Patent US4377205A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4377205A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low pressure combustor for generating steam downhole
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1981-03-06
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Granted: 1983-03-22
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Expires: 2001-03-06
Abstract
Abstract A compact catalytic combustor for generating steam downhole in an oil reservoir has steam generating tubes that are attached to a metal catalyst support. The metal support comprises sheets of metal that are spaced apart and transverse to the tubes. Heat from combustion is generated on the metal sheets and is conducted to the steam generating tubes. The steam is injected into the oil reservoir. The combustion gas is vented to ground level.
Inventors
- 👤 William B. Retallick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:33
CPC Classifications
F; F22; F22B; F22B21/00; F22B21/02; F22B21/04; F22B21/06; E; E21; E21B; E21B36/00; E21B36/02; F22B31/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A catalytic combustor for generating steam at or near the bottom of an oil well, comprising: a stack of rings made from sheet metal, the stack having a hollow core defined by central holes in the rings, the rings being spaced apart sufficiently to allow a fuel-air mixture to flow from the core of the stack outwardly between the rings, the rings being coated with a catalyst, and the stack of rings being traversed by steam generating tubes that are positioned around the core of the stack.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A catalytic combustor for generating steam at or near the bottom of an oil well, comprising: a stack of rings made from sheet metal, the stack having a hollow core defined by central holes in the rings, the rings being spaced apart sufficiently to allow a fuel-air mixture to flow from the core of the stack outwardly between the rings, the rings being coated with a catalyst, and the stack of rings being traversed by steam generating tubes that are positioned around the core of the stack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The catalytic combustor of claim 1, wherein the rings are attached to the tubes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The catalytic combustor of claim 2, further comprising means to recirculate water through the tubes, and means to remove the steam that is generated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The catalytic combustor of claim 3, including means to ignite the combustion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-03-21 | 1986-09-20 | 1987-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-03-21 | 1990-09-20 | 1991-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-03-21 | 1994-09-20 | 1995-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |