LIQUID INDIRECT STEAM BOILER

摘要

Systems and methods generate steam in hydrocarbon recovery operations and may further enable emulsion separation and product upgrading. The methods rely on indirect boiling of water by contact with a thermal transfer liquid heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Examples of the liquid include oils, recovered hydrocarbons, liquid metals and brine. Heating of the liquid may utilize circulation of the liquid across or through a furnace, heat exchangers, or a gas-liquid contactor supplied with hot gas. Further, a solvent for bitumen introduced into the water may also vaporize upon contact with the thermal transfer liquid.

主权项

1. A method of generating steam in a hydrocarbon recovery operation, comprising:
recovering a mixture of produced water and hydrocarbons from an underground formation; introducing the water into a vessel; contacting the water within the vessel with a liquid heated to above a boiling point of the water for vaporization of the water into steam within the vessel; separating the steam in an overhead of the vessel from the liquid; and injecting the steam into the formation to facilitate additional hydrocarbon recovery.