Flow Induced Electrostatic Power Generator For Tubular Segments
AssigneeChevron U.S.A. Inc.
InventorsLuis Phillipe Ferreira Costa Tosi, H. Mitchell Cornette, David R. Underdown
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to methods for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in a tubular length and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.). The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.
Claims18
A method of powering devices in a tubular length through the generation of electrostatic energy locally to the device, the tubular length comprising a plurality of tubular segments disposed therewithin and connected in series along as to form a well, pipeline, or refinery tubing, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) flowing a substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, as a flowstream, through a substantially insulating membrane;
- b) generating a net, steady-state electrostatic potential between the flowstream and said membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a plurality of flow channels through which the substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid can pass, and wherein at least a majority of said flow channels have an effective diameter of at least about 500 nm and at most about 200 μm;
- c) harvesting electrical energy from the electrostatic potential via a ground electrode in electrical contact with the flowstream and an electrical lead in electrical contact with the membrane;
- and
- d) using the electrical energy harvested in step (c) to power one or more devices in a remote location.
A system for powering devices in a tubular length through the generation of electrostatic energy, said system comprising:
- a) a plurality of tubular segments, wherein said tubular segments are useful in conveying hydrocarbon-based fluids;
- b) at least one membrane-bearing tubular segment comprising:
- i) an electrically-grounded outer upstream membrane electrode;
- ii) an inner downstream membrane electrode;
- iii) a dielectric filter membrane, comprising flow channels, disposed between the inner and outer membrane electrodes wherein at least a majority of said flow channels have an effective diameter of at least about 500 nm and at most about 200 μm;
- c) at least one device-bearing tubular segment comprising at least one device that can be usefully employed;
- d) at least one electrical lead establishing connectivity between the inner downstream membrane electrode and the at least one device-bearing tubular segment;
- e) a flow of substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, wherein said flow is directed through the tubular segments in any direction.
- wherein an electrical potential exists between the electrically-grounded outer upstream membrane electrode and the inner downstream membrane electrode, and wherein this electrical potential is harnessed to power at least one device in the at least one device-bearing tubular segment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.