US5839508A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Downhole apparatus for generating electrical power in a well
Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 1996-06-19
•
Granted: 1998-11-24
•
Expires: 2016-06-19
Abstract
Abstract Electrical generating apparatus is provided which connects to the production tubing. In a preferred embodiment, this apparatus includes a housing having a primary flow passageway in communication with the production tubing. The housing also includes a laterally displaced side passageway communicating with the primary flow passageway such that production fluid passes upwardly towards the surface through the primary and side passageways. A flow diverter may be positioned in the housing to divert a variable amount of production fluid from the production tubing and into the side passageway. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, an electrical generator is located at least partially in or along the side passageway. The electrical generator generates electricity through the interaction of the flowing production fluid.
Inventors
- 👤 Paulo Tubel
- 👤 Michael Wayne Holcombe
- 👤 John L. Baugh
- 👤 II Albert A. Mullins
- 👤 Robert Chapman Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:17
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B41/00; E21B41/0085; G; G01; G01V; G01V1/00; G01V1/40; G01V1/42; E21B2200/00; E21B2200/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a primary flow passageway and side passageway laterally displaced from said primary passageway; and an electrical generating device positioned, at least in part, in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a primary flow passageway and side passageway laterally displaced from said primary passageway; and an electrical generating device positioned, at least in part, in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said primary flow passageway and said side passageway are housed in a housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said side passageway communicates with said primary passageway to allow fluid from said primary passageway to flow into said side passageway.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: said side passageway communicates with said primary passageway through at least one opening between said primary and side passageways.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said primary flow passageway and said side passageway are adapted for positioning in a borehole such that an annulus is defined between an inner wall of the borehole and the side passageway and wherein: said side passageway communicates with said annulus to allow fluid from said annulus to flow into said side passageway.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said primary flow passageway and said side passageway are adapted for positioning in a borehole such that an annulus is defined between an inner wall of the borehole and the side passageway and wherein: said side passageway communicates with said annulus to allow fluid from said annulus to flow into said side passageway.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: said side passageway communicates with said annulus through at least one opening between said side passageway and said annulus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrical generating device comprises: at least one turbine operatively connected within said side passageway for movement in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway; and an electrical generator associated with said side passageway and operatively connected to said turbine for generating electricity in response to movement by said turbine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrical generating device comprises: a magnetic field extending across said side passageway, said magnetic field being created in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway; and an electrical energy converter associated with said side passageway for converting magnetic flux created by said magnetic field into electrical energy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said magnetic field comprises: a magnetic reed located within said side passageway and movable in response to flowing fluid; and a coil spaced from and associated with said reed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said magnetic field comprises: a flexible bladder having an interior and an exterior, said bladder being located within said side passageway, said bladder including an opening for receiving fluid to the interior thereof; at least one magnet on the exterior of said bladder; and a coil spaced from and associated with said magnet wherein said magnet moves relative to said coil when fluid flows into said bladder.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 11 including: a turbulence enhancer upstream of said bladder.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrical generating device comprises: a piezoelectric device positioned within said side passageway and being responsive to movement caused by flowing fluid; and a converter for converting said signals from said piezoelectric device to electrical energy.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including: a flow diverter in said housing for diverting fluid from said primary flow passageway to said side passageway.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including: a rechargeable battery in said side passageway, said electrical generating device being operatively connected to said battery for charging said battery.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said battery comprises: at least one polymer lithium power cell.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said battery comprises: at least one battery which includes an integrated circuit for optimizing battery life.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 15 including: an electrical device operatively connected to said battery wherein said battery provides electrical power to said electrical device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein: said electrical device is selectively connected to either said battery or said electrical generating device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: at least a portion of said electrical generating device is enclosed by a fluid tight enclosure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including: an electrical device operatively connected to said electrical generating device wherein said electrical generating device provides electrical power to said electrical device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein: said electrical device comprises a computer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
90 words
