LUBE OIL RECOVERY SYSTEM FOR GEOTHERMAL LINESHAFT PUMP

Abstract

A geothermal pump includes a lineshaft, an internal casing disposed concentrically around the lineshaft and configured to form a lubrication-space between the lineshaft and the internal casing, an external casing disposed concentrically around the internal casing and configured to form a brine-space between the internal casing and the external casing, a piping network connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing, and a seal assembly disposed on a down-hole end of the lineshaft and connected to the piping network and the lubrication-space, such that a fluid circuit is formed, the seal assembly being configured to enable a lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network to the lubrication-space in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end of the lineshaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 62/198,804, filed Jul. 30, 2015, the contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

Geothermal heat transfer is one alternative energy source that is becoming popular as a way to reduce dependence on traditional power sources like nuclear energy and fossil fuels. Geothermal applications use the internal energy of the earth and extract this internal energy as heat. The heat can then be used in a variety of ways, such as heating houses, warming water, and powering heat pumps. In other words, geothermal heat can be used like any other type of energy source. Geothermal applications are desirable because they avoid many of the harmful byproducts associated with some of the more commonly used fossil fuels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A known geothermal heat transfer process involves drawing hot geothermal brine from below ground. Access to this geothermal brine is often obtained by drilling a well bore deep below the ground. This hot geothermal brine is extracted to the surface, using a pump. The hot geothermal brine is then sent through a heat transfer apparatus, where the heat is extracted from the geothermal brine. The cooler geothermal brine is then sent back down below ground.

As noted, known pumps typically extract hot geothermal brine to the surface. However, pumping the brine to the surface often requires high pressure below ground to facilitate fluid movement. Therefore, pumps are often disposed below ground to extract the hot geothermal brine. These pumps are driven by a lineshaft, which is rotated by an above-ground motor. The rotational forces at work in the lineshaft, including the speed of rotation and the torque, can cause friction, and subsequently heat. This heat can be harmful to the lineshaft, the pump, and many other secondary components associated with geothermal extraction systems. To reduce this friction, a lubrication fluid is used on the lineshaft and other rotating secondary components, such as bearings and sleeves.

Currently, a common process for administering lubrication fluid to a lineshaft is to apply the lubrication fluid to the lineshaft, above-ground. Gravity pulls the lubrication fluid down the lineshaft, ostensibly lubricating the entire lineshaft as the lubrication fluid moves in a downward direction. If more lubrication fluid is needed, more lubrication fluid is simply applied to the above-ground end of the lineshaft.

When the lubrication fluid reaches the end of the lineshaft, it is often expelled into the geothermal brine. This results in a loss of the lubrication fluid. More lubrication fluid must then be applied to make up for this loss. Though some of the lubrication fluid may be recoverable, this recovery requires separating the lubrication fluid from the extracted geothermal brine. Implementing a separation process requires costly additions to the overall pumping system. Furthermore, a separation process can waste valuable time that may otherwise be spent on drilling and brine recovery. Finally, there are environmental concerns with expelling a lubrication fluid into the geothermal brine.

SUMMARY

An example apparatus and system are disclosed for a lube oil recovery system. This example apparatus and system solve at least some of the above discussed issues related to downward flowing lubrication, by instead lubricating various rotating parts in an upward direction. The example apparatus and system disclosed herein employ a closed fluid circuit, thus significantly reducing the loss of lubrication fluid. Because the fluid circuit associated with the lubrication fluid is closed, there is no need to separate the lubrication fluid from the extracted geothermal brine. Further, the closed fluid circuit of the example apparatus and system significantly reduce any contamination of lubrication fluid with the geothermal brine.

In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a geothermal pump with a lineshaft, having an above-ground end and a down-hole end. The apparatus further includes an internal casing, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft and having a first diameter such that a lubrication-space exists between the lineshaft and the internal casing. The apparatus further includes an external casing, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing and has a second diameter such that a brine-space exists between the internal casing and the external casing. The apparatus further includes a piping network, connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing. The apparatus further includes a seal assembly, disposed on the down-hole end of the lineshaft. The seal assembly is connected to the piping network and the lubrication-space, such that a fluid circuit is formed. The seal assembly enables a lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network to the lubrication-space in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end of the lineshaft. In this apparatus, the lubrication fluid is delivered through the lubrication-space in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft via a pressure differential within the fluid circuit.

In a different exemplary embodiment, the system is a heat transfer recovery system, with a pump, having a plurality of impellers to move a geothermal brine in a desired direction. The system further includes a lineshaft, which is used to drive the pump. The system further includes an internal casing, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft and having a first diameter such that a lubrication-space exists between the lineshaft and the internal casing. The system further includes an external casing, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing and having a second diameter such that a brine-space exists between the internal casing and the external casing. The system further includes a piping network, which is connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing and connected to a down-hole end of the internal casing, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network and the lubrication-space at the above-ground end of the internal casing and the down-hole end of the internal casing.

Other aspects, features, and techniques will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the following brief description of the figures and detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an example geothermal heat transfer circuit, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an example enlarged view of a tube oil recovery system, associated with the geothermal heat transfer circuit, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an example cross-sectional view of a seal assembly, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a diagram of the tube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B shows a diagram of an example detailed first portion of the tube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C shows a diagram of an example detailed second portion of the tube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D shows a diagram of an example detailed third portion of the tube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates in general to an apparatus and system for a lube oil recovery system.

As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” shall mean one or more than one. The term “plurality” shall mean two or more than two. The term “another” is defined as a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an example geothermal heat transfer circuit, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the geothermal heat transfer circuit is a heat transfer recovery system. The heat transfer recovery system 100 includes a pump 101 with a plurality of impellers. The plurality of the impellers of the pump 101 is configured to move a geothermal brine 150 in a desired direction. The system 100 further includes a lineshaft 102, which is used to drive the pump 101. In a preferred embodiment, the lineshaft 102 has a diameter of 2.188 inches. The system 100 further includes an internal casing 103, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft 102, the internal casing 103 having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the lineshaft 102, such that a lubrication-space 104 exists between the lineshaft 102 and the internal casing 103. More preferably, the internal casing 103 is 3.5 inch pipe (Schedule 40), such that the internal casing 103 has an outside diameter of 4.0 inches and an inside diameter of 3.364 inches. Most preferably, the lubrication space 104 can vary throughout the system 100, such that the distance between the lineshaft 102 and the internal casing 103 can vary from 0.010 inches to over 0.5 inches. The system 100 further includes an external casing 105, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing 103, the external casing 105 having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 103, such that a brine-space 106 exists between the internal casing 103 and the external casing 105. More preferably, the external casing 105 has an inside diameter that is 0.25 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 103. The system 100 further includes a piping network 107, which is connected to an above-ground end 108 of the internal casing 103 and connected to a down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network 107 and the lubrication-space 104 at the above-ground end 108 of the internal casing 103 and the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103.

In another embodiment, the system 100 further includes a lubrication fluid, which is delivered through the piping network 107 to the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103, by virtue of a pressure differential. A high fluid pressure is created in the piping network 107 at a location above the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103. This fluid pressure causes the lubrication fluid to move through the piping network 107 in a downward direction, away from the location of high fluid pressure. When the lubrication fluid reaches the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103, it is still affected by the pressure differential. Because of the system's design, at this stage, the only direction for the lubrication fluid to move is upward, through the lubrication space 104, toward the above-ground end 110 of the lineshaft 102. Thus, the pressure differential causes the lubrication fluid to flow downward through the piping network 107, into the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103, and upward through the lubrication space 104 towards the above-ground end 110 of the lineshaft 102. The lubrication fluid may be oil, water, or any other type of fluid. More preferably, the lubrication fluid is turbine oil with a viscosity grade of 42 at 212° F. Selection of a specific type of lubrication fluid is largely dictated by the use within the lubrication-space 104, with a consideration of the lubrication fluid's properties such as heat capacity, viscosity, and additives, among others.

In another embodiment, a seal assembly 120 is disposed on a down-hole end 111 of the lineshaft 102. The seal assembly 120 allows for a lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network 107 to the lubrication-space 104 in a direction toward the above-ground end 110 of the lineshaft 102 while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end 111 of the lineshaft 102.

In another example embodiment, the system's pump 101 uses the brine-space 106 to deliver a geothermal brine 150 from a down-hole location 151 to an above-ground location 152. In yet another example embodiment, the system 100 further includes a heat transfer unit 153. This heat transfer unit 153 is used to extract heat energy 154 from the geothermal brine 150. The heat transfer unit 153 can be any type of device that is configured to extract heat from a fluid and convert the extracted heat to some other type of heat energy, mechanical energy, or electrical energy. More preferably, the heat transfer unit extracts heat from a fluid, converts this heat into mechanical energy, and subsequently converts the mechanical energy into stored electrical energy with an electrical generator.

In another embodiment, the system 100 further includes a plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators 131. The plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 can measure flow rate, pressure, temperature, or any other fluid characteristic of the lubrication fluid. These flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 are disposed along the piping network 107. In a preferred embodiment, the flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 are disposed along the piping network 107 above-ground. Alternatively, the flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 are disposed along the piping network 107 below-ground. And alternatively, the flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 may be disposed along the piping network 107 both above-ground and below-ground. A benefit to having the plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 is that differentials in flow and pressure can be calculated, thus identifying potential leaks within the piping network 107 or the overall system 100 in general. Differentials can be calculated across a length of the piping network 107, at the same point in the piping network 107 but over a time duration, or some combination of the two. The flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 may be mechanical, electronic, or electro-mechanical.

In an alternate embodiment, these flow monitors and pressure regulators 131 have the ability to communicate with one another, and with a central monitoring station, electronically. A monitoring station tracks the data at individual flow monitors and pressure regulators 131, over time, in a feedback loop. This feedback loop can provide valuable metrics related to both individual sub-systems and the overall system. The monitoring station can notify a lubrication pump 133 of pressure decreases or increases, thereby dynamically adjusting the pressure differential within the piping network 107 based off the data obtained in the feedback loop, to ensure the system 100 is operating at maximum efficiency. The monitoring station may also have the ability to signal alerts when leaks are detected along the piping network 107 or the system as a whole.

In another embodiment, the system 100 further includes a collection tank 132 disposed along the piping network 107. The collection tank 132 stores the lubrication fluid. The collection tank 132 may be above-ground or below-ground. In a variation of this embodiment, the system 100 further includes a heating and cooling system for the collection tank 132. In a different variation, the system 100 further includes a filtering and purification system for the collection tank 132. Heating and cooling, and filtering and purifying, the lubrication fluid may provide for more effective lubricating and heat transfer characteristics, thereby making the system 100 operate in a more efficient manner.

The system 100 may further include a lubrication pump 133, disposed along the piping network 107. The lubrication pump 133 creates the pressure differential in the piping network 107 such that the lubrication fluid within the piping network 107 and the lubrication-space 104 moves in a desired direction. More specifically, the lubrication pump 133 creates a pressure differential which causes the lubrication fluid to flow downward through the piping network 107, into the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103, and upward through the lubrication space 104, towards the above-ground end 110 of the lineshaft 102. The lubrication pump 133 may be any type of displacement pump, such as a rotary pump, reciprocating pump, impulse pump, velocity pump, or any other type of displacement pump that has the ability to create a pressure differential in a fluid.

The pressure differential created by lubrication pump 133 must be high enough at the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103 such that the lubrication fluid moves upward through the lubrication space 104. For this reason, in an embodiment the pressure of the lubrication fluid in the lubrication space 104 at the down-hole end 109 of the internal casing 103 shall be in the range of 200 psig to 800 psig. Likewise, in an embodiment, the pressure of the lubrication fluid in the lubrication space 104 at the above-ground end 108 of the internal casing 103 shall be in the range of 200 psig to 800 psig.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an example enlarged view of a tube oil recovery system, associated with the geothermal heat transfer circuit, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, an apparatus 200 includes a geothermal pump 201 with a lineshaft 202, having an above-ground end 210 and a down-hole end 211. In a preferred embodiment, the lineshaft 202 has a diameter of 2.188 inches. The apparatus 200 further includes an internal casing 203, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft 202, the internal casing 203 having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the lineshaft 202, such that a lubrication-space 204 exists between the lineshaft 202 and the internal casing 203. More preferably, the internal casing 203 is 3.5 inch pipe (Schedule 40), such that the internal casing 203 has an outside diameter of 4.0 inches and an inside diameter of 3.364 inches. Most preferably, the lubrication space 204 can vary throughout the apparatus 200, such that the distance between the lineshaft 202 and the internal casing 203 can vary from 0.010 inches to over 0.5 inches.

The apparatus 200 further includes an external casing 205, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing 203, the external casing 205 having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 203, such that a brine-space 206 exists between the internal casing 203 and the external casing 205. More preferably, the external casing 205 has an inside diameter that is 0.25 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 203. The apparatus 200 further includes a seal assembly 220, which is similar to the seal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 1. The seal assembly 220 is disposed on the down-hole end 211 of the lineshaft 202. The seal assembly 220 allows for a lubrication fluid to flow from a piping network 207 to the lubrication-space 204 in a direction toward the above-ground end 210 of the lineshaft 202 while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end 211 of the lineshaft 202. The piping network 207 is connected to an above-ground end 208 of the internal casing 203 and connected to the seal assembly 220, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network 207, the seal assembly 220, and the lubrication-space 204. In this apparatus 200, the lubrication fluid is delivered through the lubrication-space 204 in the direction toward the above-ground end 210 of the lineshaft 202 by virtue of a pressure differential.

The apparatus 200 may further include a lubrication pump 233, disposed along the piping network 207. The lubrication pump 233 creates the pressure differential in the piping network 207 such that the lubrication fluid within the piping network 207 and the lubrication-space 204 moves in a desired direction. More specifically, the lubrication pump 233 creates a pressure differential which causes the lubrication fluid to flow downward through the piping network 207, into the down-hole end 209 of the internal casing 203, and upward through the lubrication space 204, towards the above-ground end 210 of the lineshaft 202. The lubrication pump 233 may be any type of displacement pump, such as a rotary pump, reciprocating pump, impulse pump, velocity pump, or any other type of displacement pump that has the ability to create a pressure differential in a fluid.

In another embodiment, the apparatus 200 further includes a plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators 231. The plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 can measure flow rate, pressure, temperature, or any other fluid characteristic of the lubrication fluid. These flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 are disposed along the piping network 207. In a preferred embodiment, the flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 are disposed along the piping network 207 above-ground. Alternatively, the flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 are disposed along the piping network 207 below-ground. And alternatively, the flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 may be disposed along the piping network 207 both above-ground and below-ground. A benefit to having the plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 is that differentials in flow and pressure can be calculated, thus identifying potential leaks within the piping network 207 or the apparatus 200 in general. Differentials can be calculated across a length of the piping network 207, at the same point in the piping network 207 but over a time duration, or some combination of the two. The flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 may be mechanical, electronic, or electro-mechanical.

In an alternate embodiment, these flow monitors and pressure regulators 231 have the ability to communicate with one another, and with a central monitoring station, electronically. A monitoring station tracks the data at individual flow monitors and pressure regulators 231, over time, in a feedback loop. This feedback loop can provide valuable metrics related to both individual sub-systems and the overall system. The monitoring station can notify the lubrication pump 233 of pressure decreases or increases, thereby dynamically adjusting the pressure differential within the piping network 207 based off the data obtained in the feedback loop, to ensure the apparatus 200 is operating at maximum efficiency. The monitoring station may also have the ability to signal alerts when leaks are detected along the piping network 207 or the apparatus as a whole.

