Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole device, such as an isolation valve. According to an embodiment, the downhole device may be in the form of an isolation valve member, e.g. a ball valve element, actuated between positions by a mechanical section which may comprise a shifting linkage. Actuation of the mechanical section, and thus actuation of the isolation valve member, is achieved by a trip saver section controlled according to a pressure signature which may be applied from a suitable location, e.g. from the surface. The trip saver section comprises a housing having an internal actuation piston coupled with the mechanical section. The trip saver section further comprises a pilot piston and a plurality of chambers formed in a wall of the housing and arranged to enable shifting of the actuation piston in response to a predetermined series of pressure pulses or other suitable pressure signature.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole device, such as an isolation valve. According to an embodiment, the downhole device may be in the form of an isolation valve member, e.g. a ball valve element, actuated between positions by a mechanical section which may comprise a shifting linkage. Actuation of the mechanical section, and thus actuation of the isolation valve member, is achieved by a trip saver section controlled according to a pressure signature which may be applied from a suitable location, e.g. from the surface. The trip saver section comprises a housing having an internal actuation piston coupled with the mechanical section. The trip saver section further comprises a pilot piston and a plurality of chambers formed in a wall of the housing and arranged to enable shifting of the actuation piston in response to a predetermined series of pressure pulses or other suitable pressure signature.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole device, such as an isolation valve. According to an embodiment, the downhole device may be in the form of an isolation valve member, e.g. a ball valve element, actuated between positions by a mechanical section which may comprise a shifting linkage. Actuation of the mechanical section, and thus actuation of the isolation valve member, is achieved by a trip saver section controlled according to a pressure signature which may be applied from a suitable location, e.g. from the surface. The trip saver section comprises a housing having an internal actuation piston coupled with the mechanical section. The trip saver section further comprises a pilot piston and a plurality of chambers formed in a wall of the housing and arranged to enable shifting of the actuation piston in response to a predetermined series of pressure pulses or other suitable pressure signature.

Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole device, such as an isolation valve. According to an embodiment, the downhole device may be in the form of an isolation valve member, e.g. a ball valve element, actuated between positions by a mechanical section which may comprise a shifting linkage Actuation of the mechanical section, and thus actuation of the isolation valve member, is achieved by a trip saver section controlled according to a pressure signature which may be applied from a suitable location, e.g. from the surface. The trip saver section comprises a housing having an internal actuation piston coupled with the mechanical section. The trip saver section further comprises a pilot piston and a plurality of chambers formed in a wall of the housing and arranged to enable shifting of the actuation piston in response to a predetermined series of pressure pulses or other suitable pressure signature.

Abstract: Method for reducing the viscosity of clogging hydrocarbons in an oil well. The method utilizes a tube type heat exchanger enabling heated gases to pass through feed water coils to heat the water to a predetermined temperature and at a pressure which prevents any flashing or phase change of the feed water within the heat exchanger. From the heat exchanger the heated feed water passes through a conduit which empties into the oil well. The well is open to atmosphere so that the feed water undergoes a phase change or flashing when it is introduced into the oil well. The resulting combined steam and hot water reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbons sufficiently to facilitate their flow out of the oil well.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of clogging hydrocarbons in an oil well. The apparatus is preferably trailer mounted for portability. It includes a tube type heat exchanger enabling heated gases to pass within feed water coils to heat the water to a predetermined temperature and at a pressure which prevents any flashing or phase change of the feed water within the heat exchanger. From the heat exchanger the heated feed water passes through a conduit which empties into the oil well. The well is open to atmosphere so that the feed water undergoes a phase change or flashing when it is introduced into the oil well. The resulting combined steam and hot water reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbons sufficiently to facilitate their flow out of the oil well. One embodiment of the heat exchanger includes special coil arrangements to promote heating efficiency.

Abstract: A burner capable of burning low pressure combustible gas with minimum pollutant emissions. The gas is preheated to hydrocarbon cracking temperatures in a heat exchanger located directly within an elongated water jacketed combustion chamber of the burner. The heated, expanding and rapidly flowing gas from the heat exchanger passes through a nozzle to further accelerate the gas for passage into an air intake system together with aspirated air. The nozzle and intake system are adjustable to meter in proper amounts of gas and air for a stoichiometric mixture. The gas/air mixture is laterally directed into the combustion chamber to induce turbulence and continued mixing for optimum ignition and burning. The resulting heated gases are useful in various end applications, such as in steam generating boilers. The burner is also adapted to inject steam into the preheated gas or into the intake system or into both to increase mass flow of air and to promote low pollutant emissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering oil from an oil bearing formation utilizing steam injected into the formation. A working fluid is heated at the surface to produce a reversible, chemical reaction, particularly a reforming reaction in a reforming/methanation reaction cycle. The products of the reforming reaction are transported at near ambient temperatures to a downhole heat exchanger through which water is circulated. There a catalyst triggers the methanation reaction, liberating heat energy to convert the water to steam. The products of the methanation reaction are recirculated to the surface to repeat the cycle. In one embodiment the products of the methanation reaction are injected into the formation along with the steam. Various catalysts, and various systems for heating the working fluid are disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole steam apparatus for location within the casing of a well borehole to facilitate oil recovery. A housing adapted to be lowered into the borehole includes a combustor for mixing and burning fuel and air, and a heat exchanger having an array of water tubes exposed to the heated gases from the combustor for converting water into steam. The steam is injected downwardly into the borehole, and the spent gases pass into the annulus between the casing and the housing. An expansible packer seals off the annulus between the steam injection area and the spent gas injection area. Compressed air for combustion is supplied at the lower spent gas pressure. Various arrangements are disclosed for the water tube array in the heat exchanger.