The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 03, 2009
Filed:
Aug. 30, 2007
William B. Retallick, West Chester, PA (US);
William A. Whittenberger, Leavittsburg, OH (US);
William B. Retallick, West Chester, PA (US);
William A. Whittenberger, Leavittsburg, OH (US);
Other;
Abstract
In a downhole steam generator, hydrogen, oxygen, and water are separately injected into an oil well. The hydrogen and oxygen are made to react, either with the aid of a catalyst or due to an electric spark. Heat from the reaction converts the water in the area into steam, which is then used to enhance the production of the oil well. The hydrogen may be produced at the surface of the well by the steam reforming of a hydrocarbon. The hydrogen injected into the well may be provided as part of a reformate mixture produced by the steam reforming process. The water is preferably atomized by the stream of oxygen immediately before ignition, so as to provide a maximum surface area for heat absorption.