Having Liquid-gas Separator Patents (Class 166/105.5)
  • Patent number: 10280728
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas-liquid separator/connector having three concentric tube device made such that flow of fluids from a ESP enters the bottom and are diverted into the largest of the three concentric tubes located as the outside tube. The relatively large space between the inside tube and the outside tube allows for the gas to separate from the liquid. The gas continues to rise to the surface in the tubing-casing annulus. The liquid now can enter by gravity the third tube that is placed outside the inner tube (the tubing) and the large external tube. This third concentric tube is not as long as the large outer tube and is connected at the bottom to become the entrance to the pump intake for the beam pump or PCP. The pump intake for the beam pump or PCP is a part of the smallest inner tube of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas Systems
    Inventor: Paul M. Bommer
  • Patent number: 10260324
    Abstract: Systems and method for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well include a combined product tubular extending into the well, a gas production tubular in fluid communication with the combined product tubular and a fluid production tubular in fluid communication with the combined product tubular. A jet pump is located a junction of the tubulars. An electrical submersible pump is in fluid communication with the fluid production tubular. A cyclone separator is located within the well and has a rotating screw with thread surfaces open to an inner diameter surface of the well. The thread surfaces are angled to direct a liquid stream axially downward and radially outward towards the inner diameter surface of the well, and to direct a gas stream to a lower end of the gas production tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmad J. Muraikhi, Ivan T. Cetkovic
  • Patent number: 10253606
    Abstract: A system for use in a completion string of a well is described. The system includes a coupling part configured to detachably couple a retrievable string to the system. The system includes a stator configured to attach to a tubing of the completion string. While the retrievable string is coupled to the system, the stator is configured to drive a rotor of the retrievable string in response to receiving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Upwing Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Herman Artinian, Kuo-Chiang Chen, Patrick McMullen, David Biddick
  • Patent number: 10233919
    Abstract: A dual completion linear rod pumping apparatus for imparting reciprocating vertical motion to a pair of rods for respective sucker-rod pumps. The dual completion linear rod pumping apparatus includes first and second linear mechanical actuator systems disposed in a single housing. These linear mechanical actuator systems impart and control vertical motion of the pair of rods. Each linear mechanical actuator system includes a rack and pinion gearing arrangement. The rack is operatively connected in a gear-mesh relationship with the pinion. The pinion is operatively connected to a rotating output of a motor. Rotation of the motor in a first direction results in an upward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. Rotation of the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction results in a downward motion of the rack and connected sucker rod pump. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Unico, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Gregory
  • Patent number: 10161238
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system that is operable under hydrostatic pressure. The system suitably comprises a prime mover submersible within a first fluid; a pump means submersible within the first fluid and sealably coupled to the prime mover; and a fluid source in fluid communication with the prime mover, the fluid source providing a second fluid effective to act on the prime mover to power the pump means; wherein the second fluid is discharged in the first fluid after acting on the prime mover; and wherein the second fluid has a chemical composition substantially similar to the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Wright's Well Control Services, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Wright, Jeffery Wilbert Dufrene
  • Patent number: 10119383
    Abstract: A gas and solids separation system is disclosed to separate gas and solids in a subterranean wellbore thereby preventing the gas and solids from interfering with down-hole equipment. The system includes shrouds and diverters that directs the gas away from the intake of the down-hole artificial lift equipment and also utilizes solids collection chambers and shields which separate and trap solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: NGSIP, LLC
    Inventor: Daryl V. Mazzanti
  • Patent number: 10053970
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Michael C. Ramsey, Michael L. Finley
  • Patent number: 10030672
    Abstract: A fluid compression system is disclosed having a hermetically-sealed housing with at least a motor and a compressor arranged therein. The motor may drive both the compressor and a blower device coupled to the housing or otherwise arranged within the housing and configured to circulate a cooling gas throughout the housing and thereby cool the motor and accompanying radial bearings. The blower device circulates the cooling gas through a closed-loop circuit which may include a heat exchanger and gas conditioning skid. Buffer seals may be used to seal the shaft on both sides of the compressor so as to prevent the migration of liquid and solid contaminants into the closed-loop cooling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Jose L. Gilarranz, David J. Peer, Louis Lombardi, Steven Rockwood, William C. Maier
  • Patent number: 9932806
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing gas to liquid ratios in submersible pump applications are described. A method for reducing a gas to liquid ratio (GLR) in a pumped fluid includes pumping a gas laden fluid to a surface of a subsurface formation using a downhole electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly including an ESP pump and an ESP motor, monitoring one of a load of the ESP motor, intake pressure of the ESP pump, temperature of the gas laden fluid, or a combination thereof to obtain ESP assembly condition data, determining whether a GLR of the gas laden fluid exceeds a predetermined allowable maximum based on the ESP assembly condition data, injecting liquid from an external source into the gas laden fluid, and varying a rate that the external liquid is injected based on the GLR so determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Stewart, Wesley John Nowitzki, John Vanderstaay Kenner
  • Patent number: 9932807
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlled geyser well with sustained periodical production includes a cap (16) which prevents gas from entering a well tubing (14) while allowing liquid to enter and accumulate in the tubing, means for compressing the gas, and means for injecting the gas in the annulus so that the gas enters the bottom end of the well tubing (14), thereby creating a controlled geyser effect which blows out most of the liquid residing in the well tubing (14). The gas being compressed can be a produced gas or a supplied gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventor: Hong-quan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9915134
    Abstract: An integrated system is disclosed to handle production of multiphase fluid consisting of oil, gas and water. The production stream is first separated into two streams: a liquid dominated stream (GVF<5% for example) and a gas dominated stream (GVF>95% for example). The separation can be done through shrouds, cylindrical cyclonic, gravity, in-line or the like separation techniques. The two streams are then routed separately to pumps which pump dissimilar fluids, such as a liquid pump and a gas compressor, and subsequently recombined. Both pumps are driven by a single motor shaft which includes an internal passageway associated with one of the pumps for reception of the fluid from the other pump, thereby providing better cooling and greater overall efficiency of all systems associated therewith. A method for providing artificial lift or pressure boosting of multiphase fluid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Randall Alan Shepler
  • Patent number: 9841026
    Abstract: Subsea turbomachine for boosting the pressure of petroleum fluid flow from subsea petroleum productions wells or systems, comprising an electric motor and a compressor or pump driven by the electric motor, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, distinctive that the turbomachine comprises a pressure housing common for the electric motor or stator, and compressor, pump or rotor; a magnetic gear inside the common pressure housing for operative connection between the motor or stator and compressor, pump or rotor; and a partition inside the common pressure housing, arranged so as to separate a motor or stator compartment from a compressor, pump or rotor compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Aker Solutions AS
    Inventors: Kjell Olav Stinessen, Asbjørn Eriksen
  • Patent number: 9790779
    Abstract: An oil and gas well gas separator that operates in conjunction with an isolation means and a tail pipe to reduce the pressure gradient of the well fluids flowing up the tailpipe, to thereby reduce the well's producing bottom hole pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 9784087
    Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SPIRIT GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 9759051
    Abstract: A progressing cavity pump operated by a motor is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a motor, a progressing cavity pump having a rotor and a stator, and a fluid coupling that connects the motor to the progressing cavity pump. The fluid coupling includes an input turbine and an output turbine disposed within a housing. The motor is connected to the input turbine of the fluid coupling and the rotor of the progressing cavity pump is connected to the output turbine of the fluid coupling to enable the progressing cavity pump to be operated by the motor via the fluid coupling to pump fluid through the progressing cavity pump. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Derek L. Twidale
