EP0307003A2 - Chauffage par l'énergie électromagnétique - Google Patents

Chauffage par l'énergie électromagnétique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0307003A2
EP0307003A2 EP88115385A EP88115385A EP0307003A2 EP 0307003 A2 EP0307003 A2 EP 0307003A2 EP 88115385 A EP88115385 A EP 88115385A EP 88115385 A EP88115385 A EP 88115385A EP 0307003 A2 EP0307003 A2 EP 0307003A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
oil
pipeline
waveguide
electromagnetic energy
energy
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP88115385A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0307003A3 (fr
Inventor
William J. Klaila
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Electromagnetic Energy Corp
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Electromagnetic Energy Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electromagnetic Energy Corp filed Critical Electromagnetic Energy Corp
Publication of EP0307003A2 publication Critical patent/EP0307003A2/fr
Publication of EP0307003A3 publication Critical patent/EP0307003A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • E21B43/2401—Enhanced recovery methods for obtaining hydrocarbons using heat, e.g. steam injection by means of electricity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
    • C10G1/00—Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil-shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10G—CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL-SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES
    • C10G32/00—Refining of hydrocarbon oils by electric or magnetic means, by irradiation, or by using microorganisms
    • C10G32/02—Refining of hydrocarbon oils by electric or magnetic means, by irradiation, or by using microorganisms by electric or magnetic means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/80—Apparatus for specific applications
    • H05B6/802—Apparatus for specific applications for heating fluids
    • H05B6/804—Water heaters, water boilers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the treatment of hydrocarbon material with electromagnetic energy, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for recovering fractions from hydrocarbon material, facilitating the removal and cleansing of hydrocarbon fluids, insulating storage vessels, and cleaning storage vessels and pipelines.
  • the present invention represents an improvement over the method and apparatus disclosed in the aforementioned reissue patent for facilitating the removal of hydrocarbon fluids as well as providing a novel method and apparatus for recovering fractions from hydrocarbon fluids, insulating storage vessels, and cleaning storage vessels and pipelines.
  • a method and associated apparatus for recovering fractions from hydrocarbon material, including the steps of generating electromagnetic energy generally in the frequency range of 300 megahertz to about 300 gigahertz, in accordance with the lossiness of the material, transmitting the generated electromagnetic energy to the hydrocarbon material, directing the transmitted electromagnetic energy to a plurality of hydrocarbon material locations and exposing the hydrocarbon material at the locations to the electromagnetic energy for a sufficient period of time to sequentially separate the hydrocarbon material into fractions, and removing the resulting fractions.
  • a plurality of frequencies within the aforementioned frequency range or in combination with frequencies outside this range may be utilized in accordance with the lossiness of the fractions to be removed.
  • the temperature of the high viscosity hydrocarbon fluid is precisely controlled by changing the broadcast location for the electromagnetic energy to effectively sweep the hydrocarbon fluid to optimize oil production while decreasing its viscosity to facilitate its separation and removal from a vessel.
  • the electromagnetic energy may be used to clean storage vessels of scale and rust and a metal shield can be placed in the storage vessel to effectively create an insulating layer for the storage vessel from a portion of the hydrocarbon fluid present in the vessel.
  • a plurality of RF frequencies spaced far enough apart to preclude wave cancellation and having varying field strengths may be used simultaneously in accordance with their absorptivity by the various fractions to be recovered so as to achieve maximum efficiencies in recovering the fractions.
  • an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is illustrated at 14 for use with a vessel or open or closed top oil storage tank 15 or mud pit.
  • the hydrocarbon fluid, such as oil, stored in the tank 15 often contains water, sulfur, solids and other undesired constitutents or contaminates, including bacterial and algae, as well as scale and rust, all of which may be considered as basic sediment.
  • the contamination and viscosity of the oil will often increase to the point where the LACT (Lease Acquisition Custody Transfer) measurement is often too great for pipeline acceptance.
  • the apparatus 14 not only heats the oil to decrease its viscosity and increase its fluency, but also separates water, sulfur and basic sediment from the oil in the tank 15, resulting in clean oil.
  • the exiting gases, including sulfur, may be collected via a collection line and holding tank (not shown) which are in communication with the top of the tank 15.
  • the apparatus 14 includes a radio frequency (RF) generator 16 which includes a magnetron 17 or klystron, or other similar device, such as a solid state oscillator as disclosed in the aforementioned reissue patent, which is capable of generating radio waves in the frequency range of 300 megahertz to about 300 gigahertz and generally utilizing from 1KW to 1MW or more of continuous wave power.
  • RF radio frequency
  • a plurality of magnetrons 17 or oscillators, or a klystron may be used to generate a plurality of heating frequencies which are far enough apart to prevent interference and which may have greater absorptivity to certain fractions which it is desired to remove.
  • the oscillator may be modified or another oscillator may be provided to generate a frequency outside of this range for use with the aforementioned frequencies in accordance with the lossiness of the fractions to be removed.
  • the magnetron 17 is mechanically coupled to an applicator 18 which is transparent to radio waves in the aforementioned frequency range.
  • the applicator 18 is in the shape of an elongated tube with an open upper end 19 and a closed bottom end 20.
  • the applicator is preferably constructed from radiotransparent materials so that it is permeable to RF waves in the desired frequency range but impermeable to liquids and gases.
  • the applicator is attached to a tubular waveguide 21 which passes through metal tank cover 22 that is bolted and grounded to the tank 15 by a plurality of nuts and bolts 24.
  • a metal transition member 26 which includes a flanged end 28, is bolted to one end of 90° metal elbow 30 by bolts and nuts 32.
  • the tubular end 33 of the transition member 26 is attached to the tubular waveguide 21.
  • the other end 34 of the 90° elbow 30 is bolted to one end of rectangular metal waveguide portion 36 by nuts and bolts 38.
  • the other end of the rectangular waveguide 36 is coupled to WR x coaxial transition member 40 with nuts and bolts 42.
  • Flexible coaxial member 44 is fitted with flanged ends 46 and 48 which have internal gas barriers to allow the flexible coaxial member 44 to be charged with an inert gas refrigerant, such as Freon, to increase its power carrying capacity while preventing the flow of gases emanating from the hydrocarbon fluid back into the RF generator 16, which may result from a rupture or leakage in the applicator 18.
  • Flanged end 46 is coupled to the WR x coaxial transition member 52 with bolts and nuts 54.
  • the flanged end of the coaxial x WR transition member 52 is coupled to the RF generator 16 through an extension 56.
  • a controller 58 controls the energization of the RF generator 16 and receives signals from a plurality of temperature sensors 60 A-E arranged within the tank 15.
  • the controller 58 is coupled to the sensors 60 A-E by wires or by fiberoptic transmission lines 62.
  • the sensors 60 A-E are vertically spaced at predetermined locations within the tank 15.
  • a generally conically shaped energy deflector 64 is arranged within the applicator 18 for upward and downward movement to control the broadcast locations for the electromagnetic energy propagated through the applicator 18.
  • This upward and downward movement is provided by a motor 66 which drives a pulley 68 causing it to wind or unwind cable 70 attached to the energy deflector 64, thereby controlling the vertical broadcast location of the deflector 64 within the tank 15.
  • a separate frequency may be transmitted through the waveguide 36 to activate the motor 66.
  • the energy deflector 64 is initially located near the bottom of the applicator 14 and moved gradually upward.
  • the magnetron 17 may run continuously at full power to operate at the greatest efficiency, the temperature at various layers within the hydrocarbon fluid are effectively controlled, so that the production of oil is maximized, and the life of the magnetron 17 is prolonged.
  • the motor 66 is connected to a power source (not shown) through controller 58 by line 72.
  • the controller 58 activates the motor 66 to move the deflector 64 thereby changing the broadcast location for the electromagnetic energy in response to the temperatures sensed by sensors 60 A-E.
  • the frequency and period of application of the electromagnetic energy is controlled by the controller 58 which may be preset or programmed for continuous or intermittent upward and downward cycling to achieve homogeneous heating of the hydrocarbon fluid or localized heating to achieve the highest yield or best production of oil at minimum energy cost.
  • the broadcast location of the energy deflector 64 may be preset to provide predetermined controlled continuous or intermittent sweeping of the electromagnetic energy through the hydrocarbon fluid by employing a conventional timer and limit stops for the motor 66.
  • Valves 74 A-D may be located in the vertical wall of the tank 15 to draw off the oil after treatment with electromagnetic energy. After heating with electromagnetic energy, as shown in Fig. 1, there is a bottom layer 76 which is essentially basic sediment and water. Above the bottom layer 76 is an intermediate layer 78 which is a mixture of mostly oil with some basic sediment and water. Finally, above the layer 78 is a top layer 80 which represents the resulting oil which has been cleansed and is free of basic sediment and water. An access hatch 73 is provided for removing the resulting basic sediment, which may include "drilling mud" solids. Any bacteria and algae present in the hydrocarbon fluid are disintegrated by the RF waves, with their remains forming part of the basic sediment.
  • a conventional conduction heater 75 such as a gun barrel heater, may extend into the tank 15.
  • Heater 75 circulates hot gases through piping 77 to provide a low cost source of BTUs to further heat the oil once the water and basic sediment has been separated from the oil and the oil is sufficiently liquified or fluid for convection currents to flow. These convection currents further aid in reducing the viscosity of the oil and removing fine sediment.
  • a spark arrester 79 is provided in the piping 77 to eliminate any sparks in the exiting gases. The cleansed oil may be passed through a filter to remove any remaining fine sediment.
  • clean oil is readily and easily separated from basic sediment and water. This is accomplished by heating the hydrocarbon fluid in the tank 15 with electromagnetic energy which causes the water molecules which are normally encapsulated within the oil to expand rupturing the encapsulated oil film. Heating can be accomplished with radio frequency waves because water has a greater dielectric constant and greater loss tangent than oil, which results in a high lossiness, thereby allowing it to absorb significantly more energy than the oil in less time resulting in rapid expansion of the volume of the water molecules within the oil film, causing the oil film to rupture. The water molecules then combine into a heavier than oil mass which sinks to the bottom of the tank, carrying most of the sediment present in the oil with it.
  • brine or salt water may be spread across the surface of the top layer of oil 80 after the viscosity of the oil 80 has been lowered, through heating with electromagnetic energy in accordance with the present invention.
  • the heavier salt water will rapidly gravitate through the layer 80 of oil toward the bottom of the tank 15, carrying the fine sediment with it.
  • Layers 76, 78 and 80 have resulted from treating hydrocarbon fluid containing oil, basic sediment and water stored in tank 15, by sweeping the fluid with electromagnetic energy in accordance with the apparatus in Fig. 1 having a power output of 50 KW for approximately 4 hours.
  • the power output and time of exposure will vary with the volume of the tank 15, the constituents or contaminates present in the hydrocarbon fluid, and the length of time during which the hydrocarbon fluid has been stored in the tank 15.
  • hydrocarbons, sulfurs, chlorides, water (fresh or saline), and sediment and metals remain passive, reflect or absorb electromagnetic energy at different rates
  • exposure of the hydrocarbon fluid to electromagnetic energy in accordance with the present invention will separate the aforementioned constituents from the original fluid in generally the reverse order of the constituents listed above. Further, acids and condensible and non-condensible gases are also separated at various stages during the electromagnetic energy heating process.
  • the applicator 18 and energy deflector 64 are shown enlarged relative to that illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the deflector 64 is suspended within the applicator by the dielectric cable 70 which is constructed of radiotransparent materials which are strong, heat resistant and have a very low dielectric constant and loss tangent.
  • the height of the energy deflector 64 will determine the angle of deflection of the electromagnetic energy.
  • an alternative embodiment for the deflector 64 shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated as 82.
