Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrokinetic system which can remove charged chemical species from a sample. SOLUTION: The electrokinetic system comprises an anode compartment, a cathode compartment, a treatment zone (including a sample container and a chamber) which has been connected so that a fluid flows between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment, means for applying a voltage gradient across the anode compartment and the cathode compartment, and a pH controller. The chamber is provided between the anode compartment and the sample container and between the cathode compartment and the sample container. The chamber contains a porous matrix material for hindering the movement of a charged contaminant component and allowing charged chemical species to pass therethrough. Charged chemical species contained in the sample are moved due to the voltage gradient. The pH adjustment of the treatment zone accelerates the accumulation of contaminants in the porous matrix material and accelerates the separation of charged chemical species. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
A method is provided for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation (11). One or more pairs of electrodes (15, 16) are inserted into the ground in proximity to a body of oil in formation. A voltage difference is then established between the electrodes to create an electric field in the oil-bearing formation. As voltage is applied, the current is manipulated to induce oxidation and reduction reactions in components of the oil. The oxidation and reduction reactions lower the viscosity in the oil and thereby reduce capillary resistance to oil flow so that the oil can be removed at an extraction well (13).
Abstract:
A method is provided for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation. One or more pairs of electrodes are inserted into the ground in proximity to a body of oil in said formation. A voltage difference is then established between the electrodes to create an electric field in the oil-bearing formation. As voltage is applied, the current is manipulated to induce oxidation and reduction reactions in components of the oil. The oxidation and reduction reactions lower the viscosity in the oil and thereby reduce capillary resistance to oil flow so that the oil can be removed at an extraction well.
Abstract:
Method of using direct current (DC) electrokinetics to enhance oil production from carbonate reservoirs The method comprising the steps of selecting an underground formation comprising an Oil-bearing carbonate reservoir, positioning two or more electrically conductive elements at spaced apart locations in proximity to said formation, at least one of said conductive elements being disposed in or adjacent to a bore hole affording fluid communication between the interior of said bore hole and said formation, passing a controlled amount of electric current along an electrically conductive path through said formation, said electric current being produced by a DC source including a cathode connected to one of said conductive elements and an anode connected to another of said conductive elements, said electrically conductive path comprising at least one of connate formation water and an aqueous electrolyte introduced into said formation, and withdrawing oil from at least one of said bore holes.
Abstract:
An electrode for enhancing electrical conductivity between an oil or gas field downhole and the surrounding formation. The electrode may serve as a cathode to cooperate with a remote anode to produce an electric field through the formation. The electrode has an electrically conductive, elongated body with a proximal end adapted to be inserted into the production pipe and a distal end adapted to project into the formation. The body of the electrode has a series of radially-projecting flexible filaments. The filaments are composed of an electrically conductive material and are supported by the body so as to be electrically charged. At least one of the filaments project outwardly into engagement with the wall of the downhole. The filaments also project radially outward into the consolidated formation.
Abstract:
Method of using direct current (DC) electrokinetics to alleviate and prevent scale deposition in and around well bores, e.g., the well bores of oil producing wells.
Abstract:
An electrode for enhancing electrical conductivity between an oil or gas field downhole and the surrounding formation. The electrode may serve as a cathode to cooperate with a remote anode to produce an electric field through the formation. The electrode has an electrically conductive, elongated body with a proximal end adapted to be inserted into the production pipe and a distal end adapted to project into the formation. The body of the electrode has a series of radially-projecting flexible filaments. The filaments are composed of an electrically conductive material and are supported by the body so as to be electrically charged. At least one of the filaments project outwardly into engagement with the wall of the downhole. The filaments also project radially outward into the consolidated formation.
Abstract:
A electrokinetic system (10) and method are provided for removing charged species from a sample (9) in which said charged species is commingled with at least one radionuclide. The apparatus comprises an anode compartment (11) comprising an anode (12), a cathode compartment (15) comprising a cathode (16), and a treatment zone (19) in fluid communication with the anode and cathode compartments (11, 15) for containing the sample (9). The anode compartment (11), cathode compartment (15), and treatment zone (19) are arranged so that a voltage gradient applied between the anode (12) and the cathode (16) induces an electrical current flow through the sample (9) in the treatment zone (19). The current causes migration of the positively charged species in the sample (9) toward the cathode (16) and the negatively charges species toward the anode (12). A pH controller is provided for monitoring and adjusting acidity and basicity. In carrying out the method of the present invention, a sample (9) of the contaminated waste to be treated is introduced into the treatment zone (19) of the electrokinetic system (10), a voltage gradient is applied between the anode (12) and the cathode (16), thereby inducing an electrical current flow through the sample (1); and monitoring and adjusting the pH of the system (10) to facilitate the removal of salts while maintaining contaminants within the sample (9).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the destruction of PCBs and other hazardous material utilizes a gas-tight chamber (18) which includes a high current DC arc (72). The chamber (18) is adapted to receive the PCBs or other hazardous material and includes a sump (20) which contains a molten bath (22). Inlet means (24, 26, 28) are provided for introducing the hazardous material into the chamber (18) and into contact with the molten bath (22) for initial decomposition into a molten product and a gaseous product. Electrode means (66, 68) are provided for maintaining the DC arc (72) at current level sufficient to promote decomposition of the PCBs or other hazardous material. The gaseous product is passed in the proximity of the arc (72) for producing a decomposed gaseous product which is relatively harmless. The system is capable of decomposition of solid, liquid and gaseous PCBs, as well as other hazardous material.