In a different embodiment, the apparatus 200 further includes a collection tank 232 disposed along the piping network 207. This collection tank 232 stores the lubrication fluid. In another different embodiment, the apparatus 200 further includes a heating and cooling system for the collection tank 232. In another different embodiment, the apparatus 200 further includes a filtering and purification system for the collection tank 232.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an example cross-sectional view of a seal assembly 320, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The seal assembly 320 is similar to the seal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the seal assembly 320 includes a first assembly component 321 and a second assembly component 322. The first assembly component 321 is fixed to the lineshaft 302. The first assembly component 321 permits the lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network 307 toward the above-ground end 310 of the lineshaft 302. The second assembly component 322 restricts the lubrication fluid from flowing from the piping network 307 to the down-hole end 311 of the lineshaft 302.

In another embodiment, the first assembly component 321 of the seal assembly 320 is a seal housing. The seal housing is fixed to the lineshaft 302 and permits the lubrication fluid to flow toward the above-ground end 310 of the lineshaft 302. The seal housing includes a plurality of grooves 325. Because the seal housing is fixed to the lineshaft 302, the seal housing rotates when the lineshaft 302 rotates. Due to the seal housing's rotation, the plurality of grooves 325 move the lubrication fluid in the direction toward the above-ground end 310 of the lineshaft 302. The grooves 325 may be radial, angled, or spiraled around the seal housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the lineshaft 302, in addition to the grooves 325, moves the lubrication in a direction toward the above-ground end 310 of the lineshaft 302. This movement is facilitated by the rotation of the lineshaft 302. Shear stresses in the fluid, caused by contact between the lineshaft 302 and the lubrication fluid encourages the fluid to rotate as it moves in a direction toward the above-ground end 310 of the lineshaft 302. This rotation provides additional momentum for the lubrication fluid as it translates upward, thus encouraging the movement.

In another example embodiment, the seal assembly 320 further comprises a sleeve 326, the sleeve 326 fixed to the lineshaft 302 with a plurality of sleeve o-rings 327. In a variation of the previous embodiment, the seal assembly 320 further includes the sleeve 326 with a first surface area 328 and a second surface area 329. The first surface area 328 is in contact with the lubrication fluid. The second surface area 329 is in contact with a geothermal brine. In this embodiment, the second surface area 329 is larger than the first surface area 328. If the pressures of the lubrication fluid and the geothermal brine are similar to one another, and the first surface area 328 in contact with the lubrication fluid is smaller than the second surface area 329 in contact with the geothermal brine, the force on the first surface area 328 will be greater. In other words, with equal pressures, a smaller surface area for the first surface area 328 results in a greater force on the first surface area 328. Thus, in this embodiment, by controlling the surface areas of the sleeve 326, the pressure of the lubrication fluid can effectively seal the sleeve through a much greater force on the sleeve when compared to the force from the geothermal brine.

In another different embodiment, the seal assembly 320 further includes a piping network 307 with a lubrication pump. The lubrication pump serves to create a pressure differential in the piping network 307. This pressure differential moves the lubrication fluid, within the piping network 307 in a desired direction. The lubrication pump may be any type of displacement pump, such as a rotary pump, reciprocating pump, impulse pump, velocity pump, or any other type of displacement pump that has the ability to create a pressure differential in a fluid.

FIG. 4A shows a diagram of the lube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. This diagram includes an example detailed first portion 4B of the lube oil recovery system, an example detailed second portion 4C of the lube oil recovery system, and an example detailed third portion 4D of the lube oil recovery system.

FIG. 4B shows a diagram of an example detailed first portion of the lube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 400B includes a lineshaft 402B which is used to drive a pump. In a preferred embodiment, the lineshaft 402B has a diameter of 2.188 inches. The system 400B further includes an internal casing 403B, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft 402B, the internal casing 403B having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the lineshaft 402B, such that a lubrication-space 404B exists between the lineshaft 402B and the internal casing 403B. More preferably, the internal casing 403B is 3.5 inch pipe (Schedule 40), such that the internal casing 403B has an outside diameter of 4.0 inches and an inside diameter of 3.364 inches. Most preferably, the lubrication space 404B can vary throughout the system 400B, such that the distance between the lineshaft 402B and the internal casing 403B can vary from 0.010 inches to over 0.5 inches. The system 400B further includes an external casing 405B, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing 403B, the external casing 405B having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 403B, such that a brine-space 406B exists between the internal casing 403B and the external casing 405B. More preferably, the external casing 405B has an inside diameter that is 0.25 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 403B. The system 400B further includes a piping network 407B, which is connected to an above-ground end 408B of the internal casing 403B and connected to a down-hole end of the internal casing 403B, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network 407B and the lubrication-space 404B at the above-ground end 408B of the internal casing 403B and the down-hole end of the internal casing 403B.