  • Patent number: 9714592
    Abstract: A handheld four-stroke engine lubricating system comprises: an oil storage chamber formed by a bottom casing and a lower tank body, a crankshaft chamber formed by the lower tank body and an upper tank body, an air valve chamber formed by the upper tank body and a cylinder head cover, a cam chamber formed by the upper tank body and a cam chamber cover, and a tappet chamber connected between the air valve chamber and the cam chamber. The two sides of the upper and lower tank bodies are correspondingly provided with a first and a second oil inlet passages communicated with the oil storage chamber and the crankshaft chamber. The first and the second oil inlet passages are correspondingly provided with first and second check valves thereon. The first oil inlet passage is connected to a hose pressed against the bottom casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: XINGYUE GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jirong Hu
  • Patent number: 9687759
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cyclone separation of a fluid flow into essentially a gas phase fraction and a liquid phase fraction, by bringing the fluid flow into rotation so that said fluid flow is separated into a central zone essentially containing the gas phase fraction, and an outer annular zone essentially containing the liquid phase fraction, comprising: a housing (2); a swirl element (6) for rotation of the fluid; a gas phase outlet (5); and a liquid phase outlet (4); whereby the gas phase outlet and the liquid phase outlet both connect to a common collecting chamber outside the housing. The invention also relates to a vessel provided with at least one such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Rombout Adriaan Swanborn
  • Patent number: 9670758
    Abstract: A centrifugal well fluid pump has a pump intake and a pump discharge conduit extending upward from the pump. A barrier between the motor and the pump intake seals to casing in a well. A bypass tube extends from below the barrier, alongside the pump and has an outlet at an upper end of the pump. A riser surrounds the pump discharge conduit, the riser having a riser inlet in fluid communication with the bypass tube outlet. Liquid portions of the well fluid flow upward through the riser to discharge from the riser outlet and flow down to the pump intake. Gaseous portions of the well fluid flow upward through the riser and continue flowing upward into the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Donn J. Brown
  • Patent number: 9638014
    Abstract: A well pump assembly includes rotary pump and a submersible motor. A shroud surrounds the pump intake and the motor. The shroud has an open upper end in fluid communication with the pump intake for drawing well fluid along an upper flow path down the shroud into the pump intake. A dip tube is secured to and extends downward from a junction with a lower end of the shroud. The dip tube is in fluid communication with the pump intake and has an open lower end for drawing well fluid along a lower flow path up the dip tube to the pump intake. The upper flow path has a minimum flow area that is smaller than a minimum flow area of the lower flow path. The dip tube has a smaller outer diameter than an outer diameter of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Leslie C. Reid
  • Patent number: 9617822
    Abstract: A setting assembly for a packer seal features peripherally mounted rod pistons that abut the seal to be set by advancing the seal relative to a tapered surface. When parts of the seal engage an inner tubular wall before other parts of the seal the continuation of application of hydraulic pressure to the pistons moves parts of the seal that have yet to make contact with the tubular wall further relative to the ramp so that plastic deformation of the seal assembly can occur to allow portions thereof to move radially further outwardly to seal in the region where the radius of the tubular is enlarged. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the pistons in an opposite direction a lock mechanism is defeated and the c-ring or scroll reverts to a smaller shape optionally aided by a garter spring so that the packer can be selectively retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keven O'Connor, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9556705
    Abstract: A casing joint assembly and methods for producing an annulus gas cap using the casing joint assembly. The casing joint assembly comprises a first valve and a second valve to control fluid pressure in the sealed annulus between the casing string and a wall of the well bore or another casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert F Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9545598
    Abstract: An absorber is provided which uses a liquid solvent formed into a myriad of bubbles and micro-droplets. The solvent froth is a solvent for a selected component in an incoming gas stream. A plurality of spaced apart mesh assemblies is placed in one or more absorber tubes or in a reaction vessel. Using screens having cross-sections that are substantially rectangular wave in design together with proper operating parameters, the phenomenon of solvent pulsing is induced and maintained, maximizing efficiency of the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Westec Environmental Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Roy J Pellegrin, Craig Dugan, William Hargrove, Bobby Liu Zhenshuo
  • Patent number: 9534603
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for a thrust-absorbing horizontal surface pump assembly is described. A thrust-absorbing horizontal surface pump system includes an intake chamber including a stationary thrust bearing paired with a rotatable thrust runner to form a thrust bearing set, wherein a first face of the stationary thrust bearing positioned towards the rotatable thrust runner is at least partially diamond-coated, and wherein a second face of the rotatable thrust runner positioned towards the stationary thrust bearing is at least partially diamond-coated, a fluid entrance that receives a fluid into the intake chamber, and a pump inlet that receives the fluid into the multi-stage centrifugal pump, wherein the thrust bearing set is arranged around the intake shaft such that during operation of the electric motor the thrust bearing is in a pathway of the fluid as the fluid flows between the fluid entrance and the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Brent David St. John, Ryan Michael Nicholson, David Lunk, Larry James Parmeter, Brett Leamy, Keith Leon Johnson, John Vanderstaay Kenner, Thomas John Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 9518458
    Abstract: A gas separator assembly generates an artificial sump in a production casing receiving a production tubing string with a downhole pump at the bottom end thereof. The assembly includes an inner casing in series with the production casing of the well and an outer casing supported externally of the inner casing. First and second ports at opposing top and bottom ends of the outer casing communicate from a primary passage in the inner casing to a secondary passage between the inner and outer casings. A barrier supported in the primary passage between the first and second ports diverts flow through the secondary passage and effectively defines the sump area in the primary passage between an inlet of the downhole pump adjacent the barrier and the first port thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Blackjack Production Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Verley Gene Ellithorp, Brian Ellithorp
  • Patent number: 9482078
    Abstract: A pump includes one or more stages, each stage including a tubular housing and a mandrel disposed in the housing. The mandrel includes a rotor rotatable relative to the housing and having: an impeller, a shaft, and one or more helicoidal blades on an outer surface of the impeller. The mandrel further includes a diffuser: connected to the housing, having the rotor shaft extending therethrough and having a plurality of vanes on an outer surface thereof. Each vane has an arcuate portion and a longitudinal portion. The diffuser further has a channel formed between an adjacent pair of vanes. The pump further includes a fluid passage formed between the housing and the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ZEITECS B.V.
    Inventors: Christian Carstensen, Rik De Doncker, Helge Brauer, Holger Franz, Johannes Schmidt, Benjamin Eduard Wilkosz
  • Patent number: 9388812
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump system can include a shaft; a power cable connector; an electric motor configured to receive power via the power cable connector for rotatably driving the shaft; a pump operatively coupled to the shaft; a power unit for generating power via rotation of the shaft; a remote unit that includes at least one sensor for sensing information, wireless transmission circuitry for wireless transmission of sensed information and a power interface to receive power generated by the power unit; and a base unit that includes wireless reception circuitry for receipt of wireless transmission of sensed information from the remote unit and wired transmission circuitry operatively coupled to the power cable connector. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrey Fastovets, William John Jack Abbott, Jostein Engeseth Fonneland, Albert G. Ollre, Alejandro Camacho Cardenas
  • Patent number: 9388679
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Legacy Separators, LLC
    Inventor: Guy Morrison
  • Patent number: 9388675
    Abstract: An injection mandrel may include a valve controlling the flow of the injection fluid. A valve actuator operatively connected to the valve sequentially generates a first predetermined pressure and a larger second predetermined pressure in the valve. The valve actuator generates the second predetermined pressure in the valve in response to a predetermined change in a pressure at an annulus surrounding the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Zhe Y. He
  • Patent number: 9045979
    Abstract: A downhole separator (10) separates gas from well fluids which are pumped intermittently to the surface. The separator includes an outer tubular housing (12) and an inner flow tube (22) for passing well fluids to the surface after separation of the gas from the well fluids. A vortex flow generator or spiral gas separator (20) imparts a helical flow to effect separation of the gas from the well fluids. Gas from the gas chamber flows upward past the vortex flow generator when the pump is not pumping well fluids to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Delwin E. Cobb, Roy Arterbury
  • Patent number: 9022106
    Abstract: An oil and gas well downhole gas separator defines an outer annulus between the well casing and a separator tube having a lower end fluid inlet, and an inner annulus with a fluid conduit disposed inside. An inlet fitting and an outlet manifold route the fluids, liquids, and gases through a gravity separation sequence. A liquid outlet at the upper end is coupled to a downhole pump. A draw tube is coupled to the inlet fitting at the lower end. The draw tube also supports a casing flow diverter that slideably engages the well-bore casing so as to resist the movement of well fluids thereby while allowing the separator to move along a longitudinal axis of the well-bore casing, facilitating insertion into and removal from the well casing, and allowing for well tubing stretch during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 9004166
    Abstract: A gas separator for separating gas from a fluid in a production stream in a producing hydrocarbon well is described. The gas separator includes a central tube sized to fit into a well casing of the producing hydrocarbon well and having an input at its lower end for receiving the production stream and perforations at its upper end to allow the production stream to flow into the space between the central tube and the well casing. A suction tube is located inside the central tube, the suction tube is operable to draw fluid from the space between the central tube and the well casing and to deliver the fluid to an artificial lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Spirit Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 8978753
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Patent number: 8978785
    Abstract: A downhole tool to separate liquid from a drilling fluid includes a multi-vein cyclonic separator disposed within a housing, the cyclonic separator including at least two veins extending in a spiral along the length of the cyclonic separator, holes in the housing positioned adjacent to edges of veins of the cyclonic separator to allow liquid accelerated from the drilling fluid to exit the housing, and wherein the cyclonic separator is configured to provide high centrifugal forces to the drilling fluid downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction
    Inventor: Vincent Wayne Shotton
  • Publication number: 20150068741
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward a downhole tool for separating fluids into a liquid and a gas component. The downhole tool includes an inlet for receiving a multiphase fluid, the multiphase fluid comprising a gas component and a liquid component. The tool also includes a hydrocyclone portion where the flow of the multiphase fluid is vortical and the liquid component migrates to an inner surface of the hydrocyclone portion and the gas component is forced to a central area of the hydrocyclone portion and exits the downhole tool via a gas outlet. The tool further includes a liquid outlet permitting the liquid component to exit the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Roger Schultz
  • Patent number: 8955598
    Abstract: A downhole well pumping assembly has a shroud with an upper section and a lower section sealed from one another. A submersible pump and a gas separator are housed within the upper section of the shroud. The gas separator has a liquid outlet in fluid communication with an intake of the pump, and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas outlet in the shroud. A motor is housed within the lower section of the shroud, the motor being coupled to the gas separator for rotating the gas separator and the pump. A well fluid lower inlet is in the shroud below the motor and a well fluid lower outlet is in the shroud above the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown L. Wilson, Michael J. Fox
  • Patent number: 8919432
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing gas intake in horizontal submersible pump assemblies are described. A horizontal electric submersible pump (ESP) system for pumping gaseous fluid comprises a multi-stage centrifugal pump, an electric motor operatively coupled to the centrifugal pump, and an intake section upstream of the pump comprising a tapered core further comprising a sloped outer surface extending between a downstream side and an upstream side, a first intake port for the intake of well fluid in an ESP assembly, the first intake port located on a top portion of the tapered core and proximate to the downstream side, a gravity-actuated closing member moveably attached on the sloped outer surface, wherein the gravity-actuated closing member closes the first intake port, and a second intake port located on a bottom portion of the tapered core, the second intake port open to the well fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Keith Tetzlaff, Lance Travis Robinson, Wesley John Nowitzki
  • Patent number: 8881810
    Abstract: A surface well testing facility for dispersing separated hydrocarbon gas into separated oil from a multiphase well fluid for improved oil mobility and combustion efficiency. A multiphase fluid is produced from a well. The gas constituent and the oil constituent are separated from the multiphase fluid, the oil constituent having an undesirable viscosity. Both the gas constituent and the oil constituent are measured. Thereafter, at least a first portion of the gas constituent is injected into the oil constituent. The first portion of the gas constituent is mixed with the oil constituent such that the first portion of the gas constituent is dispersed into the oil constituent to form an oil/gas mixture having a viscosity that is lower than the undesirable viscosity of the oil constituent and a BTU content higher than the oil constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Steven D. Woolsey
  • Publication number: 20140318763
    Abstract: Removing water from a subterranean formation entails pumping hydraulic oil from a surface-located hydraulic oil pump through a hydraulic oil line to a downhole downhole pump piston to drive it in a first direction to pump water through a downhole water line to a water chamber of a transfer chamber at the surface. A piston separates the water chamber and an oil chamber and moves to compress the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber of the transfer chamber. The hydraulic oil pump may then pump hydraulic oil into the oil chamber causing the piston to move toward the water chamber, thereby moving water in the downhole water line and resetting the piston in the downhole water pump. A water valve in the downhole water line at the surface may open and release water when the piston in the downhole water pump reaches a predetermined or reset position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPLS COMPANY
    Inventor: David Dewitt HEARN
  • Patent number: 8869890
    Abstract: A method and system for processing produced fluids from a subterranean reservoir is disclosed. The system comprises: (a) a separator for separating produced fluids from a subterranean reservoir into associated gases, water and crude oil, (b) a membrane which receives at least a portion of the associated gases containing the hydrogen sulfide and separates the gas into a permeate stream enriched in hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide and a retentate stream depleted in hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide; (c) an amine unit for removing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from the retentate stream; and (d) a sour gas injection unit for injecting at the permeate stream in an underground formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Chinn, Jen Kai Chen, James Ong, Minquan Cheng, Oluwasijibomi O. Okeowo
  • Patent number: 8833467
    Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for operating a gas well. Some embodiments include a plunger apparatus configured to fall through a continuous water phase (including water slugs) in a gas producing well by overcoming pressure and drag forces from the water by having a sufficient mass, hydrodynamic profile, and sufficiently large area for passage of the continuous water. In one embodiment, a plunger body and plug mechanism are provided, wherein the plug mechanism has open and closed positions, which may be automatically changed or controlled by a surface or other control system, and wherein the plunger body and plug may be a physically integrated one-piece system, or an interoperable two piece system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Ming Gong, Larry E. Harrison, Theodore W. Pirog, Robert D. Kaminsky, Pietro Valsecchi, Jeffrey R. Bailey, Swarupa S. Bangaru
  • Publication number: 20140216720
    Abstract: A gas separator is configured to separate gas from a two-phase fluid. The gas separator includes a rotatable shaft and one or more separation stages. At least one of the one or more separation stages includes a rotor connected to the rotatable shaft and a channeled compression tube, wherein the channeled compression tube includes a compression tube hub and a plurality of channels. The channels are configured to isolate abrasive solid particles from the rotary components within the gas separator. The gas separator may optionally include a streamer upstream from the separation stage that reduces rotational currents upstream from the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GE OIL & GAS ESP, INC.
