Abstract: A gas separator connectable to a pump for flowing production fluid, the separator having a housing defining an internal cavity with an inlet end defining for the production fluid. A housing first pumping stage pressurizes the production fluid, and a first fluid flow restrictor downstream of the first pumping stage limits the production fluid to a selected first flow rate. A first separation chamber in the housing downstream of the first fluid flow restrictor separates some gas from the production fluid, and a housing second pumping stage further pressurizes the production. A second fluid flow restrictor downstream of the second pumping stage limits the production fluid flow to a selected second flow rate, and a second separation chamber downstream to the second fluid flow restrictor effects further gas separation from the production fluid.

Abstract: A gas separator connectable to a pump for flowing production fluid, the separator having a housing defining an internal cavity with an inlet end defining for the production fluid. A housing first pumping stage pressurizes the production fluid, and a first fluid flow restrictor downstream of the first pumping stage limits the production fluid to a selected first flow rate. A first separation chamber in the housing downstream of the first fluid flow restrictor separates some gas from the production fluid, and a housing second pumping stage further pressurizes the production. A second fluid flow restrictor downstream of the second pumping stage limits the production fluid flow to a selected second flow rate, and a second separation chamber downstream to the second fluid flow restrictor effects further gas separation from the production fluid.

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: 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 a housing defining an interior cavity divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flow restricting bearing housing. A shaft driven impeller pumps production fluid into the first chamber and to the bearing housing. The bearing housing 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. A downhole separation method includes pumping production fluid into a first chamber, and generating a pressure drop in the fluid as the fluid enters a second chamber to separate gas and liquid.