Bottom hole catalytic heater

Patent · Sun Feb 24 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5340058

Hujsak, K L; Hunt, Jr, E B; Kirkpatrick, J W

A catalytic device is described for use in heating or igniting underground carbonaceous deposits. The heater or igniter can be operated over a wide temperature range using an air-fuel mixture under conditions such that premature reaction of the mixture is prevented. This catalytic heater is designed to operate using fuel in liquid form admixed with air. The air-liquid fuel mixture is produced just prior to contacting the oxidation catalyst and is atomized onto the catalyst through an orifice at the top of the catalyst chamber, thus aiding in the prevention of flashback. Air-fuel mixtures prepared at ground level cannot, under high pressure, be vaporized to the desired extent and if use is attempted under these conditions, premature ignition can frequently occur up the hole. The design of this unit enables one to operate at high pressures, typically 3,000 psi. (4 claims)

• Assignee: Pan American Petr. Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3497000
• OSTI ID: 5340058
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420206* -- Engineering-- Mining & Drilling Equipment & Facilities-- (1980-1989)
BOREHOLES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
ENHANCED RECOVERY
HEATERS
HEATING
HIGH PRESSURE
IGNITION
IGNITION SYSTEMS
IN-SITU COMBUSTION
IN-SITU PROCESSING
MATERIALS
OXIDATION
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES