Abstract: A method and system for use in association with a subterranean reservoir containing reservoir material, for separating the reservoir material into components and for producing one or more of the reservoir material components at a surface production location. The reservoir material components include one or more liquid components and a solid component. The system includes a subterranean cavern located below the reservoir. A drain extends between the reservoir and the cavern for draining the reservoir material from the reservoir into the cavern so that the reservoir material may be collected and separated into the reservoir material components in the cavern. A production well extends between the cavern and the surface production location for producing one or more of the reservoir material components at the surface production location. Preferably, one or more of the liquid components are produced at the surface production location while retaining the solid component in the cavern.

Abstract: A method and system for use in association with a subterranean reservoir containing reservoir material, for separating the reservoir material into components and for producing one or more of the reservoir material components at a surface production location. The reservoir material components include one or more liquid components and a solid component. The system includes a subterranean cavern located below the reservoir. A drain extends between the reservoir and the cavern for draining the reservoir material from the reservoir into the cavern so that the reservoir material may be collected and separated into the reservoir material components in the cavern. A production well extends between the cavern and the surface production location for producing one or more of the reservoir material components at the surface production location. Preferably, one or more of the liquid components are produced at the surface production location while retaining the solid component in the cavern.

Abstract: A system and method for restarting a downhole pump that has seized due to an accumulation of debris above the pump and around the pump intake. The system consists of a flexible annulus sealing element fitted on a joint of production tubing where the annulus seal can be activated by pumping fluid down the well annulus from surface. The tool includes tubing and check valve arrangements such that fluid from the well annulus above the flexible annulus sealing element can enter the production tubing immediately above the downhole pump and circulate debris back to surface as well as introduce fluid to the pump intake to mobilize debris accumulated at the pump intake.

Abstract: A system and method for restarting a downhole pump that has seized due to an accumulation of debris above the pump and around the pump intake. The system consists of a flexible annulus sealing element fitted on a joint of production tubing where the annulus seal can be activated by pumping fluid down the well annulus from surface. The tool includes tubing and check valve arrangements such that fluid from the well annulus above the flexible annulus sealing element can enter the production tubing immediately above the downhole pump and circulate debris back to surface as well as introduce fluid to the pump intake to mobilize debris accumulated at the pump intake.