Abstract: A pump system for multi-phase fluids that includes a drive-shaft (11), mechanical differential units (12, 22, 23, 23′, D1 . . . Dn) and pumps (14, 14′, 25, 25′, 25″, 25′″, B1 . . . Bn) where the differential units allow for the changing of pump rotation speeds between pumps(14, 14′, 25, 25′, 25″, 25′″, B1 . . . Bn) so as to adjust the compressibility of fluids in order to reduce or eliminate circulatory flow. There is also a description of the method of operating the system according to the invention.

Abstract: This relates to a gas separator (8) of the cascade type, with stratified or non-stratified flow, equipped with automatic level control to perform a process of the gravitational separation of two immiscible fluids of different densities, particularly to separate the gaseous phase from a two-phase mixture (liquid and gas). It is installed at the bottom of an oil well, upstream from a lifting pump (12) in order to minimize the entry of gas into pump (12). The level control system comprises a valve (29), a spring (30) and a packer (26). It is based on the combined effects of the abovementioned components (26, 29, 30), the gas pressure on the region of perforated casing (10) and the thrust exerted on a settling vessel (3) by the liquid on which it floats. The separator according to the invention has a control system for the level of the liquid stored in settling vessel (3) mounted within its separator (8), ensuring flow of the mixture which is ideal for the occurrence of gas separation.

Abstract: A pump system for multi-phase fluids that includes a drive-shaft (11), mechanical differential units (12, 22, 23, 23′, D1 . . . Dn) and pumps (14, 14′, 25, 25′, 25″, 25′″, B1 . . . Bn) where the differential units allow for the changing of pump rotation speeds between pumps(14, 14′, 25, 25′, 25″, 25′″, B1 . . . Bn) so as to adjust the compressibility of fluids in order to reduce or eliminate circulatory flow. There is also a description of the method of operating the system according to the invention.

Abstract: This is a high-efficiency item of equipment, for example for a well bottom for separating out gas from a liquid/gas mixture, based on the effects of flows of the cascade and segregated types. It consists basically of a sedimentation vessel whose lateral surface has holes in the upper portion, enclosing (i) a discharge pump, (ii) a suction pipe and (iii) the lower end of a production tubing. The vessel contains helicoidal surfaces for achieving segregated-type flow. A significant part of separation takes place above the level of the separator, in a medium in which there is a predominance of gas and the flow is in the form of a cascade.

Abstract: This relates to a gas separator (8) of the cascade type, with stratified or non-stratified flow, equipped with automatic level control to perform a process of the gravitational separation of two immiscible fluids of different densities, particularly to separate the gaseous phase from a two-phase mixture (liquid and gas). It is installed at the bottom of an oil well, upstream from a lifting pump (12) in order to minimize the entry of gas into pump (12). The level control system comprises a valve (29), a spring (30) and a packer (26). It is based on the combined effects of the abovementioned components (26, 29, 30), the gas pressure on the region of perforated casing (10) and the thrust exerted on a settling vessel (3) by the liquid on which it floats. The separator according to the invention has a control system for the level of the liquid stored in settling vessel (3) mounted within its separator (8), ensuring flow of the mixture which is ideal for the occurrence of gas separation.

Abstract: This is a high-efficiency item of equipment, for example for a well bottom for separating out gas from a liquid/gas mixture, based on the effects of flows of the cascade and segregated types. It consists basically of a sedimentation vessel whose lateral surface has holes in the upper portion, enclosing (i) a discharge pump, (ii) a suction pipe and (iii) the lower end of a production tubing. The vessel contains helicoidal surfaces for achieving segregated-type flow. A significant part of separation takes place above the level of the separator, in a medium in which there is a predominance of gas and the flow is in the form of a cascade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment to assist the flow of offshore production of hydrocarbon mixtures containing a high concentration of gas. A primary separating vessel is used and production is diverted to it. This vessel is designed to allow primary separate of the gas, which flows to the gathering center via a special line. Within the primary separating vessel there is a U-shaped length of pipe whose arms are connected to two flow lines which extend to the gathering center. A mechanical interface driven by high pressure gas periodically travels along these lines, carrying with it to the gathering center the volume of liquid phase which has accumulated in the lines. If liquid phase passes into the gas flow line, a mechanical interface can be passed along this line to remove the volume of liquid which has accumulated within it.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and equipment to assist the flow of offshore oil production. At least three production flow lines are used, which are interconnected close to offshore well-heads or manifolds forming two U-shaped lengths of pipe acting as circuits for passage of the hydrocarbon mixture produced. A mechanical interface is periodically inserted into one flow line of the U-shaped branches of pipe and, driven by a volume of pressurized gas, travels along the one from among the two U-shaped pipe length to return to a gathering center. In its passage it pushes along the volume of hydrocarbon mixture which has accumulated in the flow lines.

Abstract: A liquid/gas helical separator operates on a combination of centrifugal and gravitational forces. The separator includes a primary separator formed basically by an expansion chamber, a secondary separator formed basically by a helix for directing the flow, a tertiary separator which consists of a reservoir or gravitational-separation tank and of a transition region between the primary and secondary separators, which consists of at least two variable-pitch helixes whose inclination varies from an angle of 90.degree. to the angle of inclination of the constant-pitch helix of the secondary separator with the function of providing a gentler flow of the liquid phase at the transition between the first two separators.

Abstract: A multiple, self-adjusting downhole gas separator includes an external decanting pipe having perforations about the periphery thereof, and a concentric inner suction pipe equipped with inverted L-shaped suction pipe by-passes extending outwardly and downwardly from the periphery of the inner suction pipe. A plurality of respective retention cups are resiliently supported on the inner suction pipe by elastic elements. The retention cups are located in the space between the external decanting pipe and the inner suction pipe and are vertically spaced from each other with a respective L-shaped suction cup by-pass extending into each retention cup. The lower end of the external decanting pipe is closed to define a decanting chamber into which the lower end of the inner suction pipe extends.