Inventors:
Brian W. Maassen - Santa Rosa CA
Richard G. Campbell - Monrovia CA
Assignee:
Union Oil Company of California - Los Angeles CA
International Classification:
E21B 4324
E21B 4340
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided for treating a flow of hot, pressurized, hydrogen sulfide-containing geothermal steam, particularly a flow of high-energy, surplus steam substantially as produced from the ground. The apparatus comprises a first condenser in which most of the steam in the flow is condensed, and a first separator in which the steam condensate is separated from residual amounts of steam and non-condensable gases (including hydrogen sulfide). An after-cooler is provided for cooling the condensate to a disposal temperature of less than about 200. degree. F. before the condensate is discharged into a disposal well, the disposal temperature being such as to create a vacuum in the disposal well. A second condenser is provided in which is condensed a substantial amount of the steam in the mixture of residual steam and non-condensable gases, the condensate being separated from a mixture of residual steam and non-condensable gases in a second separator. Condensate from the second separator is combined with condensate from the after-cooler and is discharged therewith into the disposal well.