Abstract: A well for producing oil from an underground formation, comprises a vertical section extending from the surface to a depth below the oil-producing formation; a sidetrack or perforated interval (production zone) extending from the vertical section into the oil-producing formation; and a valve, located in the well, and operable to prevent flow of fluid from the vertical section into the production zone and a valve to prevent flow of fluid from the portion below the production zone into the production zone or into the vertical section above the production zone.

Abstract: Three phase separator systems for separating mixtures downhole are provided that utilize fluid isolation devices or packers to allow sections of casing to separate water, oil, and gas through gravity separation. By utilizing two or more vertical sections of a downhole casing, gravity separation of multiple phases may be accomplished. For example, one vertical section of casing may be used to allow the gravity separation of a liquid mixture and a gas therein while a second vertical section of casing may be used to separate the liquid mixture into a water phase and an oil phase. Numerous other components such as pumps, piping, and valves may form part of the separation system depending on the particular embodiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for removing water from gas wells. The water is removed by positioning a pump in a liquid layer below the perforations through which gas enters a gas well and powering a water pump with electrical power generated by an energy recovery system which produces electricity from a gas flow through the energy recovery system to an earth surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing and regulating temperature, pressure and fluid viscosities of fluid streams found in oil and gas production. Applicant's apparatus regulates and increases fluid temperatures, by and through improved heating apparatus, which may be placed at one or more locations along a wellbore surface flow line, or subsea flow line. The apparatus preferably either heats fluids flowing from the reservoir to the surface, or alternatively, can heat fluids injected from the surface into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of treating a formation fluid includes providing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen or mixtures thereof. Molecular oxygen is separated from air to form a molecular oxygen stream comprising molecular oxygen. The first gas stream is combined with the molecular oxygen stream to form a combined stream comprising molecular oxygen and the first gas stream. The combined stream is provided to one or more downhole burners.

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: Production of liquids into a production string is regulated at inlets to the production string. An annular space is defined between a base pipe and a surrounding screen. The base pipe has inlets near one end of the screen and an overlaying shroud that spans over the screen and the inlet to the base pipe so as to define a restricted annular path to the base pipe opening and within the screen. A porous material is placed in the annular space and extends over the base pipe opening. If gas with liquid is produced, the gas having a lower density and viscosity preferentially gets through the porous media while the denser and more viscous water or other liquid is kept out due to greater resistance to flow offered by the porous media.

Abstract: A subsea rotary gas separator system has a separator located adjacent the discharge of the pump for separating gas from the high pressure liquid stream exiting the pump. Some of the high pressure liquid is recycled back to the inlet of the pump to maintain a liquid-rich inlet stream for the pump.

Abstract: A method of creating a zonal isolation above a target zone in an underground wellbore comprises: inserting a slurry injection tubing into the wellbore; arranging within an annular space surrounding said tubing an particle accumulation means, such as an expandable screen or an area where the slurry velocity is reduced; and pumping a slurry comprising a carrier fluid and granular material down via the slurry injection tubing and the target zone and then up into the annular space, such that at least some granular material accumulates and forms an elongate zonal isolation in the annular space between the target zone and the particle accumulation means, which zonal isolation is removable and exerts a limited radial force to the surrounding formation, thereby reducing the risk of formation damage.

Abstract: A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing and regulating temperature, pressure and fluid viscosities of fluid streams found in oil and gas production. Applicant's apparatus regulates and increases fluid temperatures, by and through improved heating apparatus, which may be placed at one or more locations along a wellbore surface flow line, or subsea flow line. The apparatus preferably either heats fluids flowing from the reservoir to the surface, or alternatively, can heat fluids injected from the surface into the reservoir. The apparatus includes an elongated, polygonal shaped tubular heating member with a plurality of fins radially extending from the flat surfaces of the polygonal shaped member, a tubular mixing member axially aligned with the polygonal shaped tubular member, said tubular mixing member having apertures therein and a shroud enclosing said polygonal shaped heating member and tubular mixing member, thereby forming a heating chamber and a mixing chamber, respectively.

Abstract: In oil or gas well drilling, saline water is collected and separated into first and second streams of solid or liquid products containing salts. The first products are used in formulating cements for fabricating drilled well casings.