  • the deflector shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated as 82.
  • the deflector 82 has a greater angle of deflection (lesser included angle) than the deflector 64 to cause the deflected waves to propagate from the applicator 18 in a slightly downward direction below a horizontal plane through the deflector 82.
  • This embodiment enables the radio frequency to penetrate into payzones which may be positioned below the end of a well bore, when the method and apparatus is utilized for in situ heating in a geological substrate.
  • the energy deflector 82 is suspended by a fiberoptic cable 84 which provides temperature readings.
  • the individual fiberoptic strands 83 of the cable 84 are oriented to detect conditions at various locations in a vessel or borehole.
  • the information transmitted to the remote ends of the fiberoptic strands 83 can be converted into digital signals converter for recording and/or controlling power output levels and positioning of the deflector 82. For example, it may be desired to provide a vertical sweep pattern of the RF energy in response to the temperature gradients sensed by the fiberoptic strands 83.
  • the frequency for use with the fiberoptic strands 83 is selected to be sufficiently different from the frequency of the RF generator 16 to prevent interference or cancellation.
  • the radiotransparent applicator 18 is is brazed to waveguide 21 at 88 for downhole applications where the high temperatures encountered would be detrimental to a fiberglass applicator.
  • an energy deflector designated 88 Arranged within the applicator 18 is another embodiment of an energy deflector designated 88 which is constructed of pyroceram or other dielectric material with a helical wound band of reflective material 90, such as stainless steel. Instead of providing the aforementioned band of metal 90, a spiral portion of the alumina or silicon nitride energy reflector 88 may be sintered and metallized to provide the desired reflective band.
  • waveguide coupling from the RF generator 16 may also be utilized to send control signals from the controller to the motor or other mechanism for raising and lowering the RF deflector.
  • the frequency for such control signals must be selected to be sufficiently different from the frequency or frequencies selected for the electromagnetic energy which heats the hydrocarbon fluid to prevent interference or cancellation.
  • FIG. 5 another form of energy deflector shown at 91 is essentially a right triangle in cross section with a concave surface 93 for focusing all of the deflected electromagnetic energy in a particular direction to heat a predetermined volume in a vessel or a particular payzone or coal seam in subsurface applications.
  • another form of energy deflector shown at 94 includes interconnected segments 95A-95D which provide one angle for deflection of the electromagnetic energy when the deflector is abutting the applicator 18 and another angle of deflection for the electromagnetic energy when the cable 70 is pulled upwardly causing the segments 95A-95D to retract.
  • Other means may be employed to change the angle of deflection of the deflector 94, such as a remote controlled motor.
  • drilling mud The disposal of drilling fluids known as "drilling mud" has become a severe problem for the oil industry.
  • apparatus 100 is employed to remove high viscosity hydrocarbon fluid or sludge from vessels, enclosures, and ships such as oil tankers or barges 102.
  • a mobile RF generator 104 which includes an oscillator, klystron or magnetron 106, has attached at its output 110 a flexible coaxial waveguide 108.
  • the other end 112 of the waveguide 108 extends through a manhole 115 in the barge 102.
  • a sealing connection 114 is fluid tight and radio frequency tight.
  • the waveguide 108 is affixed at its other end to a tubular waveguide 116 which is attached to a radiotransparent applicator 118.
  • an energy deflector 120 Positioned within the applicator 118 is an energy deflector 120 which is capable of upward and downward broadcast movement and may be of any one of the types disclosed in Figs. 2-6. A suitable mechanism for moving the energy deflector 120 upwardly and downwardly, such as disclosed in Fig. 1, is employed.
  • the oil heated by RF waves may be removed from the respective compartment of the barge 102 by a suction pump 122.
  • the pump 122 has a flexible hose 124 which is positioned within a manhole 126 in the same compartment for extraction of the heated oil.
