Abstract: Systems and methods of treating a gas stream are described. A method of treating a gas stream includes cryogenically separating a first gas stream to form a second gas stream and a third stream. The third stream is cryogenically contacted with a carbon dioxide stream to form a fourth and fifth stream. A majority of the second gas stream includes methane and/or molecular hydrogen. A majority of the third stream includes one or more carbon oxides, hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 2, one or more sulfur compounds, or mixtures thereof. A majority of the fourth stream includes one or more of the carbon oxides and hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 2. A majority of the fifth stream includes hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3 and one or more of the sulfur compounds.

Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly in a wellbore; the pump assembly includes a liquid lift pump and a booster pump for pumping a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid. A shroud with an opening at its upper end partially encloses the pump assembly. An annulus is formed between the shroud and the wellbore inner circumference. Two phase fluid from the booster pump exits the shroud through a port and flows up the annulus to the shroud opening. Liquid in the two-phase flow separates from the gas and flows into the shroud opening and onto the liquid lift pump. The gas continues to flow up the wellbore, past the shroud opening, to the wellbore entrance.

Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas.

Abstract: A technique facilitates separating fluids and solids and handling the separated solids downhole. A separator system is provided with a separator having a well fluid inlet, an oil stream passage, a water stream passage, and a solids passage. The separator operates to separate well fluid into substantially oil, water, and solids components and those components are directed to the corresponding passages. A flow restrictor may be used in cooperation with the separator to facilitate separation of the well fluid components.

Abstract: A gravity water separation system that may be integrated within a well completion. A diverted flowpath is provided for produced hydrocarbons, external to the completion tubing. As produced hydrocarbons travel through the diverted flowpath, they pass through separation stages wherein gravity separation ensues by migration through predefined flow ports which extend from produced oil “separation chamber(s)” into separated “water chamber(s).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimal lift resource allocation, which includes optimally allocating lift resource under a total lift resource constraint or a total production constraint, the allocating step including distributing lift resource among all lifted wells in a network so as to maximize a liquid/oil rate at a sink.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (130); a piston (110) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator, operable by the piston, for launching a plug from the apparatus into the well; wherein the cylinder has a resiliently mounted latching member (132) positioned in the wall thereof and biased to project into the bore of the cylinder; and the piston has a profiled outer surface defining a recess (114) into which the latching member (132) can project to hold the piston in position in the cylinder.

Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the pressure of a liquid/gas multiphase fluid, and a method for compressing a gaseous fluid, comprising: (b1) entrainment of the gaseous fluid using a motive liquid, to obtain a pressurized mixture of gas and motive liquid; (b2) separation of the pressurized mixture obtained in the preceding step in order to obtain, on the one hand, a compressed gas, and on the other hand, an auxiliary liquid. The invention further relates to devices for this purpose. Application to the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: It is described a method for treating a flow of fluid hydrocarbons containing water wherein the flow of fluid hydrocarbons is introduced into a first separator separating at least free water from said flow of fluid hydrocarbons, wherein a remainder of said fluid hydrocarbon flow is introduced into a system converting free/condensed water in the fluid hydrocarbon flow in said system to gas hydrates, and providing at least a first fluid flow and a second fluid flow, wherein said first fluid flow is a liquid phase comprising gas hydrates, said first fluid flow is recycled into the first separator, and wherein the second fluid flow having a content of dry gas and/or condensate/oil.

Abstract: A technique is provided for processing well fluid downhole. The technique utilizes equipment for separating a well fluid downhole into a water component and an oil component. The separation of water and oil can be controlled by selecting an appropriately sized flow restrictor for use in limiting the flow of one or both of the water and the oil. Additionally, a sensor system is used to monitor a well characteristic that enables adjustment of the downhole fluid processing based on well characteristic data from the sensor system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing purified biogas are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes collecting biogas from a landfill, transporting the biogas to a first well, injecting the biogas into the first well, and pressurizing the first well to store the biogas.

Abstract: A hydrocyclone separator assembly includes a longitudinal housing configured for disposal in a wellbore, wherein the longitudinal housing comprises a discharge head disposed at one end of the longitudinal housing, wherein the discharge head includes at least one overflow port and at least one underflow port; a plurality of hydrocyclones disposed arranged in a same orientation in the longitudinal housing, wherein the plurality of hydrocyclone each comprise an overflow exit and an underflow exit, wherein at least two of the overflow exits of the plurality of hydrocyclones are connected to a common tubing that is connected to the at least one overflow port on the discharge head, wherein at least two of the underflow exits of the plurality of hydrocyclones are connected to separate tubings that are connected to the at least one underflow port on the discharge head.

Abstract: A method for downhole oil-water separation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises disposing a oil-water separation system in a wellbore, the system comprising a first separator connected in hydraulic series with a second separator; separating a well fluid in the first separator into a first injection stream and a first production stream; discharging the first injection stream to an inlet of the second separator; separating the first injection stream in the second separator into an output injection stream and a second production stream; and injecting the output injection stream from the wellbore into an injection formation.

Abstract: A process and system for release and recovery of methane from subterranean methane hydrate deposits in which heated CO2 is used to displace methane from the methane hydrate deposits and a portion of the displaced methane is routed to a combustion device proximate the deposit for combustion in-situ, generating heated CO2 which is introduced into the deposit, displacing additional methane, a portion of which is routed to the combustion device, thereby providing a substantially self-sustaining process. Portions of the displace methane not routed to the combustion device are captured for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable gas trap with a plurality of couplings, each coupling securing to a flow line of a drilling rig; a plurality of hammer unions each engaging a coupling; a plurality of base manifold pipes, each engaging a hammer union; a base manifold flow line engaging the base manifold pipes, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line with a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney opposite the base manifold flow line; an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer; a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component opposite the reducer, wherein the restrictor has a diameter no more than ?rd a diameter of the expansion chamber component; and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimal lift gas allocation, comprising: optimally allocating lift gas under a total lift gas constraint or a total produced gas constraint, the allocating step including distributing lift gas among all gas lifted wells in a network so as to maximize a liquid or oil rate at a sink.

Abstract: A cyclonic strainer for a well intake that provides for improved separation of gas and fluid in naturally flowing wells during mechanical pumping operations. The strainer includes an elongated member having a channel formed longitudinally therein. A plurality of apertures extend through the elongated member angled downwardly into the channel and away from a center of the channel allowing for a better shear between gas and fluids. The angle of the ports causes fluid to be forced in an opposite direction, resulting in gases and fluids shearing more quickly and cleanly, due to kinetic energy. The angle of the ports can be varied to accommodate different conditions in various well environments. In well environments in which gaseous conditions are extreme, it can be desired for the ports to be sloped southwardly or downwardly at a greater angle than for well environments in which gaseous conditions are not as extreme.

Abstract: A downhole separator has first and second separation sections each with a housing defining an interior cavity divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flow restricting bearing housing. Each separation section has an internal pump that pumps production fluid into the first chamber and to the bearing housing. The bearing housing limits flow into the second chamber and releases pressure on gas in the production fluid entering the second chamber, separating gas from liquid. A vortex generator in the second chamber segregates the liquid to the outside and the gas to the inside of the second chamber. The bearing housing of the upstream separation section has a greater capacity than the bearing housing of the downstream separation section.

Abstract: Separating gas from liquid down hole in a well by a downhole gas separator, gas is separated and passed to the well annulus and liquid is passed to a submersible pump at a calibrated flow rate at which liquid is vacated from a separation chamber, the length of the separation chamber providing sufficient space for gas separation as the liquid is pumped from the separator. The gas separator, limiting the amount of fluid passed to the separation chamber at less than the pumping rate of the submersible pump, creates a fluid vortex causing the separated liquid to move to the periphery and separated gas to pass near the axial center of the separation chamber. The separated gas passes to the well annulus and the liquid passes to the inlet of the submersible pump.

Abstract: A downhole separator has first and second separation sections each with a housing defining an interior cavity divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flow restricting bearing housing. Each separation section has at least two pumping stages that pump production fluid into the first chamber and to the bearing housing. The bearing housing limits flow into the second chamber and generates a pressure drop in production fluid entering the second chamber, separating gas from liquid. A vortex generator in the second chamber segregates the liquid to the outside and the gas to the inside of the second chamber. The upstream separation section has a greater capacity than the downstream separation section.

Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.

Abstract: Three-phase separation is achieved downhole in a production well by forming an oil/liquid separation zone in the well between two packers which are positioned between producing and disposal zones. Gas is permitted to separate above the top packer. A pump is used to pump an oil/water mixture from above the top packer into the separation zone. Adequate residence time is permitted in the separation zone to achieve the separation. A check valve in the bottom packer is used to provide pressure to raise the oil to the wellhead. A control valve at the wellhead is used to control pressure in the separation zone and the relative sizes of the streams issuing therefrom.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus includes a first expandable packer and a second expandable packer, where the first expandable packer longitudinally spaced from the second expandable packer. The apparatus further includes an optional expandable bladder disposed at a longitudinal location between the first expandable packer and the second expandable packer. The expandable bladder inflates to displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements. The down hole apparatus can optionally displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements with another fluid. Fluids and/or slurry can be selectively removed using ports between the first and second expandable packers, and optionally placed in sample chambers, or expelled to the bore hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of separating, in a production well, water from a water- and hydrocarbon-containing production flow emanating from at least one surrounding production formation; and also of injecting, in the production well, a resulting water-containing liquid into at least one surrounding disposal formation, whilst a resulting hydrocarbon-containing liquid is produced out of the production well. The water-containing liquid is separated from the production flow by using at least one water separation device being exposed to a pressure difference (P1-P2) that sucks water from the production flow and through the water separation device. Said water-containing liquid is thus provided. The water separation device may, for example, comprise at least one hydrophilic and water-permeable material. The pressure difference (P1-P2) may be provided through suitable adjustment of a gas pressure (P3) in a first gas column at a downstream side of the water separation device.

Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable system for sampling gas from a well using a gas analyzer; a conditioning and filtering device; a gas trap having a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.

Abstract: Heavy crude oils having high sulfur content and viscosities are upgraded by a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process that includes microwave irradiation of a mixture of the sour heavy crude oil with at least one catalyst and optionally, one or more sensitizers, and irradiation in the presence of hydrogen. The process is also adapted to microwave treatment of hard to break emulsions, either above ground or below ground where water-in-oil emulsions are initially formed, followed by the catalytic hydrodesulfurization promoted by application of further microwave energy to the demulsified crude oil stream.

Abstract: This invention includes methods of recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale, and sub-surface oil shale recovery arrangements for recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale. In one implementation, a sub-surface oil shale recovery arrangement for recovering hydrocarbons from oil shale includes a bore hole extending upwardly from a subterranean room into oil shale, with at least an upper part of the room being received within the oil shale and includes a wall through which the bore hole extends. The bore hole includes a lowest portion within the oil shale and an upper portion within the oil shale. A heating energy source extends from the subterranean room into the bore hole along the lowest portion and along the upper portion, insulation and/or cooling is received radially about the heating energy source extending along the lowest portion. Other aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: A downhole device having an oil/water separator having a well fluid inlet, an oil stream outlet conduit, and a water stream outlet conduit; a removable flow-restrictor located in at least one of the water stream outlet conduit or the oil stream outlet conduit.

Abstract: A technique enables independent lifting of fluids in a well. The technique utilizes an electric submersible pumping system which is disposed in a wellbore and encapsulated by an encapsulating structure. The encapsulating structure has an opening through which well fluid is drawn to an intake of the electric submersible pumping system. A dual path structure is positioned in cooperation with the electric submersible pumping system and the encapsulating structure to create independent flow paths for flow of a gas component and a remaining liquid component of the well fluid. The independent flow paths also are arranged to prevent contact between the well fluid components and a surrounding wellbore wall.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly having a progressing cavity pump, a pump motor, a flex shaft connecting the pump motor to the pump, and a gas/liquid separator on the inlet to the pump. An inner and outer housing circumscribe a portion of the flex shaft, each having fluid inlets. The fluid inlets on the outer housing are above the inner housing inlets and an annulus is formed between the inner and outer housing. Wellbore fluid enters the assembly through the outer housing inlets, flows downward through the annulus, and into the inner housing inlets. Gas separates from the liquid as the fluid flows downward from the outer housing inlets to the inner housing inlets.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of liquids of differing specific gravities in a wellbore is disclosed along with a method of installation and operation thereof. This device separates water from hydrocarbons prior to hydrocarbon extraction in order to decrease disposal costs of waste water. The device is designed to be compatible with existing oil wells that have been abandoned because of lack of profitability caused by a high water to oil ratio. The device may also be installed in new wells with a high water concentration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing purified biogas are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes collecting biogas from a landfill, transporting the biogas to a first well, injecting the biogas into the first well, and pressurizing the first well to store the biogas.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well to remove liquid from the well. A check valve is positioned in the well and includes an open position and a closed position. The check valve in the open position allows gas from a producing formation of the well to flow past the check valve, while the check valve in the closed position substantially reduces gas flow at the pump from the producing formation. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the well to provide compressed gas to move the check valve to the closed position.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for operating, monitoring and controlling downhole fluid control system at a below ground location in a wellhole. The system may include a downhole fluid control system comprising at least one pump, a spoolable composite pipe comprising a fluid channel and at least one energy conductor, and a distal connection device adapted to couple a distal end of the fluid channel to the at least one pump and couple a distal end of the at least one energy conductor to the downhole fluid control system.

Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly has a gas separator that separates gas prior to entering into the pump. A shroud encloses a portion of the pump assembly, including the gas separator. The gas separator has gas discharge tubes that extend from it out through the shroud. The gas discharge tubes are tangentially aligned to create a vortex on the exterior of the shroud.

Abstract: A gas separator is provided including a tapered portion, the “bell section” and a wide portion, the “shroud.” The bell section resides on the lower end of the gas separator where it attaches to the production pipe. The shroud is substantially larger in diameter than the production pipe and allows mixed fluid and gas to enter through an open top. The gas separator is attached at the string of production pipe, so that some of the production pipe extends below the gas separator. A section of production pipe that is covered by the gas separator is perforated. Gas bubbles are removed from the mixed fluid by gravity, abrupt changes in direction, and perforations that restrict the flow area of the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing purified biogas are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a method includes collecting biogas from a landfill, transporting the biogas to a first well, injecting the biogas into the first well, and pressurizing the first well to store the biogas.

Abstract: There is provided a gas anchor for use in admitting fluids into a downhole sucker rod oil pump. The gas anchor includes an outer shell positioned around a hollow core, which defines an interior region and an exterior region of the gas anchor. The gas anchor further includes an upper region and a lower region. The hollow core and outer shell have a plurality of holes passing through the hollow core and outer shell, and the holes provide fluid communication from the exterior region to the interior region of the anchor. The hollow core and outer shell further define at least one channel which is in fluid communication from the upper region to the lower region. Additionally, the plurality of holes are formed so as to induce a cyclonic rotation on fluids passing into the interior region of the gas anchor.

Abstract: A dual use fluid filtration tool to separate both solids and gas from a fluid. The fluid filtration tool is suspended from and connected to a downhole submersible pump having a motor which rotates a shaft. The tool includes a housing having a cylindrical wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough and an interior chamber therein. A removable cylindrical filter surrounds the interior chamber of the housing in order to filter solid particles. At least one centralizer bearing within the interior chamber of the housing centralizes the shaft which passes therethrough. The fluid in the interior chamber is radially induced in order to separate gas from fluid. The gas separated from the fluid is directed out of the chamber while the fluid remaining in the interior chamber is directed to the intake of the downhole pump.

Abstract: A dual use fluid filtration tool to separate both solids and gas from a fluid. The fluid filtration tool is suspended from and connected to downhole equipment, such as a downhole submersible pump having a motor, which rotates a shaft. The tool includes a housing having a cylindrical wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough and an interior chamber therein. A removable cylindrical filter surrounds the interior chamber of the housing in order to filter solid particles. At least one centralizer bearing within the interior chamber of the housing centralizes the shaft which passes therethrough. The fluid in the interior chamber is radially induced in order to separate gas from fluid. The gas separated from the fluid is directed out of the chamber while the fluid remaining in the interior chamber is directed to the intake of the downhole pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of liquids of differing specific gravities in a wellbore is disclosed along with a method of installation and operation thereof. This device separates water from hydrocarbons prior to hydrocarbon extraction in order to decrease disposal costs of waste water. The device is designed to be compatible with existing oil wells that have been abandoned because of lack of profitability caused by a high water to oil ratio. The device may also be installed in new wells with a high water concentration.

Abstract: A combination liquid and gas separator and jetting tool includes a housing containing a rotatable drum, a stator in the inlet end of the housing for swirling a liquid/gas mixture, a rotor attached to the drum for rotation by the mixture; whereby the gas and liquid are separated. The liquid and gas are discharged through separate restricted orifices downstream of the drum. Orifices can be located in a rotating head for cleaning, cutting or other downhole operations.

Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas.

Abstract: An ESP/separator assembly (10) is positioned downhole in a well on a tubular string (18) to pump downhole fluids to the surface. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (12) and an electrically powered motor (20) positioned below the pump. An electrical cable (22) extends downhole past the motor and to the pump. A generally cylindrical shroud (26) is positioned circumferentially about the pump, the motor, and a portion (24) of the cable extending past the pump and to the motor. A separator (60) is provided at the lower end of the shroud, such that the shroud supports substantially the weight of the separator.

Abstract: A cleanout system and method for removal of metal debris from a fluid flow, such a flow of re-circulated drilling mud employs one or more magnetic unit positioned in the path of the fluid for collecting metal particles from the flow. The magnetic unit has a removable magnet core positioned in a non-magnetic sleeve. When the core is removed from the sleeve the attracted metal particles are allowed to drop from the sleeve under gravity to facilitate their collection and disposal. A fluid deflector is positioned upstream from each magnetic unit, protecting the magnetic unit from direct impact by the strong flow. The magnetic units are allowed to pivot from side-to-side and adjust their position in the flow.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.

Abstract: The present invention removes contaminants from well water without creating the problem of large volumes of waste liquid disposal. It uses double-cone devices as pressure amplifiers which due to their lack of moving parts avoid the risk of additional contamination of the well and provide a prolonged lifetime. For toxic contaminants, a periodic purging of the concentrated contaminants is required. In the case of (sea) salt contamination, there is no waste brine to be continuously handled at all and the system may be run without interruption over an extended period. In this case, the brine is dumped into the well simply by periodically stopping the plant. The brine pours out of the double-cone unit(s) and due to its higher density, sinks down in the well without disturbing the operation of the purification plant.

Abstract: A Residential In-well Internal Water Aerator for reducing/eliminating iron, Hydrogen sulfide, and radon gas is a device that hangs within the well casing. Its support is achieved by the well cap. It is capable of degassing hydrogen sulfide and radon gas and precipitation of the iron to become a solid and attaching its self to the interior walls and drip screens of the Residential In-well Internal Water Aerator within the well, thus reducing/eliminating the stained fixtures, bad smell and the risk of radon gas from within the residence.

Abstract: A technique is provided for facilitating actuation of downhole components by filtering actuation fluid and by preventing inoperability due to plugging. A well component is deployed downhole into a wellbore and operated via an actuator moved by a flow of fluid. A filter system is mounted in the flow of fluid to remove debris before the flow of fluid reaches the actuator. The filter system further comprises a pressure release member that opens when sufficient pressure builds up due to plugging of the filter system.