The system 400B further includes a lubrication fluid, which is delivered through the piping network 407B to the down-hole end of the internal casing 403B, and through the lubrication-space 404B in a direction toward the above-ground end 410B of the lineshaft 402B by virtue of a pressure differential. The lubrication fluid may be oil, water, or any other type of fluid. More preferably, the lubrication fluid is turbine oil with a viscosity grade of 42 at 212° F. Selection of a specific type of lubrication fluid is largely dictated by the use within the lubrication-space 404B, with a consideration of the lubrication fluid's properties such as heat capacity, viscosity, and additives, among others.

In another embodiment, the system 400B further includes a plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators. These flow monitors and pressure regulators are disposed along the piping network 407B. The flow monitors and pressure regulators may be mechanical, electronic, or electro-mechanical.

In another embodiment, the system 400B further includes a plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators. The plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators can measure flow rate, pressure, temperature, or any other fluid characteristic of the lubrication fluid. These flow monitors and pressure regulators are disposed along the piping network 407B. The flow monitors and pressure regulators may be disposed along the piping network 407B above-ground. Alternatively, the flow monitors and pressure regulators may be disposed along the piping network 407B below-ground. And alternatively, the flow monitors and pressure regulators may be disposed along the piping network 407B both above-ground and below-ground. A benefit to having the plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators is that differentials in flow and pressure can be calculated, thus identifying potential leaks within the piping network 407B or the overall system 400B in general. The flow monitors and pressure regulators may be mechanical, electronic, or electro-mechanical.

In an alternate embodiment, these flow monitors and pressure regulators have the ability to communicate with one another, and with a central monitoring station, electronically. A monitoring station tracks the data at individual flow monitors and pressure regulators, over time, in a feedback loop. This feedback loop can provide valuable metrics related to both individual sub-systems and the overall system. The monitoring station can notify a lubrication pump of pressure decreases or increases, thereby dynamically adjusting the pressure differential within the piping network 407B based off the data obtained in the feedback loop, to ensure the system 400B is operating at maximum efficiency. The monitoring station may also have the ability to signal alerts when leaks are detected along the piping network 407B or the system as a whole.

In another embodiment, the system 400B further includes a collection tank disposed along the piping network 407B. The collection tank stores the lubrication fluid. The collection tank may be above-ground or below-ground. In a variation of this embodiment, the system 400B further includes a heating and cooling system for the collection tank. In a different variation, the system 400B further includes a filtering and purification system for the collection tank.

The system may 400B further include a lubrication pump, disposed along the piping network 407B. The lubrication pump creates the pressure differential in the piping network 407B such that the lubrication fluid within the piping network 407B and the lubrication-space 404B moves in a desired direction. The lubrication pump may be any type of displacement pump, such as a rotary pump, reciprocating pump, impulse pump, velocity pump, or any other type of displacement pump that has the ability to create a pressure differential in a fluid.

FIG. 4C shows a diagram of an example detailed second portion of the tube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 400C is an extension from the system discussed above and shown as a diagram in FIG. 4B. In other words, the system 400C is a continuation of the previous system 400B in a downward direction.