  • the arrows emanating outwardly from the deflector 120 and the applicator 118 indicate a typical pattern for the radio frequency waves. As the waves leave the radiotransparent applicator 118, they are absorbed by the oil/water mixture or penetrate slightly into the inner tank skin of the sidewalls heating the oil trapped in the pores where they are absorbed or reflected by the mental walls of the compartment until all of the RF energy is eventually converted into heat in the hydrocarbon fluid.
  • the present invention is shown for use with an oil pipeline, specifically with a T connection indicated at 130; the oil flow being shown by the solid arrows.
  • a waveguide 132 having a flanged end 134 is coupled to a mating flange 136 of the T connection 130.
  • a radiotransparent sealing disc 138 is sandwiched between the flanges 134 and 136 by bolts and nuts 140.
  • a metal RF shield ring 142 is arranged circumjacent the disc 138 and sandwiched between the flanges 134 and 136.
  • the RF waves propagate through the oil in the T connection 130 and through the oil in the pipeline 144. This arrangement heats the oil to decrease its viscosity, thereby requiring less pumping energy to drive the oil through the pipeline 144, and further cleans the walls of the T connection 130 and pipeline 144 of paraffin causing the same to homogenize and remain in solution.
  • an apparatus 150 is shown positioned in an injection well 152 located adjacent at least one producing well 154.
  • the apparatus 150 includes an RF generator 158 which is electrically coupled to a power source (not shown).
  • a magnetron 160 positioned within the RF generator 158 radiates microwave energy from an antenna or probe 162 into waveguide section 164 for propagation.
  • a waveguide extension 166 has one end coupled to the waveguide section 164 with bolts and nuts 168 and its other end coupled to a waveguide to coaxial adapter 170 with bolts and nuts 172.
  • a flexible coaxial waveguide 174 is coupled at one end to the adapter 170 through a gas barrier fitting 176.
  • waveguide 174 is coupled to a coaxial to waveguide adapter 178 through a gas barrier member 180.
  • a transformation member 182 is coupled at one end to the adapter 178 with bolts and nuts 184. The other end of the transformation member 182 is coupled to a tubular waveguide 186.
  • a radiotransparent applicator 188 is attached to the tubular waveguide 186 at 187.
  • the applicator 188 and energy deflector may include any of the types illustrated in Figs. 2-6 for broadcasting RF waves. Further, the energy deflector will be coupled to a raising and lowering means, e.g., of the type illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the waveguide 186 is positioned within a casing 190 formed in the well 152.
  • the well head 191 is capped by a sealing gland 192 which effectively seals the waveguide 186 therein.
  • a plurality of thermocouples 194 are positined in the well 152 between the casing 190 and the waveguide 186 and extend to a location adjacent the bottom of the well 152.
  • Leads 196, which connect the thermocouples 194 to a controller (not shown) extend through a packer seal 198.
  • the packer seal 198 would not be used if it is desired to produce the resulting oil, water and gases through the annular space 199 between the casing 190 and waveguide 186.
  • the expansion of the oil, water and gases will drive the same up through the annulus 199 until the constituents in the immediate vicinity of the applicator 188 are removed. Subsequently, the annulus 199 can be packed off with the packer seal 198 and the hydrocarbons further heated to drive the resulting oil, water and gas to the producing well 154. For example, if the temperature of the oil is increased to 400°F, there is approximately a 40% increase in the volume of the oil.
  • the RF energy emanating from the applicator 188 heats the hydrocarbon material in the geological substrate causing the release of water, gases, and oil, with the hot oil, water and gas flowing into the bottom of the producing well 154 after the deflected RF energy melts sufficiently through the solidified oil to establish a flow path to the producing well 154.
  • the pump set 22 pumps the oil, water and gas mixture through a perforated gas pipe 202, centered in the well casing 210 by centralizer 204 and production string 206 located in well casing 210 to a takeout pipe 208. Specifically, the pump set 200 moves a sucker rod 212 up and down in the production string 206 to draw oil, water and gas through the production string into the take-out pipe 208.
  • the injection well 152 illustrated in Fig. 9 may be fitted with supplementary drive means, such as pressurized steam or carbon dioxide for injection into the geological substrate through the annulus 199 formed between the well casing 190 and the waveguide 186 to aid in further heating the hydrocarbon material, but more importantly to drive the heated water, gas and oil to the producing well 154.
  • supplementary drive means such as pressurized steam or carbon dioxide for injection into the geological substrate through the annulus 199 formed between the well casing 190 and the waveguide 186 to aid in further heating the hydrocarbon material, but more importantly to drive the heated water, gas and oil to the producing well 154.
  • Carbon dioxide may be employed as the driving medium.
  • apparatus 220 for in situ production of oil, gas water ans sulfur from oil shale, coal, peat, lignite or tar sands by co-­generation.
  • a well 222 is formed through the overburden 224 and into the bedding plane 226.
  • the well 222 includes a steel casing 230 and a waveguide 232 positioned within the casing and coupled to a radiotransparent applicator 234 housing an energy deflector 236, as described in Figs. 1-6.
  • Means to raise and lower the energy deflector 236 described in Fig. 1 should be included, but the same has been eliminated for clarity.
  • the waveguide 232 is affixed to the well head 238 with a packing gland seal 240 and to transition elbow 242 which includes a gas barrier. Coupled to the remote end of the transition elbow 242 is a flexible coaxial waveguide 244 which is coupled to an RF generator 246 which includes a magnetion, klystron or solid state oscillator (not shown). Current is supplied to the RF generator 246 from an electric generator 248 driven by a turbine 250. High pressure steam is supplied to the turbine 250 from a boiler 252.
  • Low pressure extraction steam which exits from the turbine 250 is supplied to the annulus 254 between the casing 230 and the waveguide 232 in the well 222 by a steam line 251.
  • the application of low pressure steam to the oil shale, coal, peat, lignite or tar sands, in addition to the RF energy serves to decrease the viscosity of the kerogen or oil in the formation, causing the water, oil and gas to expand and flow into the open hole pump 256, where it is forced upwardly under tis own expansion and by the steam pressure to the surface with the oil and gas entering exit oil line 258 and the steam entering steam return line 260.
  • the steam entering the steam return line 260 can be demineralized in demineralizer 262, condensed in condensate tank 264 and resupplied to the boiler 252.
  • the entering oil and gas is transmitted from the oil line 258 to a conventional liquid/gas separator 260.
  • the separated oil is then transmitted to a storage tank for pipeline transmission.
  • a canted or angled energy deflector 280 has a particular use in a well bore 282 in which the payzone 284 is inclined or offset relative to the well bore 282 so that the radio frequency energy can be directed to the seam or payzone 284.
  • the deflector 280 is arranged at the bottom of an applicator 286 which is coupled to a waveguide 288 with an E.I.A. flange 290.
  • a corrosion resistant covering 292 surrounds the waveguide 288 and flange 290.
  • Extending downwardly from the casing 292 is a perforated liner 294 which is transparent to RF waves and protects the applicator 286.
  • a coaxial waveguide arrangement is illustrated at 300 for in situ production of oil through a small diameter well bore 302.
  • the well bore 302 includes a casing 304 and a perforated radiotransparent liner 306 which extends downwardly therefrom.
  • a coaxial waveguide 308 is positioned within the well bore 302 and coupled to a radiotransparent applicator 310 with an E.I.A flange 312.
  • a fibreglass or other corrosion resistant covering 314 surrounds the waveguide 308 and the flange 312.
  • the waveguide 308 includes a hollow central conductor 316 which is maintained in a spaced relationship from an outer conductor 317 with dielectric spacers 319, only one of which is shown.
  • the conductor 316 extends through the applicator 310 for interconnection with a submersible pump 318 positioned within the liner 306.
  • the interior of the central conductor 316 includes a fiberglass or polyethylene lining 320 to provide a production conduit through which oil is pumped to the surface.
  • the pumped oil helps to cool the inner conductor 316 by absorbing heat therefrom which in turn helps to maintain a lower viscosity in the producing oil by further heating it.
