Texaco Inc.

Getty Oil Company

Peter L Sigwardt

Clifford L Redus

Sze-Foo Chien

James W Scott

Joseph A Anderson

Apparatus and method for concurrently determining steam flow rate and quality, through a conduit which comprises an orifice plate positioned in series with a critical flow venturi in said conduit. Pressure sensing means in the conduit senses pressures therein for application in a formula to provide the desired steam values and provide a method for determining both the quality and the mass flow rate of steam flow passing through the conduit. The measurements are of particular value in the instance of steam flow where a minimal decrease in steam pressure across the measuring instrument is a relevant factor.

Measurement of steam quality and mass flow rate

A system is disclosed for subsea transportation of a hydrocarbon production stream utilizing a wellhead aspirator to reduce wellhead flowing pressure. By using the Bernoulli effect, a head is delivered to the flowing stream that enables the crude oil/water/gas fluid within the system to be moved farther distances than wellhead pressure alone would allow.

Subsea pumping device incorporating a wellhead aspirator

Method and Apparatus for injection steam of know quality into a subterranean reservoir containing hydrocarbon fluids, to enhance or stimulate production of said fluids through a production well. Production stimulating steam from a pressurized source is injected into the reservoir by way of a critical flow venturi and an injection well, in a manner to maintain the steam at a desired pressure and flow rate. The venturi's constricted throat is formed as a function of the stimulating steam's original characteristics.

Method and apparatus for controlling the mass flow rate of steam in

The use of an orifice plate in series with a critical flow choke provides a method of measurement for both steam quality and mass flowrate. Neither the orifice plate or the choke alone can be used to measure steam quality and mass flowrate. However, an expression for steam quality through both devices is obtained by solving an independent mass flowrate equation for each device--an equation for wet steam through the critical flow choke and an equation for wet steam through a sharp edged orifice plate.

Method of determining the quality of steam for stimulating hydrocarbon

In a steam flow line that is delivering reduced quality steam, there is a method and/or system for determining the quality. It includes the steps of flowing quality steam through a first flow restriction, and mixing a measured quantity of water with the steam, downstream from the restriction. It also includes flowing the mixture through a second flow restriction. Then, by measuring pressures and temperatures, the quality of the steam at the second flow restriction may be calculated. Where the pressure drop across the second flow restriction is very small compared to the supply line pressure, the quality of the steam downstream is essentially the same, and thus determined.

Method for determining quality of reduced quality steam

Flow control of a shear-sensitive, i.e. pressure gradient degradable, liquid from a high pressure source to a lower pressure discharge is achieved by controlling the liquid's exposure to a degradation pressure gradient. Two displacement chambers are provided and connected by a control conduit. First and second movable barriers in the first and second chambers respectively contain a separate controlling liquid. A pressure and flow control valve is included in the control conduit. Incoming pressurized controlled shear-sensitive liquid flows into the first displacement chamber to displace the first barrier which displaces controlling liquid through the flow control valve. Shear-sensitive liquid is dispensed at relatively lower pressure from the second chamber in response to movement of the second barrier driven by the controlling fluid coming from the control conduit into the second chamber. The flow of controlled liquid to and from the chambers is selectively reversed to provide for continuous pumping from the high pressure source to the low pressure discharge. Indication of total flow and rate of flow of the controlled liquid through the discharge conduit may also be indicated. The flow control valve is adjusted to establish the pressure drop imposed on the controlling liquid and thereby the pressure drop in the controlled liquid without subjecting the controlled fluid to a degradation pressure gradient.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Peter L Sigwardt