The system 400C includes a lineshaft 400C which is used to drive a pump. In a preferred embodiment, the lineshaft 400C has a diameter of 2.188 inches. The system 400C further includes an internal casing 403C, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft 402C, the internal casing 403C having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the lineshaft 402C, such that a lubrication-space 404C exists between the lineshaft 402C and the internal casing 403C. More preferably, the internal casing 403C is 3.5 inch pipe (Schedule 40), such that the internal casing 403C has an outside diameter of 4.0 inches and an inside diameter of 3.364 inches. Most preferably, the lubrication space 404C can vary throughout the system 400C, such that the distance between the lineshaft 402C and the internal casing 403C can vary from 0.010 inches to over 0.5 inches. The system 400C further includes an external casing 405C, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing 403C, the external casing 405C having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 403C, such that a brine-space 406C exists between the internal casing 403C and the external casing 405C. More preferably, the external casing 405C has an inside diameter that is 0.25 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 403C. The system 400C further includes a piping network 407C, which is connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing 403C and connected to a down-hole end of the internal casing 403C, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network 407C and the lubrication-space 404C at the above-ground end of the internal casing 403C and the down-hole end of the internal casing 403C.

The system 400C further includes a lubrication fluid, which is delivered through the piping network 407C to the down-hole end of the internal casing 403C, and through the lubrication-space 404C in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft 402C by virtue of a pressure differential.

FIG. 4D shows a diagram of an example detailed third portion of the tube oil recovery system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 400D is an extension from the system discussed above and shown as diagrams in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C. In other words, the system 400D is a continuation of the previous system 400C in a downward direction.

The system 400D includes a pump 401D with a plurality of impellers. The plurality of the impellers of the pump 401D move a geothermal brine in a desired direction. The system 400D further includes a lineshaft 402D, which is used to drive the pump 401D. In a preferred embodiment, the lineshaft 402D has a diameter of 2.188 inches. The system 400D further includes an internal casing 403D, which is positioned concentrically around the lineshaft 402D, the internal casing 403D having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the lineshaft 402D, such that a lubrication-space 404D exists between the lineshaft 402D and the internal casing 403D. More preferably, the internal casing 403D is 3.5 inch pipe (Schedule 40), such that the internal casing 403D has an outside diameter of 4.0 inches and an inside diameter of 3.364 inches. Most preferably, the lubrication space 404D can vary throughout the system 400D, such that the distance between the lineshaft 402D and the internal casing 403D can vary from 0.010 inches to over 0.5 inches. The system 400D further includes an external casing 405D, which is positioned concentrically around the internal casing 403D, the external casing 405D having an inside diameter in a range between 0.01 inches and 6.0 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 403D, such that a brine-space 406D exists between the internal casing 403D and the external casing 405D. More preferably, the external casing 405D has an inside diameter that is 0.25 inches greater than the outside diameter of the internal casing 403D. The system 400D further includes a piping network 407D, which is connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing 403D and connected to a down-hole end 409D of the internal casing 403D, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network 407D and the lubrication-space 404D at the above-ground end of the internal casing 403D and the down-hole end 409D of the internal casing 403D.

In another embodiment, the system 400D further includes a seal assembly 420D, which is similar to the seal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 1. The seal assembly 420D is disposed on a down-hole end 411D of the lineshaft 402D. The seal assembly 420D allows for a lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network 407D to the lubrication-space 404D in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft 402D while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end 411D of the lineshaft 402D.

In another example embodiment, the system's pump 401D uses the brine-space 406D to deliver a geothermal brine from a down-hole location 451D to an above-ground location. In yet another example embodiment, the system 400D further includes a heat transfer unit. This heat transfer unit is used to extract heat energy from the geothermal brine. The heat transfer unit can be any type of device that is configured to extract heat from a fluid and convert the extracted heat to some other type of heat energy, mechanical energy, or electrical energy. More preferably, the heat transfer unit extracts heat from a fluid, converts this heat into mechanical energy, and subsequently converts the mechanical energy into stored electrical energy with an electrical generator.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the example embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A geothermal pump comprising:

a lineshaft having an above-ground end and a down-hole end;

an internal casing disposed concentrically around the lineshaft and having a first diameter configured to form a lubrication-space between the lineshaft and the internal casing;

an external casing disposed concentrically around the internal casing and having a second diameter configured to form a brine-space between the internal casing and the external casing;

a piping network connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing; and

a seal assembly disposed on the down-hole end of the lineshaft and connected to the piping network and the lubrication-space, such that a fluid circuit is formed, the seal assembly being configured to enable a lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network to the lubrication-space in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft while restricting the lubrication fluid from flowing toward the down-hole end of the lineshaft, the lubrication fluid being delivered through the lubrication-space in the direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft via a pressure differential within the fluid circuit.

