US3862545A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Geothermal brine energy to generate power
Assignee: Chevron USA Inc
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Filing: 1974-04-25
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Granted: 1975-01-28
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Expires: 1994-04-25
Abstract
Abstract A process for using energy from a hot brine to generate power, comprising: FLASHING THE HOT BRINE IN A FLASH ZONE TO FORM STEAM AND A CONCENTRATED BRINE, USING THE STEAM TO DRIVE A POWER-GENERATING TURBINE, CONDENSING THE EXHAUST STEAM FROM THE TURBINE, COMBINING CONDENSATE FROM THE TURBINE EXHAUST WITH THE CONCENTRATED BRINE TO FORM A RESTORED BRINE, AND RETURNING THE RESTORED BRINE TO THE SOURCE OF THE HOT BRINE.
Inventors
- 👤 John R B Ellis
- 👤 Arthur W Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:04
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G4/00; F03G4/074; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A process for using energy from hot brine to generate power, comprising: 1. flashing said hot brine in a flash zone to form steam and a concentrated brine; 2. using said steam to drive a power-generating turbine; 3. condensing the exhaust steam from said turbine; 4. combining at least the major portion of the condensed turbine exhaust with said concentrated brine to form a restored brine having a composition approximating that of said hot brine; and 5. returning said restored brine to the source of said hot brine.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A process for using energy from hot brine to generate power, comprising: 1. flashing said hot brine in a flash zone to form steam and a concentrated brine; 2. using said steam to drive a power-generating turbine; 3. condensing the exhaust steam from said turbine; 4. combining at least the major portion of the condensed turbine exhaust with said concentrated brine to form a restored brine having a composition approximating that of said hot brine; and 5. returning said restored brine to the source of said hot brine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
8 words
using said steam to drive a power-generating turbine;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
8 words
using said steam to drive a power-generating turbine;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said process is carried out with the substantial exclusion of air from the system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
7 words
condensing the exhaust steam from said turbine;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
7 words
condensing the exhaust steam from said turbine;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said flashing is carried out without any substantial crystallization of the soluble salts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
combining at least the major portion of the condensed turbine exhaust with said concentrated brine to form a restored brine having a composition approximating that of said hot brine; and
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
combining at least the major portion of the condensed turbine exhaust with said concentrated brine to form a restored brine having a composition approximating that of said hot brine; and
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of said condensate is recycled to said flash zone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said hot brine is obtained from said source by at least one brine well and said restored brine is returned to said source via a second brine well.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
returning said restored brine to the source of said hot brine.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
returning said restored brine to the source of said hot brine.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 5 wherein said process is carried out with the substantial exclusion of air from the system.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein lines carrying brine are insulated.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of Claim 1 wherein lines carrying brine are heated.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein lines carrying brine are heated and insulated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-27 | 1978-07-29 | 1979-01-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-27 | 1982-07-29 | 1983-01-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-27 | 1986-07-29 | 1987-01-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |