Systems and methods for collection of hydrocarbon compositions
OwnerA. Lawrence Berryinventor
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Abstract
Systems, related components, and methods are described for collecting highly viscous hydrocarbon compositions from a standing surface pool or reservoir of hydrocarbon material. A collection conduit including a head unit may be disposed under the surface of the reservoir and microwave radiation may be used to change the viscosity of the material around an inlet. The head unit may include an array of magnetrons disposed about the inlet.
Claims29
A machine comprising:
- a vehicle including a boom having a first end and a second end, the boom being coupled to the vehicle at the first end;
- and
- a collection conduit including a head unit, the head unit being coupled to the second end of the boom, the head unit comprising:
- an intake portion of the collection conduit including an inlet;
- a source of microwave radiation disposed to provide microwave radiation for heating material in a zone about the inlet when the head unit is positioned within a reservoir including a hydrocarbon composition.
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10-14. (canceled)
17-22. (canceled)
A system for collecting a hydrocarbon composition comprising:
- a boom having a first end and a second end;
- and
- a collection conduit including a head unit, the head unit being coupled to the second end of the boom, the head unit comprising:
- an intake portion of the collection conduit including an inlet;
- a source microwave radiation disposed at a position for providing microwave radiation for heating material in a zone about the inlet when the inlet is positioned within a reservoir including said hydrocarbon composition.
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35-40. (canceled)
42-75. (canceled)
A method of in situ extraction of hydrocarbons from a surface pool of hydrocarbons comprising:
- lowering a pump head into a surface pool of hydrocarbons, the pump head comprising an intake conduit and a plurality of magnetrons;
- heating the hydrocarbons near the intake conduit using microwave energy from the magnetrons;
- removing the heated hydrocarbons from the surface pool by use of the pump head;
- and
- moving the pump head in the surface pool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.