Abstract: Downhole apparatus for separation of oil from oily water or water from oil having an internal chamber continuously flooded with production fluids from a well, one or more hydrocyclonic separators for separating the production fluid into a stream enriched in oil and an stream depleted in oil. The clearance required between the apparatus and the well casing being the minimum required for running the apparatus into the casing, maximizing the size of the separator(s) and improving capacity. A range of artificial lift devices is included to bring the oil enriched stream to the surface if the natural pressure of the reservoir is insufficient. Substantial axial overlap of multiple separators is provided for better compactness and capacity of the apparatus. Pipes from separator overflow outlets connect to a common overflow manifold, and pipes from the separator underflow outlets connect to a common underflow manifold.

Abstract: A downhole fluid separation system comprises a fluid separator having a fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet, and a second fluid outlet, with a sensing device for sensing at least one parameter of a first component of a fluid mixture introduced into the fluid inlet of the fluid separator. The ratio of the first component to a second component of the fluid mixture is adjusted as such fluid mixture is introduced into the fluid inlet of the fluid separator in response to a signal provided by the sensing means. By adjusting the component ratio before the fluid is introduced into the fluid separator in response to a signal from a downhole sensing device, acceptable separation efficiency can be achieved over a broad range of fluid component ratios for a given fluid separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for separating a multiphase liquid mixture into a plurality of streams. The invention has particular utility in the oil industry where particulate solids are produced with an oil/water mixture. Preferably, the mixture is first cyclonically separated to remove particulate solids from the oil and water. Then the mixture is delivered to a liquid/liquid hydrocyclone where a substantial portion of the oil is separated from the remaining mixture which now primarily comprises water. The pressure of the remaining mixture is elevated such as by a pump and is then subjected to a further cyclonic separation step to remove any remaining fine solids in the mixture.