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 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: Hydrocyclone (1) for separating an input stream (8) of two immiscible liquids having a stream inlet (18) an inner shell (3) and an outer shell (4) concentric with the longitudinal axis (5) of the hydrocyclone (1), a cyclone chamber is defined by the shells (3,4), encircles the axis (5) and has an entrance (7), an expansion chamber (9) which reduces the velocity of the input stream (8) by the time it reaches the entrance (7) is between the stream inlet (18) and the entrance (7). The dimensions of the hydrocyclone are selected so that the hydrocyclone (1) has a radius not more than 30% greater than the radius of the outer shell (4) and lies within a circle in a plane perpendicular to and centered on the axis (5), therefore the hydrocyclone (1) can be readily lowered into a well casing (2) in the ground.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for use in a gas separator includes a central hub and at least one blade affixed to the central hub. The blade includes a leading end, a trailing end, a first curved portion adjacent to the leading end and a second curved portion adjacent to the trailing end. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second curved portions are substantially parabolic and have foci on opposite sides of the blade.

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 system of obtaining hydrogen from a coal seam by providing a production well that extends into the coal seam; positioning a conduit in the production well leaving an annulus between the conduit and the coal gasification production well, the conduit having a wall; closing the annulus at the lower end to seal it from the coal gasification cavity and the syngas; providing at least a portion of the wall with a bifunctional membrane that serves the dual purpose of providing a catalyzing reaction and selectively allowing hydrogen to pass through the wall and into the annulus; and producing the hydrogen through the annulus.

Abstract: A method for operating a downhole oil water separator and electric submersible pump includes measuring fluid pressure proximate one of the pump intake, separator intake and a bottom of a wellbore. At least one of flow rate and pressure is measured at the separator water outlet. Pump and a water outlet restriction are controlled to maintain an optimum fluid pumping rate and an optimum injection rate of separated water. A flow control system includes a controllable valve disposed in a water outlet of the separator. At least one of a pressure sensor and a flowmeter is operatively coupled to the water outlet. A controller is in signal communication with the at least one of a pressure sensor and flowmeter and in operative communication with the valve. The controller operates the valve to maintain at a selected pressure and/or a selected flow rate through the water outlet.

Abstract: A method and device for displacement of a first fluid by means of a second fluid in a borehole (1) in the ground, where, during displacement, the second fluid is kept separate from the first fluid, and where the volume of an expandable space (22) in which the second fluid is to be located following the displacement, increases during inflow of the second fluid.

Abstract: Three Phase Downhole Separator Process (TPDSP) is a process which results in the separation of all three phases, (1) oil, (2) gas, and (3) water, at the downhole location in the well bore, water disposal injection downhole, and oil and gas production uphole.

Abstract: A modularly segmented apparatus for precise borehole pressure control, removing waste from borehole fluid, and recirculating the cleaned borehole fluid includes a pressure control section, a gas separator section, and a waste management section. In the pressure control section, a pressure manifold interconnects a plurality of chokes. A plurality of valves are used to direct the contaminated fluid through one of the chokes, which maintains a precise and predetermined pressure in the system. The manifold, chokes, and valves are mounted on a skid for easy transport. In the gas separator section, a gas separator is used to remove a majority of the gases present in the contaminated borehole fluid. In the waste management section, a vibratory separator removes large solid contaminants from the degassed fluid. The solids are directed to a solids collection container for further treatment or disposal. The fluid is directed to a first pit, which may be one partitioned are of a larger collection tank.

Abstract: A wellbore completion design is provided, which creates a convective flow action that separates water and sand from hydrocarbons during production of the hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. A deviated section of the wellbore creates the desired effect. The wellbore completion design may include a secondary bore, which intersects the deviated section of the wellbore at an acute angle, to accumulate the separated water and sand. An injection pump disposed in the toe section of the secondary bore can also be employed to pump the water back into the water containing portion of the subterranean formation. If solids are present in more than trace amounts, the toe section of the secondary bore may be formed at an acute angle to the remaining portion of the secondary bore to prevent blockage of the pump. Alternatively, a tertiary bore may be provided, so that the solids can accumulate in the secondary bore and the water can flow into the tertiary bore.

Abstract: A method to control drilling fluid properties, including: circulating a drilling fluid through a wellbore to form a suspension of drilled solids in the drilling fluid; and separating the suspension in a separator to form a particulate fraction and an effluent, wherein the particulate fraction includes at least a portion of the drilled solids and the effluent includes the drilling fluid. The particulate fraction may include particulates having a minimum particle size of 100 microns or greater, and the effluent may include a micronized weighting agent having a particle size d90 of 10 microns or less.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling a bore hole into an earth formation, the bore hole having an inside wall. A drill string reaches into the bore hole from a surface, leaving a drilling fluid return passage between the drill string and the bore hole inside wall. A bottom hole assembly is supported by the drill string, and a drilling fluid discharge conduit is provided in fluid communication with the drilling fluid return passage. A drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string into the bore hole and to the drilling fluid discharge conduit via the drilling fluid return passage. Means are provided for obtaining information on the existing down hole pressure of the drilling fluid in the vicinity of the bottom hole assembly and back pressure means for controlling the drilling fluid back pressure.

Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. An inflow control device for restricting flow into a passage of a tubular string in a wellbore includes at least two of a flow restrictor section, a fluid discriminator section and a reverse flow preventer section, and the inflow control device is configured so that fluid which flows between an exterior of the tubular string and the passage also flows through each of the at least two sections. A well screen or liner includes a filter or inlet portion and an inflow control device including a flow restrictor section, a fluid discriminator section, and a reverse flow preventer section, the inflow control device being configured so that fluid which flows through the filter portion also flows through the flow restrictor, fluid discriminator and reverse flow preventer sections.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes using heaters to form a heated portion of the subsurface formation. A production conduit is used to direct formation fluid in a vapor phase from the heated portion of the subsurface formation towards a surface of the subsurface formation. Condensate of the vapor phase formation fluid is formed in or near the production conduit. Condensate of the vapor phase formation fluid is diverted to a desired location.

Abstract: A method and system for recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A gaseous component of the produced hydrocarbon-containing fluid is separated from the fluid. The gaseous component is combusted with air in a power plant. Mixing and compressing of the gaseous component and air are realized to produce a flammable and pressurized gas-air mixture prior to combustion. An exhaust gas resulting from combustion is injected into the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the gaseous phase from a mixture of fluids used during the subsurface intervention in production or injection wells. The device includes a main pipe (T) provided externally with a helix (E) having a longitudinal opening (F) whose edge (B), which is downstream from the helical flow of liquid (1) and inert gas (2), has a spiral shape pointing towards the center of pipe (T).

Abstract: Three Phase Downhole Separator Process (TPDSP) is a process which results in the separation of all three phases, (1) oil, (2) gas, and (3) water, at the downhole location in the well bore, water disposal injection downhole, and oil and gas production uphole.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive device with no moving arts for removing from a well non-aqueous liquids, such as gasoline or crude oil, that accumulate on top of the water table in the well comprises a buoyant elongated member, such as a plastic tube sealed at both ends, and a hydrophobic sorbtive material preferably attached to the outside of the tube. The buoyant device is lowered into the well where it floats either in the non-aqueous liquids or in the water such that the sorbtive material is in contact with and absorbs the non-aqueous liquids from the surface of the water. The buoyant device is then removed from the well, the spent sorbtive material replaced with fresh sorbtive material and the device again lowered into the well for further removal of non-aqueous liquids.

Abstract: A modularly segmented apparatus for precise borehole pressure control, removing waste from borehole fluid, and recirculating the cleaned borehole fluid includes a pressure control section, a gas separator section, and a waste management section. In the pressure control section, a pressure manifold interconnects a plurality of chokes. A plurality of valves are used to direct the contaminated fluid through one of the chokes, which maintains a precise and predetermined pressure in the system. The manifold, chokes, and valves are mounted on a skid for easy transport. In the gas separator section, a gas separator is used to remove a majority of the gases present in the contaminated borehole fluid. In the waste management section, a vibratory separator removes large solid contaminants from the degassed fluid. The solids are directed to a solids collection container for further treatment or disposal. The fluid is directed to a first pit, which may be one partitioned are of a larger collection tank.

