Texaco Inc.

Other

Sze-Foo Chien

Clifford L Redus

Peter L Sigwardt

Joseph C Allen

James W Scott

Wann-Sheng Huang

Joseph A Anderson

Eugene F Traverse

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 method and apparatus for determining and monitoring the quality of steam by measuring the critical velocity of the steam flowing through a nozzle.

Method and apparatus for determining steam quality from steam velocity

Steam quality is determined by taking a sample of the steam and measuring the steam pressure and the rate of condensate of the sampled steam.

Method and apparatus for determining steam quality by measuring the

The quality of steam downhole is determined by injecting into the steam first and second tracers, each tracer having an affinity to a single of the two phases, and then sensing the passage of the tracers over a pair of sensors spaced apart or known measured distance. Thus the velocity of the phases, the slip ratio between the phases and the steam quality can be determined.

Method for determination of average downhole steam quality by measuring

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

A system for measuring steam flowing through a convergent-divergent nozzle at critical flow uses selected measurements along with Napier's Parameter, Dimensionless Critical Steam Flux and Critical Density Ratio to determine steam quality and flow rate.

Method and apparatus utilizing a single nozzle for effecting measurment

A method and apparatus for determining the quality of steam and steam flow rate use the thrust or impact force of the steam against a device in the steam flow path and restriction data from a choke or orifice plate. The impact force can be read from a variety of devices mounted in the steam flow path and using known electrical and/or mechanical reading and recording techniques. The restriction data can be derived from measurements taken across known flow restriction devices such as an orifice plate or a choke.

Method and apparatus for determining steam quality and/or flow rate from

Steam quality measuring and monitoring apparatus and methods which measures the quality of steam flowing in a steam pipe includes a test cell connected in line with the steam pipe so that the steam flows through the test cell. The capacitance, the dielectric constant, the temperature and the density of the steam flowing through the test cell are measured and monitored and the quality of the steam is derived in accordance with the steam density and temperature.

Apparatus and method for measuring the quality of steam

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

Method and apparatus for thermally stimulating bitumen and other viscous hydrocarbon products from a subterranean formation in which the product is held. A plurality of wells are formed in the layer, which wells extend from the surface into a generally horizontal direction through the productive subterranean layer. The respective wells are spaced vertically apart whereby a thermal stimulating fluid such as steam can be selectively injected into discrete segments of the layer. Such injection will achieve the most effective sweeping action by the stimulating fluid through the productive layer. There results an orderly downward flow of the produced product and a more uniform and efficient distribution of heat in the stimulated formation.

Method and apparatus for producing viscous hydrocarbons from a

Methods and mechanisms are disclosed comprising means for mixing only water with crude oil at temperatures above 32.degree. F. until the inversion point is crossed where a lower viscosity emulsion consisting of oil-in-water is formed for reducing resistance to flow of crude oil up from deep in a well to the surface, or through a pipeline. This oil-in-water emulsion consists of, by volume, 5 percent to 15 percent oil and 95 percent to 85 percent water.

Method for decreasing resistance to flow of crude oil up from a well or

Mechanisms are disclosed comprising means for mixing only water with crude oil at temperatures above 32.degree. F. until the inversion point is crossed where a lower viscosity emulsion consisting of oil-in-water is formed for reducing resistance to flow of crude oil up from deep in a well to the surface, or through a pipeline. This oil-in-water emulsion consists of, by volume, 5 percent to 15 percent oil and 95 percent to 85 percent water, respectively.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Sze-Foo Chien