Method and apparatus for increasing fluid recovery from a subterranean formation
US6237691A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/121
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A downhole injector 10, 26, 38 and 54 is provided at the lower end of the production tubing string TS for passing liquids from a downhole formation into the tubing string while preventing gases from passing through the injector. The injector may include an improved screen 36 for preventing formation sand from entering the injector. The system may include a packer 44 in the annulus A above the injector. In one application, a vent tube 46 extends upward from the packer into the annulus for maintaining a desired liquid level in the annulus above the packer. A plurality of through ports 40 establish fluid communication in the annulus above the packer and the production tubing string so that a downhole pump P may efficiently pump downhole fluids to the surface. The injector of the present invention may be used with one or more lift valves LV for raising slugs of liquid upward to the surface through the production tubing string. The present invention may also be used with horizontal bore hole technology for increased hydrocarbon recovery by retaining the gases downhole to act upon liquid hydrocarbons and maintaining a driving force for pushing the liquids toward the injector for recovery…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.