  • the cooling effect of the oil on the central conductor 316 prevents overheating and dielectric breakdown of the dielectric spacers 319.
  • the pump 318 is electrically driven, receiving power through a power cable 322.
  • the pump 318 may be pneumatically or hydraulically operated or actuated by a magnetic field produced by RF waves which have a different frequency than that of the RF waves used for heating.
  • the coaxial waveguide 308 is smaller in diameter than the waveguide illustrated in Fig. 11 to allow access to wells 302 having small diameter bores.
  • the pump 318 is supported by support wires 324 or rods coupled between eyelets 323 affixed to the pump and eyelets 315 affixed to the flange 312.
  • a dielectric oil pipe 326 has one end coupled to the pump 318 with a flange 328 and passes through a central opening 330 in the energy deflector 332. A liquid tight seal is applied therebetween. The other end of the oil pipe 326 is coupled to the central conductor 316 with a dielectric coupling member 334.
  • the RF waves propagated through the waveguide 308 are radiated or broadcast outwardly from the portion of the central conductor, designated 336, which functions as a 1/4 wave monopole antenna. Any Rf waves that travel past the antenna 336 are deflected by the energy deflector 332.
  • FIG. 13 there is shown an apparatus 350 for use in a vessel containing hydrocarbon fluid to effectively utilize a portion of the hydrocarbon fluid to provide an automatic layer of insulation for the vessel by providing a specific thickness of immobile oil in contact with and adjacent tothe interiior tank walls when the ambient temperature or temperature conditions are low.
  • the R value of the insulation and the U factor will vary in accordance with the k factor of the oil.
  • the tank 352 includes a perforated metal shield or wire mesh 354 arranged concentric with and spaced from the tank side walls 356.
  • the shield 354 is held from the sidewall 356 by standoff brackets 358.
  • perforated metal shields 355 and 357 are positioned a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 359 and top surface 366, respectively.
  • Standoff brackets 361 and 363 are arranged between the metal shield 355 and bottom surface 359 and metal shield 357 and top surface 366, respectively.
  • the oil can expand and contract without restriction and flow through the perforations 360, 365 and 367 so that it is available for use.
  • the viscosity of the oil will increase so that the oil will not be able to flow through the perforations 360, 365 and 367 and will tend to solidify inwardly toward the shields 354, 355 and 357 forming a thick insulation layer which is no longer capable of transferring external heat to the interior of the tank 352 by convection.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 1 may be utilized to maintain the fluency of the oil in the tank 352 which is located interiorily of the shields 354, 355 and 357.
  • the RF waves propagated through the radiotransparent applicator 362 are deflected into the oil by the energy deflector 364 where they are absorbed and converted into thermal energy.
  • piping 372 transmits heat from the anode cooling system of the magnetron 368 of the Rf generator 370 to the tank 352.
  • the piping 372 extends for a predetermined distance below the top surface 366 to penetrate any resulting solid oil layer by recirculating the deionized anode cooling solution through the piping 372 submerged in the oil.

