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: An apparatus for optimizing the rheological properties of a viscous fluid is particularly designed to reduce the viscosity of the fluid so that it may be more readily transported from a subsurface reservoir to the surface. The apparatus includes housing having a first through bore defining a cross-sectional flow area and longitudinal flow path for fluid through the bore. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end and is designed for connection in a flow path from a subsurface reservoir. A flow restriction device is adjustably mounted in the through bore to define a reduced area orifice of adjustable size for restricted flow, so as to accelerate the fluid and produce shear. A magnetic unit may also be selectively connected to the housing to produce a magnetic field across the fluid, further reducing viscosity.