System for and method of generating steam for use in oil recovery processes

Abstract

A once-through boiler system for use in conjunction with a combustion chamber includes a water inlet through which water having a high total dissolved solids content is supplied to the system, at least one tubular preheating surface for preheating the water as the water flows through the preheating surface, and at least one tubular evaporation surface for further heating the water flowing therein to produce a steam/water mixture. The preheating surface is disposed downstream from the inlet and encloses at least part of the combustion chamber, and the evaporation surface is disposed within the combustion chamber, downstream from the preheating surface. Also, a method of producing a steam/water mixture from water having a high total dissolved solids content by using a once-through boiler system provided in conjunction with a combustion chamber includes steps of supplying water having a high total dissolved solids content to the boiler system, preheating the water by directing the water through at least one tubular preheating surface that encloses at least part of the combustion chamber, and further heating the water to produce a steam/water mixture by directing the preheated water through at least one tubular evaporation surface disposed within the combustion chamber.