초록 ▼

A continuous gas/steam ratio monitor is disclosed for use with a geothermal fluid source. A sample of the geothermal well steam flow is mechanically separated to eliminate condensate and treated with sulfuric acid to a pH between 3.0 and 5.0 to prevent H2S and CO2 from dissolving into solution. Disc

A continuous gas/steam ratio monitor is disclosed for use with a geothermal fluid source. A sample of the geothermal well steam flow is mechanically separated to eliminate condensate and treated with sulfuric acid to a pH between 3.0 and 5.0 to prevent H2S and CO2 from dissolving into solution. Discharge of the steam occurs to a separating reservoir and then to a vertical condenser column having a lower condensate pool and an upper gas discharge outlet. The vertical condenser at its cooling fluid end is connected to an atmospheric heat exchanger to condense the steam close to the boiling temperature of water at the operating pressure (about 20-25 inches of mercury). Thus the condensate has the maximum tendency to liberate dissolved noncondensible gases. The upper discharge end of the column is cooled by a refrigeration unit and is kept close to the freezing point of water (about 33°F.). Thus, most of the water vapor mixed in the gas is removed. The dry discharged gas is then measured at a mass flow meter. This dry gas discharge is thus prepared for analysis by a gas chromatograph or other analytical instrument. The steam condensate drains from the lower condensate pool to a level chamber equipped with an electronic float switch. When the chamber is full of condensate, the float switch triggers a pump to eject the liquid. A microcomputer measures the time elapsed between pump charges and calculates the condensate flow rate. The ratio of condensate flow to gas mass flow is taken in the noncondensible gases present and the steam flow accurately measured.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for measuring noncondensible gas in steam flow comprising: separator means for separating condensate in saturated steam from steam; an expansion chamber for expanding said saturated steam to superheat said steam; a condenser column for receiving said superheated steam having a lower conden

Apparatus for measuring noncondensible gas in steam flow comprising: separator means for separating condensate in saturated steam from steam; an expansion chamber for expanding said saturated steam to superheat said steam; a condenser column for receiving said superheated steam having a lower condensate pool and an upper gas discharge portion; means for maintaining said lower condensate pool at a temperature approximating boiling; means for maintaining the upper portion of said column at a temperature approaching freezing; means for pulling under vacuum relative to atmosphere the noncondensible gases from the upper refrigerated portion of said column; and means for measuring noncondensible gases passing out of the refrigerated portion of said column; means for measuring condensate accumulated at the bottom of said column whereby the ratio of noncondensible gases to condensate may be determined.