Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for producing a superheated steam having a specified ratio of water vapor to combustion gases for injection into a well to enhance heavy oil production. Embodiments comprise indirect-contact steam generators and direct-contact steam generators.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for producing a superheated steam having a specified ratio of water vapor to combustion gases for injection into a well to enhance heavy oil production. Embodiments comprise indirect-contact steam generators and direct-contact steam generators.

Abstract: A method of downhole steam generation comprising determining a desired level of electrical conductivity for water to be converted to steam in a downhole location, acquiring a main feedwater supply, wherein water of the main feedwater supply has an electrical conductivity lower or higher than the desired level, mixing water of the main feedwater supply with water from one or more sidestreams to generate a resultant stream with an electrical conductivity of about the desired level, pumping the resultant stream to the downhole location, and passing an electrical current through the resultant stream in the downhole location to generate steam.

Abstract: A method of downhole steam generation comprising determining a desired level of electrical conductivity for water to be converted to steam in a downhole location, acquiring a main feedwater supply, wherein water of the main feedwater supply has an electrical conductivity lower or higher than the desired level, mixing water of the main feedwater supply with water from one or more sidestreams to generate a resultant stream with an electrical conductivity of about the desired level, pumping the resultant stream to the downhole location, and passing an electrical current through the resultant stream in the downhole location to generate steam.

Abstract: A system and method of desalinating brackish water from an inland, underground water supply is disclosed. The system includes a source of underground water, at least one distillation and/or non-distillation desalination stage, and a source of waste heat from a power generator. The method includes desalinating brackish water drawn from an underground source using waste heat from a power generator and one or more non-distillation and/or distillation desalination stages. Potable water is recovered from both the brackish underground water using waste heat from the power generator, while dissolved salts are taken to dryness and removed as solids and from the flue gases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or eliminating wetstacking in internal combustion engine systems operating substantially under capacity comprising establishing an exhaust temperature minimum set point, monitoring exhaust temperature of an engine; and restricting air intake into the engine when the temperature is below the set point. Intake air may also be heated when the exhaust temperature is below the set point, with the intake air divided into first and second paths, the first path being restricted and the second path being heated. The second path preferably comprises a fixed flow choke.

Abstract: A system and method of desalinating brackish water from an inland, underground water supply is disclosed. The system includes a source of underground water, at least one distillation and/or non-distillation desalination stage, and a source of waste heat from a power generator. The method includes desalinating brackish water drawn from an underground source using waste heat from a power generator and one or more non-distillation and/or distillation desalination stages. Potable water is recovered from both the brackish underground water using waste heat from the power generator, while dissolved salts are taken to dryness and removed as solids and from the flue gases.

Abstract: A steam generator having substantial thermal capacity for producing high quality steam used primarily for downhole steam generation in tertiary oil recovery. Incorporated in the generator is a novel high pressure, high heat release combustor, utilizing high pressure gaseous fuel and compressed gas oxidizer such as air, wherein thermal and mechanical stresses on the combustor structure are controlled. A method for controlling combustion induced mechanical stresses on the combustor through fluid injection is also disclosed. Disclosed designs provide substantially increased combustor life in "Downhole" Steam Generation service. The burner employs an ignition technique utilizing gaseous injection of a pyrophoric compound such as triethylborane (TEB).

Abstract: A high output, high pressure direct contact steam generator for producing high quality steam particularly suited for use with low grade, low cost fuel. When used in a system incorporating heat recovery and conversion of carryover water enthalpy into shaft horesepower, the unit disclosed provides high quality, high pressure steam for "steam drive" or thermal stimulation of petroleum wells through injection of high pressure steam and combustion gas mixtures. A particular feature of the burner/system disclosed provides compression of a burner oxidant such as atmospheric air, and shaft horesepower for pumping high pressure feedwater, from a lowest cost energy source such as leased crude, or other locally available fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for downhole steam generation employing dual-stage preheaters for liquid fuel and for the water. A first heat exchange jacket for the fuel surrounds the fuel/oxidant mixing section of the combustor assembly downstream of the fuel nozzle and contacts the top of the combustor unit of the combustor assembly, thereby receiving heat directly from the combustion of the fuel/oxidant. A second stage heat exchange jacket surrounds an upper portion of the oxidant supply line adjacent the fuel nozzle receiving further heat from the compression heat which results from pressurization of the oxidant. The combustor unit includes an inner combustor sleeve whose inner wall defines the combustion zone. The inner combustor sleeve is surrounded by two concentric water channels, one defined by the space between the inner combustor sleeve and an intermediate sleeve, and the second defined by the space between the intermediate sleeve and an outer cylindrical housing.

Abstract: An improved downhole steam injector has an angled water orifice to swirl the water through the device for improved heat transfer before it is converted to steam. The injector also has a sloped diameter reduction in the steam chamber to throw water that collects along the side of the chamber during slant drilling into the flame for conversion to steam. In addition, the output of the flame chamber is beveled to reduce hot spots and increase efficiency, and the fuel-oxidant inputs are arranged to minimize coking.