Downhole mechanisms

Abstract

Apparatus and procedures whereby, downhole, a fluid is heatable as a consequence of heat exchange from a matrix downhole being heated responsive to downhole varied magnetic fields on the matrix. This can involve a fluid or mechanical input to rotate a magnetic array relative to the matrix, or vice versa.

1 . A use of a solid matrix to heat directly or indirectly a fluid by heat exchange, the matrix being heated as a consequence of movement of at least one magnet relative thereto, or vice versa, or both. 
   
   
       2 . The use of  claim 1  downhole to generate steam and/or hot water. 
   
   
       3 . The use of  claim 1  wherein the relative movement is as a consequence of rotation of either or both the matrix and/or at least one magnet. 
   
   
       4 . The use of  claim 3  wherein a spindle carries multiple magnets and that is caused to rotate relative to a said matrix that fully or partially surrounds the spindle carried magnets. 
   
   
       5 . A method of flushing with a heated fluid downhole, said method comprising or including the steps of passing a fluid downhole to cause relative movement between at least one magnet and a matrix heatable by such relatively of movement and, by heat exchange involving at least said matrix, heating at least some of that fluid prior to its egress downhole. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the fluid is water. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein steam egresses. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein a positive displacement motor cause the relativity of movement. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 5  wherein a drill rod causes the relativity of movement. 
   
   
       10 . A use of a hot fluid for hydrocarbon recovery where the fluid has been heated using heat exchange directly or indirectly from a heated matrix heated as a consequence of relative movement of at least one magnetic or heated matrices each heated as a consequence of relative movement of at least one magnet. 
   
   
       11 . An apparatus to provide a heated fluid into a surrounding underground structure, said apparatus comprising or including ducting for the intake and passing of a fluid down a borehole to at least one outlet from which the fluid, once heated, can egress, and at least one heat exchange assembly through which the fluid is ducted to be heated between the intake(s) and outlet(s) of the ducting, the or each heat exchange assembly having at least once matrix to be heated as a consequence of relative movement of at least one magnet, such relative movement being caused by the ducted fluid. 
   
   
       12 . An apparatus to provide a heated fluid into a surrounding underground structure, said apparatus comprising or including ducting for the intake and passing of a fluid down a borehole to at least one outlet from which the fluid, once heated, can egress, and at least one heat exchange assembly through which the fluid is ducted to be heated between the intake(s) and outlet(s) of the ducting, the or each heat exchange assembly having at least once matrix to be heated as a consequence of relative movement of at least one magnet, such relative movement being caused by a drill rod. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for downhole use to generate a hot liquid and/or gaseous fluid from a fluid being passed downwardly, said apparatus comprising or including
 a tubular casing,   a sleeve or surround within the tubular casing, one or other, or both, of the casing and sleeve or surround being fluted or finned to divide the fluid being passed into streams for heat exchange from the fluted sleeve or surround and/or the tubular casing,   a spindle to rotate within the fluted sleeve or surround, the spindle carrying magnets able to generate heat in the fluted sleeve or surround and/or the tubular casing to, at least in part, be transferred to the fluid, and   a drive to rotate the spindle.   
   
   
       14 . The hydrocarbon recovery utilising a method of  claim 5 . 
   
   
       15 . (canceled)