Abstract: A wellbore completion design is provided, which creates a convective flow action that separates water and sand from hydrocarbons during production of the hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. A deviated section of the wellbore creates the desired effect. The wellbore completion design may include a secondary bore, which intersects the deviated section of the wellbore at an acute angle, to accumulate the separated water and sand. An injection pump disposed in the toe section of the secondary bore can also be employed to pump the water back into the water containing portion of the subterranean formation. If solids are present in more than trace amounts, the toe section of the secondary bore may be formed at an acute angle to the remaining portion of the secondary bore to prevent blockage of the pump. Alternatively, a tertiary bore may be provided, so that the solids can accumulate in the secondary bore and the water can flow into the tertiary bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and metering gas flowing through a pipeline is provided. The apparatus includes an orifice flow meter for accurately measuring the flow rate of gas through the pipeline within a certain range. The apparatus further includes a turbine flow meter which provides a measurement of the flow rate of the gas flowing through the pipeline over a broad range. A control circuit coupled to the turbine flow meter is provided for evaluating the flow rate to determine whether the flow rate is higher than a predetermined maximum value which can be recorded by the orifice flow meter or lower than a predetermined minimum value which can be recorded by the orifice flow meter. If the flow rate is higher than the predetermined maximum value, the control circuit generates a first voltage signal, if the flow rate is lower than the predetermined minimum value, the control circuit generates a second voltage signal.