2. The geothermal pump of claim 1, wherein the seal assembly further comprises

a first assembly component fixed to the lineshaft and configured to permit the lubrication fluid to flow from the piping network toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft, and

a second assembly component configured to restrict the lubrication fluid from flowing from the piping network toward the down-hole end of the lineshaft.

3. The geothermal pump of claim 2, wherein the first assembly component is a seal housing having a plurality of grooves such that when the seal housing rotates with the lineshaft, the plurality of grooves moves the lubrication fluid in the direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft.

4. The geothermal pump of claim 2, wherein the seal assembly further comprises a sleeve fixed to the lineshaft with a plurality of sleeve o-rings.

5. The geothermal pump of claim 4, wherein the sleeve has a first surface area and a second surface area, the first surface area being in contact with the lubrication fluid and the second surface area being in contact with a geothermal brine.

6. The geothermal pump of claim 1, wherein the piping network comprises a lubrication pump configured to create the pressure differential in the piping network, such that the lubrication fluid moves downward through the piping network, through the seal assembly, and upward through the lubrication-space.

7. The geothermal pump of claim 6, wherein the piping network comprises at least one of a plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators, the at least one of the plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators being disposed along the piping network and configured to monitor the lubrication fluid.

8. The geothermal pump of claim 7, wherein the at least one of the plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators are in communication with a central monitoring station.

9. The geothermal pump of claim 8, wherein the central monitoring station is in communication with the lubrication pump, such that the central monitoring station is capable off controlling the lubrication pump to adjust the pressure differential in the piping network, based on a plurality of data received by the central monitoring station which is sent from the plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators.

10. The geothermal pump of claim 1, wherein the piping network comprises a collection tank for the lubrication fluid.

11. The geothermal pump of claim 10, wherein the collection tank is configured to be heated and cooled.

12. The geothermal pump of claim 10, wherein the collection tank comprises a filtering and purification system for the lubrication fluid.

13. A heat transfer recovery system comprising:

a pump having a plurality of impellers configured to move a geothermal brine in a desired direction;

a lineshaft configured to drive the pump;

an internal casing disposed concentrically around the lineshaft and having a first diameter configured to form a lubrication-space between the lineshaft and the internal casing;

an external casing disposed concentrically around the internal casing and having a second diameter configured to form a brine-space between the internal casing and the external casing; and

a piping network connected to an above-ground end of the internal casing and connected to a down-hole end of the internal casing, such that a fluid circuit is formed between the piping network and the lubrication-space at the above-ground end of the internal casing and the down-hole end of the internal casing.

14. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 13, wherein the piping network is configured to deliver a lubrication fluid to the down-hole end of the internal casing, and through the lubrication-space in a direction toward the above-ground end of the lineshaft by virtue of a pressure differential.

15. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 13, wherein the pump is configured to use the brine-space to deliver a geothermal brine from a down-hole location to an above-ground location.

16. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 15, wherein a heat transfer unit is configured to extract heat energy from the geothermal brine.

17. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 13, at least one of a plurality of flow monitors and pressure regulators is configured to monitor the lubrication fluid, the at least one of the plurality of flow monitors and the pressure regulators being disposed along the piping network.

18. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 13, wherein the piping network further comprises

a collection tank for the lubrication fluid; and

a lubrication pump configured to create the pressure differential in the piping network such that the lubrication fluid within the piping network and the lubrication-space moves in a desired direction.

19. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 18, wherein the collection tank is configured to be heated and cooled.

20. The heat transfer recovery system of claim 18, wherein the collection tank comprises a filtering and purification system for the lubrication fluid.