Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for separating gas from a composite fluid. The apparatus includes a main body defining a flow path formed from a separations chamber at an upstream end of the flow path and a head space chamber at the downstream end of the flow path. The main body includes a first set of apertures disposed about the separations chamber and a second set of apertures disposed about the head space chamber. An agitator is housed within the main body at an upstream end of the separations chamber and is configured to generate a vortex that conveys the composite fluid through the flow path. The vortex expels a liquid fraction and a solids fraction of the composite fluid from the first set of apertures, and the vortex conveys a gaseous fraction of the composite fluid into the head space chamber for extraction from the second set of apertures.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling production fluid flow between an annular chamber extending between a casing disposed in a downhole bore and production tubing disposed in the casing. An electrically down hole control valve which includes a motor, a position sensor, a gearbox and a linear actuator coupled to the gearbox to convert rotational movement to an axial movement. The control valve further includes a connecting rod coupled to the linear actuator and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a gate that can translate in an axial direction to a plurality of continuously variable positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A plurality of such control valves can be disposed in respective openings formed in the production tubing, and a passage is formed in each valve for connecting the annular chamber and the production tubing interior.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow between an annular chamber extending between a casing disposed in a downhole bore and production tubing disposed in the casing. A down hole control valve is disclosed which includes a motor, a position sensor, a gearbox and a linear actuator coupled to the gearbox to convert rotational movement to an axial movement. The control valve further includes a connecting rod coupled to the linear actuator and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a gate that can translate in an axial direction to a plurality of continuously variable positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position. A plurality of such control valves can be disposed along the production tubing and can be selectively closed and selectively opened to permit fluid flow to and from the chamber and to and from the interior of the production tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling production from a well by monitoring a parameter at a wellhead and adjusting a choke in an effort to maintain a desired parameter (e.g., a tubing head pressure (THP), bottom home pressure (BHP), a flow rate, or water cut (WC)). For some embodiments, a time window may be used for calculating a running average of parameter samples, and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop may be utilized to determine the difference between the running average and a parameter setpoint and to output a signal based on the difference to adjust the choke opening accordingly. In this manner, control of production from an individual well may be more accurate and reliable. Furthermore, for multiple wells coupled to a gathering center, maintaining a constant parameter for each of the multiple wells may enable stable operation of a gathering system and desired hydrocarbon production from each of the wells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.