A production well comprising: a first section of production tubing; a second section of production tubing; and a downhole electrical energy generating apparatus positioned between and operatively connected to said first and second sections of production tubing, said electrical energy generating apparatus including; (a) a primary flow passageway and a side passageway laterally displaced from said primary passageway; and (b) an electrical generating device positioned at least in part in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
90 words
A production well comprising: a first section of production tubing; a second section of production tubing; and a downhole electrical energy generating apparatus positioned between and operatively connected to said first and second sections of production tubing, said electrical energy generating apparatus including; (a) a primary flow passageway and a side passageway laterally displaced from said primary passageway; and (b) an electrical generating device positioned at least in part in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
78 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said movable magnetic field being created in response to the flow of fluid, said movable magnetic field comprising a magnetic reed movable in response to flowing fluid and a coil spaced from and associated with said reed; and an electrical energy converter for converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
78 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said movable magnetic field being created in response to the flow of fluid, said movable magnetic field comprising a magnetic reed movable in response to flowing fluid and a coil spaced from and associated with said reed; and an electrical energy converter for converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
122 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said movable magnetic field being created in response to the flow of fluid; and an electrical energy converter converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy wherein said movable magnetic field comprises; a flexible bladder having an interior and an exterior, said bladder being located within said side passageway, said bladder including an opening for receiving fluid to the interior thereof; at least one magnet on the exterior of said bladder; and a coil spaced from and associated with said magnet wherein said magnet moves relative to said coil when fluid flows into said bladder.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
122 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said movable magnetic field being created in response to the flow of fluid; and an electrical energy converter converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy wherein said movable magnetic field comprises; a flexible bladder having an interior and an exterior, said bladder being located within said side passageway, said bladder including an opening for receiving fluid to the interior thereof; at least one magnet on the exterior of said bladder; and a coil spaced from and associated with said magnet wherein said magnet moves relative to said coil when fluid flows into said bladder.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 25 including: a turbulence enhancer upstream of said bladder.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 25 including production tubing in said well for housing the flowing fluid and wherein: said flexible bladder is positioned within said production tubing and is axially aligned with said production tubing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
55 words
An electrical generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said magnetic field being created in response to pressure pulses traveling through a fluid pathway; and an electrical energy converter for converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
55 words
An electrical generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said magnetic field being created in response to pressure pulses traveling through a fluid pathway; and an electrical energy converter for converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said electrical generating apparatus comprises: a spring actuated magnet; and a coil spaced from and magnetically communicating with said spring actuated magnet wherein said pressure pulses cause said spring actuated magnet to move relative to said coil.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 29 including tubing in said well for housing fluid and wherein said pressure pulses travel through said tubing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein: said spring actuated magnet and coil are laterally offset from said tubing.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 28 including tubing in said well for housing fluid and wherein said pressure pulses travel through said tubing.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 28 including tubing in said well for housing fluid and wherein: said pressure pulses travel through a conduit having fluid therein which is laterally offset from said tubing.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
58 words
An electrical generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a piston positioned in a selected area downhole, said piston being moved in a first direction in response to pressure pulses traveling through a fluid pathway; and an electrical energy generator coupled to said piston for generating electrical energy in response to motion by said piston.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
58 words
An electrical generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a piston positioned in a selected area downhole, said piston being moved in a first direction in response to pressure pulses traveling through a fluid pathway; and an electrical energy generator coupled to said piston for generating electrical energy in response to motion by said piston.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising: a spring connected to said piston, said spring moving said piston in a second direction opposite to said first direction.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said electrical energy generator comprises: a magnetic coil; and a generator armature which rotates within said magnetic coil to generate said electrical energy.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 36 further comprising a drive shaft connected to said piston and said generator armature, said drive shaft rotating said generator armature when said piston moves in said first direction and said second direction.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 34 including tubing in said well for housing fluid and wherein: said pressure pulses travel through a conduit having fluid therein which is laterally offset from said tubing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
57 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a primary flow passageway having an interior and an exterior; and an electrical generating device positioned on said exterior of said primary flow passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing along said exterior of said primary passageway.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
57 words
An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a primary flow passageway having an interior and an exterior; and an electrical generating device positioned on said exterior of said primary flow passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing along said exterior of said primary passageway.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said electrical generating device comprises: at least one turbine being operative in response to said flowing fluid; and an electrical generator operatively connected to said turbine for generating electricity in response to movement by said turbine.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said electrical generating apparatus comprises: a rotating member for rotating about the exterior of said primary flow passageway in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said primary flow passageway; at least one magnet mounted on said rotating member and being rotatable with said rotating member; and a coil positioned about the exterior of the primary flow passageway, said coil being spaced from and associated with said magnet wherein said magnet moves relative to said coil when fluid flows through said turbine.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said primary flow passageway comprises tubing and the exterior of said primary flow passageway comprises an annulus and wherein: said fluid flows through said turbine and is directed into said tubing downstream of said turbine.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein: said fluid is directed from the interior of said tubing to said annulus upstream of said turbine.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
54 words
An electrical generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a primary flow passageway and a side passageway laterally displaced from said primary flow passageway; and an electrical generating device positioned in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing downhole in the well.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
54 words
An electrical generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising: a primary flow passageway and a side passageway laterally displaced from said primary flow passageway; and an electrical generating device positioned in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing downhole in the well.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
49 words
A production well comprising: a section of production tubing having an interior flow passage and an exterior; a piezoelectric device positioned on said exterior of said tubing and being responsive to movement caused by flowing fluid; and a converter for converting signals from said piezoelectric device to electrical energy.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
49 words
A production well comprising: a section of production tubing having an interior flow passage and an exterior; a piezoelectric device positioned on said exterior of said tubing and being responsive to movement caused by flowing fluid; and a converter for converting signals from said piezoelectric device to electrical energy.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
46 words
The well of claim 45 wherein said converter includes: a power rectifier operatively connected to said piezoelectric device; a voltage regulator for receiving rectified signals from said power rectifier; at least one rechargeable battery; and a switch operatively connected between said voltage regulator and said battery.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
A production well comprising: a section of production tubing; a downhole power generator associated with said production tubing; and at least one rechargeable battery operatively connected to said power generator.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
A production well comprising: a section of production tubing; a downhole power generator associated with said production tubing; and at least one rechargeable battery operatively connected to said power generator.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
The well of claim 47 wherein: said battery comprises a lithium polymer battery.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The well of claim 48 wherein: said battery includes an integrated circuit for optimizing performance.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
The well of claim 47 including: at least two rechargeable batteries wherein a first of said batteries is recharged while a second of said batteries is being used to provide power to a device.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
97 words
A long-term power supply to be mounted on hydrocarbon production tubing downhole in a wellbore for providing electrical power to equipment mounted on the production tubing comprising: an electrical power generating device powered by fluid flow downhole; a rechargeable battery for storing electrical power from the generating device; and a charging circuit receiving electrical power as generated from the generating device and producing a charging current for delivery of power to the battery; wherein the battery is recharged on a periodic basis by the charging circuit and serves as a source of power for the downhole equipment.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
97 words
A long-term power supply to be mounted on hydrocarbon production tubing downhole in a wellbore for providing electrical power to equipment mounted on the production tubing comprising: an electrical power generating device powered by fluid flow downhole; a rechargeable battery for storing electrical power from the generating device; and a charging circuit receiving electrical power as generated from the generating device and producing a charging current for delivery of power to the battery; wherein the battery is recharged on a periodic basis by the charging circuit and serves as a source of power for the downhole equipment.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
13 words
The well of claim 51 wherein: said battery comprises a lithium polymer battery.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
The well of claim 52 wherein: said battery includes an integrated circuit for optimizing performance.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
34 words
The well of claim 51 including: at least two rechargeable batteries wherein a first of said batteries is recharged while a second of said batteries is being used to provide power to a device.
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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) | 2001-11-23 | 2002-05-25 | 2002-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-05-25 | 2006-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-23 | 2010-05-25 | 2010-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |