Separators and mixers for delivering controlled-quality solar-generated steam over long distances for enhanced oil recovery, and associated systems and methods
AssigneeGlassPoint Solar, Inc.
InventorsManish Chandra, John Setel O'Donnell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Separators and mixers for delivering controlled-quality solar-generated steam over long distances for enhanced oil recovery, and associated systems and methods. A representative method includes heating water to steam at a solar field, separating a liquid fraction from the steam, directing the steam toward a target steam user via a first, steam conduit, and directing the liquid fraction toward the target steam user in parallel with the steam via second, liquid fraction conduit. The method can further include mixing the liquid fraction and the steam before delivering the combined liquid fraction and steam to the target user.
Claims24
A method for providing solar-heated steam to a target user, comprising:
- generating steam via a working fluid heated at a solar field, the solar field including at least one receiver carrying the working fluid, and at least one concentrator positioned to concentrate solar radiation on the at least one receiver;
- separating a liquid fraction from the steam;
- directing a vapor fraction of the steam toward the target user via a first, vapor fraction conduit;
- and
- directing at least part of the liquid fraction toward the target user in parallel with the vapor fraction via a second, liquid fraction conduit.
A method for providing solar-heated steam to a target user, comprising:
- heating water to steam at a solar field;
- separating a liquid fraction from the steam;
- directing a vapor fraction of the steam toward the target user via a first, vapor fraction conduit;
- and
- directing the liquid fraction toward the target user in parallel with the vapor fraction via a second, liquid fraction conduit,
- wherein the vapor fraction is dry, non-superheated steam.
A solar steam generation system, comprising:
- a solar field having at least one receiver and at least one concentrator positioned to concentrate solar radiation on the receiver, the receiver being in thermal communication with water to generate steam;
- a separator positioned to receive the steam and separate a liquid fraction from the steam;
- a vapor fraction conduit coupled to the separator to receive a vapor fraction of the steam from the separator, the vapor fraction conduit being positioned between the separator and a target steam user;
- and
- a liquid fraction conduit coupled to the separator in parallel with the vapor fraction conduit to receive the liquid fraction from the separator, the liquid fraction conduit being positioned between the separator and the target steam user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.