Flow induced electrostatic power generator for tubular segments

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9556712-B2
Application number	US-201414224312-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Mar 25, 2014
Priority date	Apr 27, 2011
Publication date	Jan 31, 2017
Grant date	Jan 31, 2017

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.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method of powering a device in a tubular length through generation of electrostatic energy locally to said device, the tubular length comprising a plurality of tubular segments disposed therewithin and connected in series along so 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 designated tubular segment that is electrically-isolated from adjacent tubular segments to which it is connected, wherein the non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid has a relative permittivity of between 2 and 40;
b) generating a net, steady-state electrostatic potential between the flowstream and said designated tubular segment;
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 designated tubular segment; and
d) using the electrical energy harvested in step (c) to power one or more devices downhole,
wherein the non-conductive hydrocarbon-based flowstream flows past the designated tubular segment in a side-pocket mandrel assembly providing for a diverted flowpath.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular length is operable for producing and distributing oil, gas, or combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the designated tubular segment presents itself to the flowstream as a coating of a first type.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the coating of a first type is substantially non-conductive, and wherein said coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamides (Nylon), polyimides, polyvinylchloride, polyolefins, polyesters, and combinations thereof.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the designated tubular segment comprises a rough-textured surface on at least a portion of its interior surface, wherein the rough-textured surface has an average roughness (Ra) of between 5 μm and 250 μm.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the designated tubular segment is electrically-isolated from adjacent tubular segments to which it is connected by means of a substantially-insulating coating of a second type about at least the regions that are in mechanical contact with the adjacent tubular segments.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the substantially-insulating coating of a second type is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamides (Nylon), polyimides, polyvinylchloride, polyolefins, polyesters, and combinations thereof.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the net, steady-state electrostatic potential is at least about 0.5 mV and at most about 50 kV.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the device deriving power from the harvested electrical energy is selected from the group consisting of one or more of the following: a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a valve, telemetry electronics, flow meter, fluid sensing device, and combinations thereof.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the device draws power from an electrical storage device that is, in tum, charged by the harvested electrical energy.

11. A system for powering devices in a tubular length through the generation of electrostatic energy, said system comprising: a plurality of tubular segments, wherein said tubular segments are useful in conveying hydrocarbon-based fluids;
a) at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment that is electrically isolated from any adjoining segments, wherein said electrically-isolated tubular segment includes a high friction surface on its interior;
b) at least one device-bearing tubular segment comprising at least one device that can be usefully employed;
c) at least one electrical lead establishing connectivity between the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment and the at least one device-bearing tubular segment;
d) a flow of substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, wherein said flow is directed through the tubular segments in any direction;
e) a ground electrode extending into the flow,
wherein an electrical potential exists between the flow and the interior of the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment, and wherein this electrical potential is harnessed to power at least one device in the at least one device-bearing tubular segment,
wherein the substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based flowstream flows past the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment in a side-pocket mandrel assembly providing for a diverted flowpath.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment presents itself to the flowstream as a substantially non-conductive coating comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamides (Nylon), polyimides, polyvinylchloride, polyolefins, polyesters, and combinations thereof.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment comprises a high friction surface having an average roughness (Ra) of between 5 μm and 250 μm.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one device-bearing tubular segment comprises one or more devices selected from the group consisting of pressure sensors, temperature sensors, valves, telemetry electronics, flow meters, fluid sensing devices, and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the flow of substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of heptanes, diesel, crude oil, mineral oil, and combinations thereof.

16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the flow of substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid possesses a flow rate of between about 1 liter/minute to about 5,000 liters/minute.

17. A system for powering devices in a tubular length through the generation of electrostatic energy, said system comprising: a plurality of tubular segments, wherein said tubular segments are useful in conveying hydrocarbon-based fluids;
a) at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment that is electrically isolated from any adjoining segments, wherein said electrically-isolated tubular segment includes a high friction surface on its interior;
b) at least one device-bearing tubular segment comprising at least one device that can be usefully employed;
c) at least one electrical lead establishing connectivity between the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment and the at least one device-bearing tubular segment;
d) a flow of substantially non-conductive hydrocarbon-based fluid, wherein said flow is directed through the tubular segments in any direction;
e) a ground electrode extending into the flow,
wherein an electrical potential exists between the flow and the interior of the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment, and wherein this electrical potential is harnessed to power at least one device in the at least one device-bearing tubular segment, and
wherein the at least one electrically-isolated tubular segment is electrically-isolated from adjacent tubular segments to which it is connected by means of a substantially-insulating coating about at least the regions that are in mechanical contact with the adjoining segments.

Assignees

• Chevron Usa Inc
• Chevron Usa Inc

Inventors

• Tosi Luis Phillipe Costa Ferreira
• Cornette H Mitchell
• Underdown David R

Classifications

• E21B43/086

  Screens with preformed openings, e.g. slotted liners (comprising porous materials E21B43/082) · CPC title

• E21B41/0085 Primary

  Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes · CPC title