Steam generation

Abstract

A steam generation device and a method for generating steam using the device are disclosed. The device includes a fluid circulation pipe containing electrically and thermally conductive material, and at least one inductive cable made from an electrically conductive material wound around the pipe. The device and method allow for improved steam generation.

1 . A steam generating device for producing hydrocarbons, wherein the device comprises:
 a fluid circulation pipe containing electrically and thermally conductive material; and   at least one inductive cable made from an electrically conductive material wound around the pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pipe has at least one protuberance on an inner wall. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the pipe is cylindrical and the protuberance is a helical ramp along the pipe. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the ramp is continuous. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device also comprises a shell made from a ferromagnetic material around the inductive cable. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the inductive cable forms a solenoid. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the inductive cable is hollow. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pipe has a diameter smaller than 20 cm. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pipe has a length smaller than 30 m. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device also comprises an electricity source supplying the cable. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein the electricity source delivers a current with an intensity greater than 500 A. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises several water circulation pipes connected to one another. 
     
     
         13 . A hydrocarbon production facility, comprising a steam generating device operably producing hydrocarbons, wherein the device comprises:
 a fluid circulation pipe containing electrically and thermally conductive material; and   at least one inductive cable made from an electrically conductive material wound around the pipe.   
     
     
         14 . A hydrocarbon production method comprising:
 generating steam;   producing hydrocarbons with a steam generator, wherein the steam generator comprises a fluid circulation pipe containing electrically and thermally conductive material, and at least one inductive cable made from an electrically conductive material wound around the pipe; and   circulating water in the pipe, and, at the same time, supplying electricity to the cable.