Wells – Processes – Separating material entering well
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-23
2001-01-16
Dang, Hoang (Department: 3672)
Wells
Processes
Separating material entering well
C166S105000, C166S106000, C166S313000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173774
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a submersible pump assembly having a downhole hydrocyclone separator (DHS). In particular, the invention relates to a submersible pump apparatus for use in a well containing a mixture of hydrocarbons wherein the submersible pump assembly pumps lighter fluids or oils to the surface and injects heavier fluids or water into the well.
BACKGROUND ART
When receiving oil from oil wells containing a mixture of hydrocarbons and water, it is desirable to separate the hydrocarbons from the water and reinject the water either above or below the producing zone. Apparatus and methods have been proposed that make it possible to separate hydrocarbons from water and to reinject the water.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,837 to Peachey teaches a method of downhole cyclone oil/water separation that utilizes a cyclone separator. The cyclone separator includes a separation chamber, wherein liquids of differing densities are separated. The separator has at least one mixed liquids inlet through which liquids pass into the separation chamber, a first outlet for liquids of a first density range to pass out of the separation chamber and a second outlet for liquids of a second density range to pass out of the separation chamber. Although Peachey teaches the use of multiple separators inside of a separation chamber, Peachy does not teach a method wherein liquids are separated multiple times to facilitate more complete separation.
A difficulty with using a single separator is that some formations need disposal water to contain very low concentrations of oil. Otherwise, the ability of some injection formations to accept the disposal fluid is reduced.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
An assembly is provided for use in a well containing a mixture of hydrocarbons and water wherein the assembly utilizes multiple separators to separate hydrocarbons from the mixture. The assembly of the invention injects heavier fluids such as water into the well and pumps lighter fluids such as hydrocarbons to the surface. The assembly includes a first pump section having a production fluid intake for receiving a mixture of oil and water from a production zone and an outlet. The assembly also includes a second pump section having an outlet and an intake that is connected to the outlet of the first pump section. A first separator is provided having an inlet connected to the outlet of the second pump section for receiving and separating the oil and water. The first separator additionally has an oil outlet for discharging oil to flow to the surface. The first separator also includes a water outlet. A second separator is provided that has an inlet connected to the water outlet for further separating oil from the water and a purer water outlet for discharging water into an injection zone. The second separator also has a less pure water outlet connected to the intake of the second pump section for passing the less pure water back through the first and second separators.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 2194572A (1988-03-01), None
patent: 2333540A (1999-07-01), None
Baker Hughes Incorporated
Dang Hoang
Felsman, Bradley, Vaden, Gunter & Dillon L.L.P.
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