrocarbon reservoir, by bubbling hot combustion flue gas up through a bath containing the raw untreated water.
(4) An apparatus according to claim 1 for producing a pressurized hot water saturated combustion flue gas for the purpose of pressurizing a hydrocarbon reservoir, by introducing pressurized combustion flue gas into water contained in a pressure vessel using spargers or other means of distribution, bubbling the combustion flue gas up through the water to the surface, the direct contact between the water and the flue gas resulting in the saturation of the flue gas with water, after which the water saturated flue gas is separated from the water in the pressure vessel and injected into the reservoir.
(5) Method, system and apparatus according to claim 1 for cooling a combustion burner and reducing the temperature of the combustion gas prior to injection into a water bath contained in a pressure vessel, by recycling a portion of comparatively cool steam and flue gas produced by a submerged combustion vaporizer and mixing it with hot combustion gas as it exits the burner, after which the mixture is contacted with the outside wall of the burner for the purpose of cooling the burner equipment.
(1) Method, system and apparatus for injecting saturated steam, superheated and water saturated combustion flue gas into a hydrocarbon reservoir using spargers which have perforated tubes which bubble hot combustion flue gas into water contained in a pressurized submerged combustion vaporizer, and by means of direct contact between the combustion flue gas produces pressurized steam for recovery of hydrocarbons from the reservoir due to (1) increasing the pressure of the reservoir (2) heating the formation to the high temperature required to reduce viscosity and increase mobility of hydrocarbons using both saturated steam and superheated steam and high temperature combustion gas, and (3) saturating the oil with CO2 contained in the combustion flue gas for the purpose of increasing hydrocarbon mobility by means of foamy oil flow.
(2) An apparatus according to claim 1 which combusts hydrocarbon fuel in a high pressure burner, the products of combustion being introduced into a pressure vessel containing raw untreated water where the hot combustion flue gas comes into direct contact with the contaminant laden water where a portion of the water is converted into steam and remaining water containing concentrated contaminate is removed from the pressure vessel.
(3) An apparatus according to claim 1 for producing 100% quality steam from raw untreated water in a direct contact steam generator, the steam used for the purpose of heating a hydrocarbon reservoir, by bubbling hot combustion flue gas up through a bath containing the raw untreated water.
(4) An apparatus according to claim 1 for producing a pressurized hot water saturated combustion flue gas for the purpose of pressurizing a hydrocarbon reservoir, by introducing pressurized combustion flue gas into water contained in a pressure vessel using spargers or other means of distribution, bubbling the combustion flue gas up through the water to the surface, the direct contact between the water and the flue gas resulting in the saturation of the flue gas with water, after which the water saturated flue gas is separated from the water in the pressure vessel and injected into the reservoir.
(5) Method, system and apparatus according to claim 1 for cooling a combustion burner and reducing the temperature of the combustion gas prior to injection into a water bath contained in a pressure vessel, by recycling a portion of comparatively cool steam and flue gas produced by a submerged combustion vaporizer and mixing it with hot combustion gas as it exits the burner, after which the mixture is contacted with the outside wall of the burner for the purpose of cooling the burner equipment.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2747766A CA2747766A1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2011-07-26 | Submerged combustion vaporizer for heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs method, system and apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2747766A CA2747766A1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2011-07-26 | Submerged combustion vaporizer for heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs method, system and apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2747766A1 true CA2747766A1 (en) | 2013-01-26 |
Family
ID=47599211
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2747766A Abandoned CA2747766A1 (en) | 2011-07-26 | 2011-07-26 | Submerged combustion vaporizer for heating and pressurizing hydrocarbon reservoirs method, system and apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2747766A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105683679A (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2016-06-15 | 沙特阿拉伯石油公司 | Method of using concentrated solar power (CSP) for thermal gas well deliquification |
| WO2017192766A1 (en) * | 2016-05-03 | 2017-11-09 | Energy Analyst LLC. | Systems and methods for generating superheated steam with variable flue gas for enhanced oil recovery |
-
2011
- 2011-07-26 CA CA2747766A patent/CA2747766A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN105683679A (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2016-06-15 | 沙特阿拉伯石油公司 | Method of using concentrated solar power (CSP) for thermal gas well deliquification |
| CN105683679B (en) * | 2013-09-05 | 2018-05-18 | 沙特阿拉伯石油公司 | Hot gas well, which is carried out, using Photospot solar (CSP) goes liquefied method |
| WO2017192766A1 (en) * | 2016-05-03 | 2017-11-09 | Energy Analyst LLC. | Systems and methods for generating superheated steam with variable flue gas for enhanced oil recovery |
| US10641481B2 (en) | 2016-05-03 | 2020-05-05 | Energy Analyst Llc | Systems and methods for generating superheated steam with variable flue gas for enhanced oil recovery |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20160727 |