Abstract: A method for producing a gas and a liquid in a subterranean well includes the step directing a gas flow in a well annulus through one or more baffle plates to separate at least some of the liquid from the gas. The method can also include the steps of directing the separated liquid down the annulus towards a producing formation of the well, dehydrating the gas flow proximate to a surface of the well, and then directing the dehydrated gas flow to the surface. A system for performing the method includes a set of baffle plates located proximate to the producing formation configured to provide a tortuous path for the gas flow through the annulus, and a single baffle plate located proximate to the surface configured to dehydrate the gas flow. In addition to separating the liquid from the gas flow, the set of baffle plates maintains a single phase wet gas above the baffle plates, and a liquid phase below the baffle plates.

Abstract: An arrangement for restricting the inflow of formation water from an underground formation to a hydrocarbon producing well, where, between the underground formation and a production tubing (38) located in the well, there is disposed at least one flow chamber (3, 33) connected to the production tubing (38), the flow chamber (3, 33), preferably via a filter (2) in one portion, being open to inflow of formation fluid and in communication with the production tubing (38) via at least one opening (7, 32), and where the flow chamber (3, 33) is provided with at least one free-floating body (4, 34) with approximately the same density as the formation water, the at least one body (4, 34) being designed by means of the closing of at least one opening (32) or choking, to reduce the inflow of formation water to the production tubing (38).

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling a bore hole into a subterranean earth formation, wherein at least a portion of the mud flow from the primary mud pump is diverted to the mud discharge outlet, thereby creating a backpressure system to readily increase annular pressure.

Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful forming plugs and pigs for separating fluids in pipes.

Abstract: A method and plug for separating fluids in subterranean wells is provided. The plug enters a passage at an interface of successively introduced fluids. The plug comprises an outer body and a detachable inner mandrel attached to the outer body. An Assembly comprising a plurality of plugs may also be used, in which case the plurality of plugs releasably attach to each other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a downhole separation method includes forming a main wellbore extending from a surface to a subterranean zone, disposing a production liner into the main wellbore proximate the subterranean zone, coupling a first end of a first tube to the production liner, coupling an entrance portion of a second tube to an outside surface of and adjacent a second end of the first tube such that an entrance of the second tube is at a lower elevation than the second end of the first tube, and causing a flow of a mixture through the production liner and the first tube. The mixture includes a gas, a liquid, and a plurality of coal fines. The method further includes retrieving the gas via the main wellbore after the mixture exits the second end of the first tube and retrieving at least the liquid through the second tube.

Abstract: A system and method for removing floating product from an aquifer. The system includes a groundwater-depressing mechanism configured to create a depression in a groundwater surface that encourages migration of floating product to the depression. The system also includes a floating-product extraction mechanism configured to separate floating product from the groundwater at the depression.

Abstract: This invention is method of recovering gas from a gas-bearing subterranean formation in which gas is produced from an upper portion of the formation and a waste gas is injected into a lower portion of the formation to dispose of the waste gas. The waste gas is injected within a 3000 foot (914 m) radial distance from the production of the gas. The injection and production can be carried out using one well or a plurality of wells.

Abstract: A gas/liquid separator assembly for use in a tubing string located in a borehole of a well is provided. The separator assembly includes a tubular outer conduit having a lower inlet for introducing gas and liquids within the interior of the outer conduit. The outer conduit has an upper outlet to allow fluids to pass to the exterior of the outer conduit. A tubular inner conduit is disposed within the interior of the outer conduit. The inner conduit has a flow passage and an inlet for introducing liquids discharged from the outer conduit into the flow passage. The inner and outer conduits are rigidly joined together at a first end. An adaptor engages the inner and outer conduits at a second end to prevent lateral movement of the second end of the inner conduit within the outer conduit, while allowing relative longitudinal movement of the outer and inner conduits from longitudinal compression or tension forces applied to the outer conduit.

