System and method for recovery and cooling of steam and high temperature condensate (Chevron)
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Type
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Patent
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Inventor
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John David Penton
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URL
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Free Full Text Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20140054012
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Assignee
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Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
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Patent Number
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US20140054012 A1
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Issue Date
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Feb 27, 2014
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Abstract
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The present invention is directed to a system
for recovery and cooling of steam and high temperature condensate and
disposed between a feed water source and a steam source comprising a fluid
circulation loop between the steam source and the feed water source including
a steam trap that receives a mixture of steam and high temperature condensate
from the steam source, wherein the steam trap discharges high temperature
condensate from the steam source, and a fluid cooling mechanism which
receives the high temperature condensate from the steam trap and cools the
high temperature condensate.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the most efficient and convenient alternative sources of green energy is solar energy. It is available in massive amounts, is environmentally friendly, and can provide an unlimited flow of energy at little to no cost. A solar powered steam generator makes uses of sunlight in order to heat up the water that will give off steam, which will then operate electrical turbines or other systems. A solar powered steam generator may be more effective compared to photovoltaics and wind power, especially when it comes to large scale facilities. Of course, the effectiveness of the solar powered steam generator is still dependent on the availability of sunlight. Nevertheless, it can still be highly beneficial as a part of the general supply of energy. Solar energy does not have significant emissions nor does it have significant polluting effects. One of the challenges of solar powered steam generation occurs overnight when condensate builds up in steam distribution lines due to cooling. Condensate is a by-product of heat transfer in a steam system. It may form in the distribution system due to unavoidable radiation. It may also form in heating and process equipment as a result of desirable heat transfer from the steam to the substance heated. Once the steam has condensed and given up the majority of its valuable latent heat, the hot condensate should be removed. Although the available heat in a pound of condensate is negligible as compared to a pound of steam, condensate is still valuable hot water and should be returned to the boiler in most cases. Condensate lying in the bottom of steam lines can be the cause of one kind of water hammer. Steam travelling at up to 100 miles per hour makes “waves” as it passes over this condensate. If enough condensate forms, high-speed steam pushes it along, potentially creating a slug of water that grows larger and larger as it picks up liquid in front of it. Anything that changes direction of the steam (e.g., pipe fittings, regulating valves, tees, elbows, blind flanges) may be harmed or even destroyed. In addition to damage from this “battering ram,” high-velocity water may erode fittings by chipping away at metal or other surfaces. Another challenge of solar powered steam generation is the time required to come to full pressure and temperature from a warm or cold start. As these systems are often integrated with traditional, fired boilers, the system often must be completely warmed up before steam may be comingled. Accordingly, new systems and methods are desired to ameliorate or eliminate these problems. This system and method are directed to the recovery and processing of such steam and condensate for an enhanced oil recovery application, although it may also be used with any other high pressure steam distribution system. In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system for recovery and cooling of steam and high temperature condensate and disposed between a feed water source and a steam source comprising a fluid circulation loop between the steam source and the feed water source, a steam trap that receives a mixture of steam and high temperature condensate from the steam source, wherein the steam trap discharges high temperature condensate from the steam source, and a fluid cooling mechanism that receives the high temperature condensate from the steam trap and cools the high temperature condensate. In other aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system for recovery and cooling of steam and high temperature condensate and disposed between a feed water source and a steam source comprising a fluid circulation loop between the steam source and the feed water source including a condenser that receives steam and high temperature condensate from the steam source, wherein steam is condensed to a liquid state in the condenser and a second fluid cooling mechanism that receives the condensed liquid from the condenser and cools the liquid. In still further aspects, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for recovery and cooling of steam and high temperature condensate, including operating a system disposed between a feed water source and a steam source, wherein the system may be operated in a first mode or a second mode, wherein said first mode comprises circulating a mixture of steam and high temperature condensate from the steam source through a first fluid circulation loop to a steam trap; discharging high temperature condensate from the steam source in the steam trap; receiving the discharged high temperature condensate from the steam trap in a fluid cooling mechanism and further cooling the discharged high temperature condensate; and pumping the cooled condensate to the feed water source; and wherein said second mode comprises circulating steam and high temperature condensate from a steam source through a second fluid circulation loop to a condenser; condensing the steam in the condenser to a liquid; receiving the condensed liquid from the condenser in a fluid cooling mechanism and cooling the condensed liquid; and pumping the cooled condensed liquid to the feed water source. |