    Inventors: Chengbao Wang, Kelly Pidsadowski
  • Patent number: 8757256
    Abstract: An orbital downhole separator for separating well fluids into constituents of different specific gravities. Specifically, it is designed to separate water from oil or gas. The apparatus comprises a housing with a rotating member therein driven by a motor in the housing. Well fluid flows through the rotating member and is subjected to centrifugal force to separate the components. A flow conditioner is used to facilitate separation. The invention includes several different versions of the flow conditioner including an impeller, a stator and controllers for controlling the speed of the motor in response to signals related to the amount of petroleum in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Liping Li, Syed Hamid, Harry D. Smith, Jr., Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Robert K. Michael
  • Patent number: 8757258
    Abstract: A cascading liquid air removal filter system is disclosed. Said system comprising a filter system having a bristles element. Said bristle element comprises a plurality of bristles each having a first end and a second end. Said bristles element comprises a plurality of fluid passages between said bristles. Said filter system is attached to a column of a well having one or more sections, between said column and a casing of said well. Said filter system comprises a filter outside diameter. Said casing comprises a casing internal diameter. Said filter outside diameter is equal to or larger than said casing internal diameter. Said fluid passages comprise a plurality of non-linear paths through said bristles element for a liquid passing through said filter system. Said filter system provides only said non-linear paths for said liquid to travel from a first end to a second end of said filter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Terry Hager, Pam Hager
  • Publication number: 20140158343
    Abstract: A downhole separator (10) separates gas from well fluids which are pumped intermittently to the surface. The separator includes an outer tubular housing (12) and an inner flow tube (22) for passing well fluids to the surface after separation of the gas from the well fluids. A vortex flow generator or spiral gas separator (20) imparts a helical flow to effect separation of the gas from the well fluids. Gas from the gas chamber flows upward past the vortex flow generator when the pump is not pumping well fluids to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Delwin E. Cobb, Roy Arterbury
  • Publication number: 20140110133
    Abstract: A gas separator assembly generates an artificial sump in a production casing receiving a production tubing string with a downhole pump at the bottom end thereof. The assembly includes an inner casing in series with the production casing of the well and an outer casing supported externally of the inner casing. First and second ports at opposing top and bottom ends of the outer casing communicate from a primary passage in the inner casing to a secondary passage between the inner and outer casings. A barrier supported in the primary passage between the first and second ports diverts flow through the secondary passage and effectively defines the sump area in the primary passage between an inlet of the downhole pump adjacent the barrier and the first port thereabove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Verley Gene Ellithorp
  • Patent number: 8665110
    Abstract: A system for transmitting electric power into a bore hole, the system having an electric transmission line extending through the bore hole between an electric power source and a receiving station, wherein the receiving station includes frequency increasing means for increasing the frequency of the electric current supplied through the electric transmission line, voltage converter means for changing the voltage of the electric current supplied to it via the frequency increasing means, connecting means for supplying the frequency-increased electric current to the voltage converter means, and means for connecting an electric load to the receiving station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zeitecs B.V.
    Inventors: Josef Guillaume Christoffel Coenen, Ivan Tan Boon Kiat
  • Patent number: 8656996
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced oil recovery from a subterranean formation are provided. An exemplary includes separating fluid produced from the subterranean formation into a first fluid stream that includes an aqueous stream containing multivalent ions. At least a portion of the multivalent ions in the first fluid are removed to form a second fluid stream and the second fluid stream is injected into the subterranean formation. The first fluid stream and the second fluid stream have substantially the same interfacial tension with a hydrocarbon and substantially the same kinematic viscosity, and the second fluid stream has a total concentration of ions greater than about 100,000 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Thomas W Willingham, Robin Gupta, Mauro Lo Cascio, Peter Griffin Smith, Jr., Jung-gi Jane Shyeh
  • Publication number: 20140048257
    Abstract: An oil and gas downhole device is disclosed wherein the device separates the oil and gas from undesired water, which returns to the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Clifford Wayne Hunter
  • Patent number: 8651184
    Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Spirit Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 8616272
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole water-oil separation arrangement which includes a body having one or more portions thereof configured to have an affinity to a selected fluid. The body further will include one or more portions thereof that are configured to have an affinity to another fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Michael H. Johnson