Inventors:
John R. Peters - Pecos TX
Max E. Ramey - Carlsbad NM
Arturo E. Seyffert - Carlsbad NM
Jack L. Canon - Pecos TX
Michael W. Robinson - Pecos TX
William T. Abercrombie - Pecos TX
Assignee:
Pennzoil Sulphur Company - Houston TX
International Classification:
E21B 4300
E21B 4340
E21C 4114
Abstract:
Elemental sulfur in substantially pure form is recovered from an underground sulfur formation which has been previously been mined by the Frasch process by injection of hot water into the underground formation to melt at least a portion of the sulfur, removing the resulting mixture of sulfur and hot water to the surface, separating the mixture of sulfur and hot water, recovering the sulfur as molten sulfur, and recycling the water to the underground formation. In alternatives, the water may be treated with additives to prevent corrosion, and scale and to reduce hardness and enhance separation of sulfur and water. The process is practiced using a conventional Frasch sulfur well in combination with a bleed water well and/or injection well. Also provided is a method and apparatus for separating molten sulfur from a mixture of molten sulfur and water.