HYDROGEN PEROXIDE STEAM GENERATOR FOR OILFIELD APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Exemplary apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided to produce steam for use in oil field applications. In some embodiments, a catalyst is provided that includes a plurality of ceramic bodies impregnated with an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide. In other embodiments, the catalyst includes a plurality of bodies formed of an active ceramic oxide in a consolidated state without an underlying ceramic body. The bodies are contacted with a liquid hydrogen peroxide having a strength, in one embodiment, between about 30 and about 70 weight percent to produce steam. The steam is directed to an oil field application, such as, but not limited to, a geologic formation to increase oil production from the geologic formation, an applicator to clean oilfield equipment, a heat exchanger to heat hydrogen peroxide, or a heat exchanger to heat living quarters.

Claims

1. An apparatus for producing steam generated primarily by decomposition of a liquid hydrogen peroxide solution, comprising: a manganese dioxide catalyst for decomposing the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution into oxygen and steam in response to contact with the manganese dioxide catalyst to produce the steam at the catalyst; a liquid hydrogen peroxide source configured to contain the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution, the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration below a self-heat concentration of the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution; a first coupling configured to provide a first fluid communication pathway between the liquid hydrogen peroxide source and the manganese dioxide catalyst; and a second coupling configured to provide a second fluid communication pathway from the manganese dioxide catalyst, wherein the second fluid communication pathway communicates steam from the catalyst.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a chamber configured to hold the manganese dioxide catalyst for decomposing the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution into oxygen and steam.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second coupling connects the chamber to a steam applicator.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the steam applicator is configured for cleaning at least one of production tubing, pipelines, oilfield equipment, and tanks.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution further comprises one or more stabilizers.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manganese dioxide catalyst comprises a plurality of catalyst bodies.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second coupling is further configured to provide the second fluid communication pathway from the manganese dioxide catalyst and to at least one of production tubing, pipelines, and tanks.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the produced steam has a pressure in a range from about 0 psi up to about 1,500 psi.

9. An apparatus for producing steam generated primarily by decomposition of a liquid hydrogen peroxide solution, the apparatus comprising: a chamber configured to hold a catalyst for decomposing the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution into oxygen and steam; a liquid hydrogen peroxide source configured to contain the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution, the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration between about 30 wt. % and 64.7 wt. %, the concentration of the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution being less than the self-heat concentration; a first conduit configured to connect the liquid hydrogen peroxide source to the chamber and configured to provide a first fluid communication pathway between the liquid hydrogen peroxide source and the chamber; and a second conduit configured to connect to the chamber and provide a second fluid communication pathway from the chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to contain a catalyst comprising one or more catalyst bodies impregnated with a catalytic solution, the catalytic solution comprising manganese dioxide.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second conduit is configured to connect the chamber to a steam applicator.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the steam applicator is configured for cleaning at least one of production tubing, pipelines, and tanks.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution further comprises a stabilizer.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stabilizer is selected from a group consisting of one or more phosphoric acids, phosphonic acids, or inorganic stannates.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the manganese dioxide of the catalytic solution is alkaline promoted.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second conduit is further configured to provide the second fluid communication pathway from the manganese dioxide catalyst and to at least one of production tubing, pipelines, and tanks.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the steam has a pressure in a range extending from about 0 psi up to about 1,500 psi.

17. A method comprising: providing a catalyst chamber in fluid communication with a hydrogen peroxide source and with a steam applicator, wherein the catalyst chamber contains a catalyst body packed in the catalyst chamber, wherein the catalyst body comprises has been impregnated with a catalytic solution comprising manganese dioxide; providing a hydrogen peroxide solution in the hydrogen peroxide source, wherein the hydrogen peroxide solution has a hydrogen peroxide concentration between 30 wt. % and 64.7 wt. %, the concentration of the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution being less than the self-heat concentration of hydrogen peroxide; feeding the hydrogen peroxide solution to the catalyst chamber such that the hydrogen peroxide solution is catalytically decomposed in response to contact with the catalyst body to produce high-pressure steam; directing the steam to the steam applicator.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising cleaning one or more of pipes, tubing, tanks, and oilfield equipment by applying the steam from the steam applicator to the one or more of pipes, tubing, tanks, and oilfield equipment.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the steam being produced within the catalyst chamber is at a pressure of about 1500 psi or greater.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the catalyst chamber contains a plurality of catalyst bodies.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0090] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.

[0091] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for producing steam for use in oilfield applications, such as, but not limited to, stimulating a geologic formation to increase oil production, clearing obstructed pipelines or tanks, heating hydrogen peroxide or other fluids, or heating living quarters at a well site or elsewhere, in accordance with this disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of manufacturing an apparatus for producing steam for use in oilfield applications, such as, but not limited to, stimulating a geologic formation to increase oil production, clearing obstructed pipelines or tanks, heating hydrogen peroxide or other fluids, or heating living quarters at a well site, in accordance with this disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a catalyst for use in creating steam in accordance with this disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for producing steam for use in oilfield applications, such as, but not limited to, stimulating a geologic formation to increase oil production, clearing obstructed pipelines or tanks, heating hydrogen peroxide or other fluids, or heating living quarters at a well site, in accordance with this disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for producing steam for use in oilfield applications, such as, but not limited to, stimulating a geologic formation to increase oil production, clearing obstructed pipelines or tanks, heating hydrogen peroxide or other fluids, or heating living quarters at a well site, in accordance with this disclosure.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a chart showing injection temperature and hydrogen peroxide flow rate for an embodiment of an apparatus for producing steam using 60% H.sub.2O.sub.2, in accordance with this disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a table showing data illustrated in the chart of FIG. 6.

[0098] FIG. 8 is a chart showing injection temperature and hydrogen peroxide flow rate for an embodiment of an apparatus for producing steam using 60% H.sub.2O.sub.2, in accordance with this disclosure.

[0099] FIGS. 9A and 9B are tables showing data illustrated in the chart of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for producing steam for use in oilfield applications, such as, for example, stimulating a geologic formation 112 to increase oil production, is shown. The apparatus 100 includes a liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102, a catalyst 104, a first conduit 106 connecting the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 to the catalyst 104, a pump 108 for moving the liquid hydrogen peroxide from the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 to the catalyst 104, and a second conduit 110 connecting the catalyst 104 to a geologic formation 112 and/or a pipeline, tank or other oilfield application 113. As described in more detail below, the apparatus 100 can be used with moderate strength hydrogen peroxide that is less dangerous to store, transport, and handle, and is less expensive to purchase. In addition, the apparatus 100 includes a catalyst 104 that may include a porous ceramic substrate that is less expensive to manufacture and avoids many of the problems associated with prior catalysts, such as flooding and premature poisoning of the catalyst, as will be described in more detail below. The steam produced by the apparatus 100 can be used in several oil field applications, such as but not limited to, enhanced oil recovery, equipment cleaning, heating hydrogen peroxide or other liquids, heating living quarters at an oilfield location, or other uses.

[0101] It was previously believed that using moderate strength liquid hydrogen peroxide was unsuitable to produce steam, and may cause flooding of the catalyst and/or cause a high deactivation or poisoning rate of the catalyst. It was also thought that stabilizers in moderate strength hydrogen peroxide would adhere to the catalyst within a short period of time to poison or deactivate the catalyst. However, it has been unexpectedly found that the catalyst of the present disclosure does not flood when contacted with moderate strength hydrogen peroxide for long periods of time and it has been found that the deactivation rate or poisoning rate of the present catalyst when contacted with moderate strength hydrogen peroxide for long periods of time is greatly reduced, as will be described in more detail below.

[0102] Referring again to FIG. 1, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 includes moderate strength liquid hydrogen peroxide and may be any suitable source, such as, for example, a mobile container of liquid hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 contains liquid hydrogen peroxide that has a strength of between about 30 and about 70 weight percent. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 contains liquid hydrogen peroxide that has a strength between about 50 and about 65 weight percent. In other embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 contains liquid hydrogen peroxide that has a strength of about 60 weight percent. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 contains liquid hydrogen peroxide that has a strength below the self-heat strength of the liquid hydrogen peroxide (about 64.7 weight percent). In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide is mixed with water, one or more stabilizers that may be added by the manufacturer of the hydrogen peroxide, and/or a mixture of other elements to create the above-described weight percents. In some embodiments, the stabilizer includes one or more phosphoric acids, phosphonic acids, inorganic stannates such as sodium stannate, other similar substances, or additives.

[0103] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 is coupled to the catalyst 104 by the first conduit 106 to deliver liquid hydrogen peroxide to the catalyst 104 at a predetermined rate. In some embodiments, the rate at which the liquid hydrogen peroxide is delivered to the catalyst 104 through the first conduit 106 is variable and is controlled by the pump 108. In some embodiments, the first conduit 106 also includes one or more valves (not shown), flow meters (not shown), or other mechanisms to measure and/or control the flow rate of liquid hydrogen peroxide from the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 to the catalyst 104. The first conduit 106 may be any suitable pathway or coupling mechanism to transport the liquid hydrogen peroxide from the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 to the catalyst 104, such as, for example, a pipe, hose or chamber. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102, the pump 108 and the catalyst 104 are located remotely from the geologic formation 112, as shown in FIG. 1, to reduce the possibility that liquid hydrogen peroxide solution will enter the geologic formation 112. Thus, in some embodiments, the catalyst 104 is not located within the geologic formation 112 but is located adjacent to or a specified distance from the geologic formation 112. As such, in some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide solution is not pumped into the geologic formation 112 but rather is reacted to form steam at the catalyst 104, which is located remotely from the geologic formation 112.

[0104] In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 includes a plurality of ceramic bodies. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies include spheres of various diameters. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are packed within a container such that space between larger spheres is at least partially filled with smaller spheres. In some embodiments, smaller spheres fit between larger spheres such that a majority of the volume holding the catalyst 104 is filled by the ceramic bodies. In some embodiments, the spheres have a diameter between about 0.0625 inches and about 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum sphere packing is obtained by a defined trimodal distribution of spheres. In some embodiments, the trimodal distribution is about 45 percent, 35 percent and 20 percent by volume for activated alumina spheres of 0.25 inches in diameter, 0.125 inches in diameter and 0.0625 inches in diameter, respectively. In some embodiments, the sphere packing is obtained by a defined bimodal distribution of spheres. In some embodiments, the bimodal distribution is about 45 percent by volume of 0.25 inch diameter spheres and 55 percent by volume of 0.125 inch diameter spheres. Thus, in some embodiments, the spheres have three distinct diameters (trimodal distribution), in other embodiments the spheres have two distinct diameters (bimodal distribution), while in other embodiments the spheres have four or more distinct diameters. In other embodiments, the catalyst 104 includes spheres having one diameter. In other embodiments, the catalyst 104 includes spheres having more than 3 distinct diameters. In other embodiments, the ceramic bodies include other shapes, such as, for example, a square shape, a rectangular shape or a triangular shape. In other embodiments, the ceramic bodies may be any other suitable shape and may be closely packed chunks, extrudate, pieces, pellets or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are closely packed into a container (not shown).

[0105] The ceramic bodies of the catalyst 104 may be made of any suitable ceramic material. For example, in some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are made of one or more of alumina, silica, silica alumina or another alumino-silicate, zirconia, activated carbon or other ceramic refractory oxide. In other embodiments, ceramic bodies also include zeolite molecular sieves or other shape selective ceramics. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are made of a combination of ceramic materials. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are porous and thus have internal and external surface areas. In other embodiments, the ceramic bodies are not porous. In alternate embodiments, the catalyst does not include a plurality of bodies but instead includes a single body, such as a porous monolith or honeycomb body, that at least partially fills a catalyst container. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are activated in that they have a high surface area, beyond the expected exterior surface area. In some embodiments, the internal surface area contributes greatly to the abstraction of the catalyst in formation, and the usefulness (activity) of the dispersed catalyst in use.

[0106] In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies of the catalyst 104 are impregnated with an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide, alkaline-promoted manganese dioxide or other catalytic agent. As described below, in some embodiments, the ceramic bodies are impregnated by soaking the ceramic bodes in the catalytic agent for a period of time. In embodiments in which the ceramic bodies are porous or otherwise include an internal and an external surface area, the internal and external surface areas of the ceramic bodies are impregnated as the ceramic bodies soak in the catalytic agent. In some embodiments, the catalytic agent includes at least one cation that has a defined valence state, the cation species being either Mn, Ag, Ru, Pb, V, Cr or Co or other transition metals or noble metals, such as Cu or Pt. In some embodiments, the catalytic agent includes an alkaline promoted cation species, such as, but not limited to, those described above. An embodiment of a process of manufacturing the catalyst 104 is described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the catalytic agent includes one or more of sodium permanganate and sodium manganate. In other embodiments, the catalytic agent includes sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide that are then calcined to form an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide (or dioxide). Typical manganese compounds with fugitive anions are manganese nitrate, manganese acetate and the like.

[0107] In another embodiment, the catalyst 104 includes a plurality of bodies formed of an active ceramic oxide in a consolidated state without an underlying ceramic body. For example, in some embodiments a cation species such as Mn, Ag, Ru, Pb, V, Cr, or Co, or other transition metal or noble metal such as Cu or Pt, is used as an active ceramic oxide by itself in a consolidated fashion to form a plurality of bodies. In some embodiments, the bodies are spheres of various diameters. In some embodiments, the bodies are packed within a container such that space between larger spheres is at least partially filled with smaller spheres. In some embodiments, smaller spheres fit between larger spheres such that a majority of the volume of the catalyst 104 is filled by the bodies. In some embodiments, the spheres have a diameter between about 0.0625 inches and about 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum sphere packing is obtained by a defined trimodal distribution of spheres. In some embodiments, the trimodal distribution is 45 percent, 35 percent and 20 percent by volume for spheres of 0.25 inches in diameter, 0.125 inches in diameter and 0.0625 inches in diameter, respectively. In some embodiments, the sphere packing is obtained by a defined bimodal distribution of spheres. In some embodiments, the bimodal distribution is 45 percent by volume of 0.25 inch diameter spheres and 55 percent by volume of 0.125 inch diameter spheres. Thus, in some embodiments, the spheres have three distinct diameters (trimodal distribution) while in other embodiments the spheres have two distinct diameters (bimodal distribution). In other embodiments, the catalyst 104 includes spheres having one diameter. In other embodiments, the catalyst 104 includes spheres having more than 3 distinct diameters. In other embodiments, the ceramic bodies have other shapes, such as, for example, a square shape, a rectangular shape or a triangular shape. In other embodiments, the bodies may by any other suitable shape and may be closely packed chunks, extrudate, pieces, pellets or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bodies are closely packed into a container (not shown). In alternate embodiments, the catalyst does not include a plurality of bodies but instead includes a single body that includes an active ceramic oxide by itself, in a consolidated fashion.

[0108] In still other embodiments, the catalyst 104 may include a metal oxide body, such as an active metal oxide body. In such embodiments, the metal oxide body may be formed or configured into any desirable shape, such as one or more of the shapes described herein in connection with the shape of the ceramic bodies.

[0109] In some embodiments, the steam produced by the interaction of the catalyst 104 and the hydrogen peroxide has a pressure up to about 1,500 psi. In other embodiments, the steam produced by the interaction of the catalyst 104 and the hydrogen peroxide has a pressure up to about 3,000 psi. It is projected that higher pressures will be achievable as equipment to transport and otherwise use the steam is improved.

[0110] Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments a second conduit 110 couples the catalyst 104 to a geologic formation 112 or a steam applicator for clearing obstructions from pipelines, tanks or other oil and gas equipment 113. The second conduit 110 may be any suitable mechanism for transporting steam produced by the interaction of the liquid hydrogen peroxide and the catalyst 104, such as, for example, a tube, hose or chamber. For example, the geologic formation 112 may include production tubing and the second conduit 110 may couple the catalyst 104 to the production tubing. In some embodiments, the second conduit 110 transports steam from the catalyst 104 to another location, such as, for example, a steam applicator for cleaning oilfield equipment 113, a heat exchanger for heating the hydrogen peroxide or other liquids, a heat exchanger for heating living quarters at an oilfield location, or any other suitable location. As discussed above, the steam produced by the apparatus 100 can be used in several oilfield applications and is not limited to the specific applications described herein. In some embodiments, for example, the steam travels through the second conduit 110 to an applicator for clearing obstacles from pipelines, tanks or other oilfield equipment. In some embodiments, the second conduit 110 is of sufficient length to allow for the hydrogen peroxide source 102 and the catalyst 104 to be remotely positioned from the geologic formation 112 to reduce the chance that unreacted hydrogen peroxide will pass into the geologic formation 112.

[0111] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method 200 of manufacturing an apparatus 100 for producing steam for use in an oilfield application. In some embodiments, the method 200 begins and a catalyst 104 is provided, as shown at block 202. As described above, in some embodiments the catalyst 104 includes a plurality of ceramic bodies that are impregnated with a catalyst agent, such as an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide or an active metal oxide. As described above, in some embodiments the ceramic bodies may be impregnated with other elements or a combination of elements. In other embodiments, the catalyst includes one or more bodies that are formed of an active ceramic oxide by itself, as described above. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies (or bodies formed of an active ceramic oxide by itself) are placed or packed in a container that permits entry of liquid hydrogen peroxide and permits the release of steam produced by the decomposition of the liquid hydrogen peroxide as it contacts the catalyst 104. A liquid hydrogen peroxide source 102 is also provided, as shown at block 204, and is coupled to the catalyst 104, for example, by a first conduit 106, as shown at block 206. In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 is then coupled to a geologic formation 112 and/or to an applicator for cleaning a pipeline, tank or other oilfield application by a second conduit 110, as shown at blocks 208 and 209. As described above, the catalyst may also be coupled to other oilfield applications, such as heat exchangers to heat the hydrogen peroxide or other liquids or heat exchangers to heat living quarters at an oilfield location. As described above, the catalyst 104 may be contained within a container that is coupled to the first and second conduits 106 and 110 and may be located remotely from the geologic formation 112.

[0112] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 300 of manufacturing a catalyst 104 for producing steam. The catalyst 104 produced using the illustrated method may be similar to the catalyst described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,772, entitled H.sub.2O.sub.2 Decomposition Catalyst to the present inventor, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The method 300 begins and a catalytic agent is provided, as shown at block 302, and a ceramic substrate is provided, as shown at block 304. As described above, the catalytic agent may include any suitable catalytic substance, such as alkaline-promoted manganese oxide, alkaline-promoted manganese dioxide, or a combination of catalyst substances. As described above, the ceramic substrate may include a plurality of porous ceramic bodies. In some embodiments, a high surface area, porous ceramic substrate in the form of a single monolith or honeycomb is selected to form the ceramic substrate. In other embodiments, a high surface area, porous ceramic substrate in the form of a plurality of closely packed chunks, extrudate, pieces, pellets, spheres or a combination thereof, is selected to form the ceramic substrate.

[0113] As shown at block 306, the ceramic substrate is impregnated with the catalytic agent. In some embodiments, a soluble salt of a desired catalyst cation is mixed into a solvent therefor, the cation species being either Mn, Ag, Ru, Pb, V, Cr or Co or other transition metals or noble metals, such as Cu or Pt. In some embodiments, a catalytic agent in solution is poured over the ceramic substrate in an amount sufficient to soak the ceramic substrate and impregnate it through the pores thereof with the catalytic agent. The ceramic substrate is soaked in the catalytic agent for a period of time to impregnate the ceramic substrate. In some embodiments, the ceramic substrate is soaked in the catalytic agent for less than about 1 hour. In some embodiments, the substrate is soaked in the catalytic agent for about 15 minutes. In some embodiments, a catalyst cation loading is calculated based on a defined percentage of the final cationic species. As an example, a loading may include 1% w/w of manganese (+4) on a zeolite molecular sieve (ZMS) substrate. The calculated amount of catalytic agent is then added to the catalyst solution as described above.

[0114] In some embodiments, a catalytic (or ionic) promoter can be added to the catalyst solution. In some embodiments, catalytic (or ionic) promoters are chosen from Group I and Group II of the Periodic Table of the Elements, such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), the ammonium ion (NH4+), lithium (Li+), calcium (Ca++), strontium (Sr++) and barium (Ba++).

[0115] As shown at block 308, the impregnated ceramic substrate is then dried to remove the solvent of the catalyst solution. In some embodiments, the ceramic substrate is dried in an oven that is at about 150 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the ceramic substrate is dried for between about 60 and about 120 minutes. In other embodiments, the impregnated material is dried until constant weight or no visible moisture is given off.

[0116] As shown at block 310, the impregnated, dried substrate is then calcined to form an activated bulk catalyst. In some embodiments, the substrate is calcined by placing the impregnated substrate in an oven at between about 200 and about 500 degrees Celsius for between about 0.5 to about 24 hours. In some embodiments, the manganese-based material is calcined until it forms a uniform brown to black color depending on catalyst loading. In some embodiments, the initial color of the catalyst is a shade of purple.

[0117] As shown at block 312, the catalyst 104 is then finished. In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 is placed in a container that includes an inlet to receive liquid hydrogen peroxide and an outlet to release steam, as described above. In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 is packed into the container to reduce or eliminate movement of the catalyst components during reaction with the liquid hydrogen peroxide.

[0118] In another embodiment, a method for providing a steam producing apparatus begins and a catalytic agent is provided. As described above, the catalytic agent may include any suitable catalytic substance, such as alkaline-promoted manganese oxide, alkaline-promoted manganese dioxide, or a combination of catalyst substances. The catalytic agent may be in a consolidated state that can be formed into a plurality of bodies that may have any suitable shape, such as generally spherical shapes. The ceramic bodies may then be dried in an oven and may be calcined to form an activated bulk catalyst. In some embodiments, the bodies are then placed in a container that includes an inlet to receive liquid hydrogen peroxide and an outlet to release steam, as described above. In some embodiments, the bodies are packed into the container to reduce or eliminate movement of the bodies during reaction with the liquid hydrogen peroxide.

[0119] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method 400 for producing steam for use in stimulating a geologic formation 112 to increase oil production, for use in cleaning or clearing a pipeline, tank or other oilfield equipment, or for use in another oilfield application, such as, but not limited to, heating the hydrogen peroxide or heating living quarters at an oilfield location. In some embodiments, the method 400 includes providing a catalyst 104 that includes a plurality of ceramic bodies impregnated with an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide or a plurality of bodies that are made essentially of an active ceramic oxide, as shown at block 402. In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 is contacted with a moderate strength liquid hydrogen peroxide to produce steam, as shown at block 404. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide has a strength between about 30 and about 70 percent. Steam is produced as the hydrogen peroxide contacts the catalyst and decomposes to produce steam and oxygen. It was previously believed that using moderate strength liquid hydrogen peroxide to produce steam with a catalyst including a pourous ceramic substrate would cause flooding of the catalyst and/or cause a high deactivation or poisoning rate of the catalyst. For example, it was thought that absorbent ceramics, such as those described herein, used to react with moderate strength hydrogen peroxide below the self-heat strength of the hydrogen peroxide would flood the catalyst. It was also thought that stabilizers in moderate strength hydrogen peroxide would adhere to the catalyst within a short period of time to poison or deactivate the catalyst. However, it has been found that the catalyst 104 of the present disclosure, although porous and absorbent, does not flood when contacted with moderate strength hydrogen peroxide for long periods of time because the decomposition mechanism is on the same order of timing as the adsorption/desorption mechanism. In addition, it has been found that the deactivation rate or poisoning rate of the catalyst 104 when contacted with moderate strength hydrogen peroxide for long periods of time is greatly reduced due to the fact that non-metallic catalysts do not form insoluble phosphates on the active catalyst surfaces. In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 produces steam for periods of time much longer than solid, precious metal catalysts or liquid catalysts, which typically have a useful life of a few minutes for most rocket applications and consume significantly more high strength hydrogen peroxide per unit time. Test data showing steam production for long periods of time is described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 5-8B. While the test data discussed below shows steam production for specified periods of time (54 hours in FIGS. 5 and 6 and 91 hours in FIGS. 7-8B), it is anticipated that production can last for longer periods of time without deactivation or flooding of the catalyst.

[0120] Referring again to FIG. 4, the steam is then directed to a geologic formation 112 to, in one embodiment, increase oil production from the geologic formation 112 or is directed to another oilfield application, such as an application for clearing obstructions from a pipeline or tank, as shown at block 406. For example, the steam may be directed to the production tubing of a geologic formation 112. As discussed above, the steam may be directed to other locations in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the steam is directed to a steam applicator for cleaning oilfield equipment, a heat exchanger for heating the hydrogen peroxide or other liquids, or a heat exchanger for heating living quarters at an oilfield location.

[0121] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method 500 for producing steam for use in stimulating a geologic formation 112 to increase oil production, for use in cleaning or clearing a pipeline, tank or other oilfield equipment, or for use in another oilfield application, such as, but not limited to, heating the hydrogen peroxide or heating living quarters at an oilfield location. In some embodiments, the method 500 includes providing a catalyst 104 that includes a plurality of bodies that include an active metal oxide, as shown at block 502. In some embodiments, the bodies are formed by molding an active metal oxide in a constituted state into a plurality of spherical shapes, or in one or more shapes previously described in connection with ceramic bodies. In some embodiments, the active metal oxide includes manganese dioxide or an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide.

[0122] In some embodiments, the catalyst 104 is contacted with a moderate strength liquid hydrogen peroxide to produce steam, as shown at block 504. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide has a strength between about 30 and about 70 percent, between about 50 and about 65 weight percent, or about 60 weight percent. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen peroxide has a strength below a self-heating strength of the liquid hydrogen peroxide. Steam is produced as the hydrogen peroxide contacts the catalyst and decomposes to produce steam and oxygen. The steam is then directed to a geologic formation 112 to increase oil production from the geologic formation 112 or is directed to another oilfield application, such as an application for clearing obstructions from a pipeline or tank, as shown at block 506. For example, the steam may be directed to the production tubing in communication with or connected to a geologic formation 112. As discussed above, the steam may be directed to other locations in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the steam is directed to a steam applicator for cleaning oilfield equipment, a heat exchanger for heating the hydrogen peroxide or other liquids, or a heat exchanger for heating living quarters at an oilfield location.

[0123] FIG. 6 is a chart showing injection temperature and hydrogen peroxide flow rate for a test of an embodiment of an apparatus for producing steam using 60 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. FIG. 7 is a table showing data illustrated in the chart of FIG. 6. In the tests, the catalyst included spherical ceramic bodies impregnated with alkaline promoted manganese dioxide. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the steam produced by the apparatus had a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit with flow rates ranging from 0 gallons per minute (GPM) to about 2.5 GPM. The catalyst remained active during the 54 hour testing period and did not flood or poison. It is expected that the catalyst would have remained active without flooding or poisoning for a longer period of time than the testing period. As such, the significant plateau of catalyst activity and system performance is of great merit as applied to a variety of oil field conditions.

[0124] FIG. 8 is a chart showing injection temperature and hydrogen peroxide flow rate for a second test of an embodiment of an apparatus for producing steam using 60 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. FIGS. 9A and 9B are tables showing data illustrated in the chart of FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, the steam produced by the apparatus has a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit with flow rates ranging from 0 GPM to about 1 GPM. The catalyst remained active during the 91 hour testing period and did not flood or poison. It is expected that the catalyst would have remained active without flooding or poisoning for a longer period of time than the testing period. As such, the significant plateau of catalyst activity and system performance is of great merit as applied to a variety of oil field conditions.

[0125] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose.

[0126] In this specification, the word comprising and include or including are to be understood in their open sense, that is, in the sense of including at least, and thus not limited to its closed sense, that is the sense of consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words comprise, comprised and comprises where they appear.

[0127] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0128] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.