Abstract: System for producing de-watered oil from an underground formation to the surface, which system comprises a reception well having a substantially horizontal or inclined section for primary oil/water separation of the well fluid; a water discharge system having an upstream end that is capable of receiving during normal operation liquid from the lower region of the downstream part of the reception well; and a secondary underground oil/water separator having an upstream end that is capable of receiving during normal operation liquid from the upper region of the downstream part of the reception well, the secondary separator having an outlet for de-watered oil that is in fluid communication with the inlet of a production well and an outlet for a water-enriched component that is in fluid communication with the water discharge system.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods used in the production of petroleum. The apparatus and methods maintain an amount of oil on oil well casing perforations for improved petroleum production. The apparatus for the production of petroleum includes: a pump intake tube having an opening, an oil anchor generally encircling the pump intake tube, the oil anchor having an open base and vent holes in the oil anchor above the opening of the pump intake tube, a casing generally encircling the oil anchor, and perforations in the casing that are below the opening of the pump intake tube and are above the open base of the oil anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream, at a wellhead, downstream of the wellhead choke thereof. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream at a wellhead, the method comprising the steps of: (A) inducing the natural gas stream to flow at supersonic velocity through a conduit of a supersonic inertia separator and thereby causing the fluid to cool to a temperature that is below a temperature/pressure at which the condensables will begin to condense, forming separate droplets and/or particles; (B) separating the droplets and/or particles from the gas; and (C) collecting the gas from which the condensables have been removed, wherein the supersonic inertia separator is part of the wellhead assembly downstream of the wellhead choke.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the flow of methane gas from a coal bed methane well. The apparatus may include a well casing extending into the earth to a cool seam aquifer. A conduit may be placed within the well and extend from the coal seam aquifer to the earth's surface. A pump may be connected to pump water from the coal seam aquifer through the conduit to the surface. A baffle may be placed in the gap formed between the interior surface of the well casing and the exterior surface of the conduit to the preferentially permit the flow of gas over the flow of water therethrough. The baffle may mitigate well bore pressure fluctuations, thus reducing the occurrence of pump gas lock and reducing well bore damage.

Abstract: A well pump has a riser gas separator for removing large slugs of gas prior to reentry into the pump. The riser extends upward from a barrier that is located in the well. The riser has an inlet that is located above an effective intake of the pump. Well fluid must turn to flow down to the pump, with gas separating by gravity flowing upward while the liquid flows downward. The downhole assembly has various configurations to assure that fluid flows past the motor for cooling.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean production interval while reducing the percentage of water produced. A lateral well is drilled from an existing primary well. A submersible pump is deployed to a position in the primary well below the intersection with the lateral well. The pump injects the separated water into the production interval through the primary well, at a rate sufficient to allow the gravity separation of the hydrocarbons and water in the area above the submersible pump. Suitable submersible pumps include an electric submersible pump, a cavity pump and a rod pump. One or more lateral wells may be used. The lateral wells can intersect the same production interval as the primary well or can intersect an unconnected production interval.

Abstract: A groundwater treatment system, which includes subterranean inlet, treatment, and outlet portions. The inlet portion is configured to collect groundwater from an aquifer. The treatment portion includes a replaceable treatment media and is configured to receive the groundwater from the inlet portion and expose the groundwater to the treatment media. The outlet portion is configured to receive groundwater from the treatment portion and expel the groundwater to the aquifer.

Abstract: A sub-sea submersible compressing apparatus having at least one compressor tank. A compressor tank is configured to receive gas from a gas/liquid separator and has an inlet for water. The compressor further comprises a pump to pump water from the compressor tank thereby drawing gas into the compressor tank from the gas/liquid separator. Valves are provided to shut off gas flow from the liquid/gas separator and to permit gas flow from the compressor tank to a predetermined location such as a recovery line for transferring the gas to the surface or other location. The gas contained within the compressor tank is compressed by allowing water to flow back into the compressor tank, thereby compressing the gas and forcing it from the compressor vessel. Two or more compressor tanks can be provided to facilitate a continuous operation by timing of the water flow to and from each of the compressor tanks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating fluids flowing through a downhole well passageway including separating fluids pumped downhole, centrifugal separation, gradually increasing centrifugal acceleration, the establishment of annular flow, gradually establishing annular flow, a receiving chamber of increasing cross-sectional area of flow and method and apparatus for use of a fluid separator tool with tubing for downhole well operations, in particular with coiled tubing.