STEAM DILUENT GENERATOR

摘要

A method for using untreated produced water to generate steam and simultaneously producing diluents is disclosed. The method includes a combustion process for generating steam for hydrocarbon recovery using untreated water and, an optional process for recovering combustion byproducts to assist in hydrocarbon recovery or solvent injections. Specifically, a novel combustion method and a double-tube heat exchanger are used to generate steam while minimizing or eliminating water treatment steps and boiler fouling. Low value pitch, also known as asphalt, is used for combustion fuel. In addition to the steam generation, byproducts of the combustion process can be utilized in solvent injections or as a diluent.

主权项

1. A steam generator for steam assisted oil recovery, comprising:
a) a solvent de-asphalting unit (SDA) for generating hot pitch and de-asphalted oils (DAO), said SDA having an outlet for removing said hot pitch and an outlet for removing said DAO; b) a fluid bed combustion boiler having at least one inlet for introducing said hot pitch and at least one inlet for introducing air, wherein said hot pitch and said air feed the combustion process, said fluid bed combustion boiler further comprising a solid media capable of capturing metals and oxide byproducts of said combustion process; and c) a double tube heat exchanger passing through said fluid bed combustion boiler, wherein a clean steam under pressure flows through the outer tube and oilfield produced water flows through inner tube of said heat exchanger.