In-well heat exchange method for improved recovery of subterranean fluids with poor flowability

Patent · Tue Jan 30 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6976472

Parker, M T; Noonan, P J

This patent describes a method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation through a well in fluid communication therewith. It comprises: conducting fluid from the subterranean formation into the well; heating and compressing a lift gas; admixing the heated lift gas with the fluid at one or more gas lift valves positioned in the well near or above the producting formation at an effective depth beneath the surface to lift the fluid thereto; placing the admixture in heat exchange relationship with the heated lift gas prior to the admixture of the lift gas. The lift gas being at a higher temperature than the admixture; producing the admixture at the surface; recovering wet gas from the admixture; and recycling at least a portion of the recovered wet gas for use as the lift gas to the heating and compressing step. Also described is an artificial lift system for producing oil from a subterranean formation.

• Assignee: NOV; EDB-90-075356; NOV-90-009186
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4896725
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-206135A
• OSTI ID: 6976472
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ARTIFICIAL LIFTS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
EQUIPMENT
FIELD PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GAS LIFTS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
RECOVERY
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
THERMODYNAMICS
VISCOSITY
WELL RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS