Apparatus and methods for downhole fluid separation and control of water production
US6131655A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/32
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention related to a system which prevent coning while minimizing the problems associated with any reverse coning which may result. The system includes a production string disposed within a wellbore having both oil production perforations and water production perforations, wherein the production tubing is packed off against the wellbore annulus between the oil production perforations and the water production perforations. In addition to a pump for producing oil from the oil production perforations, a water pump is incorporated into the production tubing proximate the water production perforations in order to pump water to a reinjection point or other location. The system also permits recovery of amounts of oil and even solids existing within the water layer, preferably by the use of a separator. The separated oil is then directed upward through the production string for recovery. The invention permits increased pump rates by the pumps located both above and below the packer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.