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  • Heating, Cooling, Or Curing Plastics Or The Like In General (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Constitution Of High-Frequency Heating (AREA)
  • Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)
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  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
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  • Electric Stoves And Ranges (AREA)
  • Control Of High-Frequency Heating Circuits (AREA)
EP88115385A 1984-04-20 1985-04-19 Chauffage par l'énergie électromagnétique Ceased EP0307003A3 (fr)

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US60239984A 1984-04-20 1984-04-20
US602399 1984-04-20

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EP85902320A Division EP0180619B1 (fr) 1984-04-20 1985-04-19 Procede et dispositif de chauffage par energie electromagnetique

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EP85902320A Expired - Lifetime EP0180619B1 (fr) 1984-04-20 1985-04-19 Procede et dispositif de chauffage par energie electromagnetique

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JP (1) JPS61501931A (fr)
KR (1) KR890003463B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE70079T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU586820B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR8506617A (fr)
CA (1) CA1261735A (fr)
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WO2009156961A1 (fr) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-30 Schlumberger Canada Limited Appareil et processus de valorisation de pétrole brut utilisant un rayonnement à micro-ondes
US8431015B2 (en) 2009-05-20 2013-04-30 Conocophillips Company Wellhead hydrocarbon upgrading using microwaves
WO2016134476A1 (fr) * 2015-02-25 2016-09-01 Bfh Corp. Procédé et appareil de raffinage d'hydrocarbures fonctionnant avec de l'énergie électromagnétique

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US6077400A (en) * 1997-09-23 2000-06-20 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corp. Radio frequency microwave energy method to break oil and water emulsions
US5914014A (en) * 1997-09-23 1999-06-22 Kartchner; Henry H. Radio frequency microwave energy apparatus and method to break oil and water emulsions
US6086830A (en) * 1997-09-23 2000-07-11 Imperial Petroleum Recovery Corporation Radio frequency microwave energy applicator apparatus to break oil and water emulsion
WO2007081493A2 (fr) 2005-12-14 2007-07-19 Mobilestream Oil, Inc. Recuperation d'hydrocarbures et de combustibles fossiles par rayonnement micro-onde
EP2131633A1 (fr) * 2008-05-28 2009-12-09 L'AIR LIQUIDE, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Procédé de refroidissement d'un plasma micro-onde et système de destruction sélective de molécules chimiques utilisant ce procédé
US8365478B2 (en) * 2009-02-12 2013-02-05 Red Leaf Resources, Inc. Intermediate vapor collection within encapsulated control infrastructures
US9353612B2 (en) * 2013-07-18 2016-05-31 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electromagnetic assisted ceramic materials for heavy oil recovery and in-situ steam generation
HUE060177T2 (hu) * 2016-02-08 2023-02-28 Proton Tech Inc In-situ eljárás hidrogén elõállítására földalatti szénhidrogén-telepekbõl
CA3119393A1 (fr) * 2018-10-16 2020-04-23 1863815 Ontario Limited Appareils et modes de chauffage par micro-ondes des fluides

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WO2009156961A1 (fr) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-30 Schlumberger Canada Limited Appareil et processus de valorisation de pétrole brut utilisant un rayonnement à micro-ondes
US8431015B2 (en) 2009-05-20 2013-04-30 Conocophillips Company Wellhead hydrocarbon upgrading using microwaves
WO2016134476A1 (fr) * 2015-02-25 2016-09-01 Bfh Corp. Procédé et appareil de raffinage d'hydrocarbures fonctionnant avec de l'énergie électromagnétique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO171687C (no) 1993-04-21
KR890003463B1 (ko) 1989-09-21
NO864023L (no) 1986-02-13
NO864026L (no) 1986-02-13
CA1261735A (fr) 1989-09-26
NO864024D0 (no) 1986-10-09
NO864026D0 (no) 1986-10-09
AU4237485A (en) 1985-11-15
EP0180619A4 (fr) 1986-10-02
AU586820B2 (en) 1989-07-27
EP0180619B1 (fr) 1991-12-04
NO855178L (no) 1986-02-13
NO161876C (no) 1989-10-04
DE3584819D1 (de) 1992-01-16
KR860700043A (ko) 1986-01-31
NO161726C (no) 1989-09-20
NO864023D0 (no) 1986-10-09
EP0180619A1 (fr) 1986-05-14
BR8506617A (pt) 1986-04-15
NO864025D0 (no) 1986-10-09
NO161726B (no) 1989-06-12
ZA852948B (en) 1985-12-24
NO864024L (no) 1986-02-13
ATE70079T1 (de) 1991-12-15
NO161876B (no) 1989-06-26
NO864025L (no) 1986-02-13
NO171687B (no) 1993-01-11
MX159060A (es) 1989-04-13
WO1985004893A1 (fr) 1985-11-07
EP0307003A3 (fr) 1989-09-13
JPS61501931A (ja) 1986-09-04

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