Oil/gas separator for installation at burning wells

US5191940A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• United States Department of Energy · US

Inventors

• Carol T. Alonso · Orinda, US
• Donald Bender · Dublin, US
• Barry Bowman · Dublin, US
• Alan K. Burnham · Livermore, US
• Dwayne A. Chesnut · San Francisco, US
• William J. Comfort, III · Livermore, US
• Lloyd G. Guymon · Livermore, US
• Carl D. Henning · Livermore, US
• Knud B. Pedersen · Livermore, US
• Joseph A. Sefcik · Tracy, US
• Joseph A. Smith · Fanwood, US
• Mark S. Strauch · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 22, 1991
• Grant date: Mar 9, 1993
• Expiry date: Aug 22, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B43/34
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An oil/gas separator is disclosed that can be utilized to return the burning wells in Kuwait to production. Advantageously, a crane is used to install the separator at a safe distance from the well. The gas from the well is burned off at the site, and the oil is immediately pumped into Kuwait's oil gathering system. Diverters inside the separator prevent the oil jet coming out of the well from reaching the top vents where the gas is burned. The oil falls back down, and is pumped from an annular oil catcher at the bottom of the separator, or from the concrete cellar surrounding the well.