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New production technique yields results

Journal Article · · Pet. Interam.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6760229
An ingenious method, still experimental, is helping Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) increase its heavy-oil production. Developed by Pemex, the method calls for ''wetting'' the crude downhole to ease the job of lifting it by mechanical means. The method consists of injecting water through a 3/4-in. pipe, running parallel to the tubing string. Water injection is continuous, at predetermined rates. The purpose is to mix water with crude coming out of the formation, at a point near the submerged pump's standing valve. This water is mixed with crude before entering the pump. To attain the desirable mixture, Pemex designed a tail pipe with these 3 main elements--a strainer, a fluid-mixing chamber, and a water-proportioning pipe. The 3/4-in. pipe is attached to the tubing string by welded stainless-steel straps. In the lower section, the pipe is equipped with a check valve to stop possible backflow of formation oil. Water separation does not pose any special problems.
OSTI ID:
6760229
Journal Information:
Pet. Interam.; (United States), Journal Name: Pet. Interam.; (United States) Vol. 24:7; ISSN PTIAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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