Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for producing fluid hydrocarbons through a single production tubing string from first and second zones which communicate with a hydrocarbon wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a packer positioned in the wellbore for selectively preventing a flow of fluids through the wellbore from the first zone to the second zone, a production tubing string that extends through the wellbore and is in fluid communication through the packer with the second zone, and first and second pumps for displacing fluid through the production tubing string. The second pump displaces fluid from the lower zone into the production tubing string. A perforated joint is placed in the production tubing string between the second and the first pump. The second pump has a given displacement capacity at a given speed and is of a type that inhibits a flow of fluid in either direction through the pump when it is not pumping fluids from the second zone. The first pump is positioned in the production tubing above the second pump and has a predetermined displacement capacity at the pumping speed which is greater than the capacity of the second pump by the capacity desired to be produced from the first zone. The lower pump meters fluid from the lower zone and the upper pump produces fluids from the well so that both zones are produced simultaneously without fluid loss from either zone regardless of which zone has lower pressure. The means for controlling fluid communication through the packer depends on which zone has higher pressure. The advantage is a simple inexpensive apparatus for efficiently producing hydrocarbons from two production zones with pressure differentials without loss of fluid to either zone. Hydrocarbon production from the well is thereby maximized, stabilized and potentially prolonged.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim