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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method and apparatus for igniting well heaters

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5944340
Ignitors are provided for initiating fuel fed well heaters located adjacent earth formations in a well bore. The ignitors are battery powered and subsist independently downhole. Batteries are used to provide current to a heating element or, in conjunction with an oscillator and transformer can be used to generate an electric arc using a spark gap. Additionally, a catalytic ignitor can be used in conjunction with a hydrogen containing fuel gas, thereby providing a spontaneous hydrogen and air reaction. The hydrogen-air reaction raises the temperature to that of natural gas ignition. (7 claims)
Assignee:
Sun Oil Co
Patent Number(s):
US 3680635
OSTI ID:
5944340
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English