US 11,920,440 B2
Well-based potential energy conversion systems and methods
Walker Rowley Colt, Houston, TX (US); Anthony Kemp Gregory, Jr., Houston, TX (US); and Stefan James Streckfus, Denver, CO (US)
Assigned to RENEWELL ENERGY, Houston, TX (US)
Filed by RENEWELL ENERGY, Houston, TX (US)
Filed on Sep. 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/935,755.
Application 17/935,755 is a continuation of application No. 17/523,143, filed on Nov. 10, 2021, granted, now 11,492,874.
Application 17/523,143 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2021/031250, filed on May 7, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/145,694, filed on Feb. 4, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/145,753, filed on Feb. 4, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/145,663, filed on Feb. 4, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/023,024, filed on May 11, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0020488 A1, Jan. 19, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. E21B 41/00 (2006.01); F03G 3/00 (2006.01); H02J 15/00 (2006.01); E21B 47/04 (2012.01)
CPC E21B 41/0085 (2013.01) [F03G 3/094 (2021.08); H02J 15/00 (2013.01); E21B 47/04 (2013.01); Y10T 137/5983 (2015.04)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for retrofitting a well, comprising:
installing a potential energy conversion system into an interval of a non-producing well having a wellhead located at the earth's surface, the potential energy conversion system comprising a movable mass suspended by a line in the non-producing well, and the line being coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass within the interval;
introducing a fluid into the interval of the non-producing well;
wherein the fluid comprises an additive, and the additive is selected to minimize corrosion, modify rheological properties, reduce friction, convey biocidal activity, or inhibit scale; and
capping the non-producing well after installing the potential energy conversion system therein.