US3556222A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for impeding gas flow into production wells
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1968-12-23
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Granted: 1971-01-19
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Expires: 1988-12-23
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for reducing gas production of an oil well having a slotted liner gravel-packed opposite the producing formation. The apparatus includes a tailpipe disposed concentrically in the liner, and a packer for sealing the upper end of the tail pipe. The lower, open end of the tailpipe is located near the bottom of the formation so that an upper gas zone in the formation is sealed off from the tailpipe inlet by oil in the wellbore.
Inventors
- 👤 William B Lumpkin
- 👤 John E Jennings
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:36
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/02; E21B43/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
34 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said tailpipe and said liner are particularly sized to provide a clearance in said annulus in the range from about 0.1 inch to about 0.3 inch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises means located above said packer for artificially lifting formation fluids to the surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as recited in claim 3 wherein said artificial means includes a sucker rod pump.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
140 words
In an oil well producing from a formation having an upper portion which contributes free gas, and having a slotted liner gravel-packed through said formation, a production string comprising: tubing extending from the surface to an elevation above said formation, said tubing being provided with a bottom hole pump having an inlet; a bottom hole gas separator disposed below said pump inlet; and a tailpipe assembly including a packer disposed below said separator, and a section of flush joint pipe depending from said packer, said packer being set in said well at an elevation above said gravel-packed liner, said flush joint pipe extending into said liner and terminating at an elevation near the bottom of said formation, the diameters of said flush joint pipe and said liner being such to provide a fluid seal in the annulus separating the two.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein the flush joint pipe and the liner are particularly sized to provide a clearance in said annulus of not greater than 0.5 inch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as recited in claim 6 wherein the diameter of said pipe and said liner are particularly sized to provide a clearance in said annulus in the range from about 0.1 inch to about 0.3 inch.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for reducing the gas-oil ratio of an oil well producing free gas from a subterranean formation, said well having a casing extending from the surface to at least the top of said formation, and a slotted liner gravel-packed opposite said formation, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a section of tailpipe of predetermined length in said liner for forming an annulus between the tailpipe and liner having a clearance less than about 0.5 inches; locating the upper end of said tailpipe at an elevation above said liner so that the lower end of said tailpipe is disposed opposite the lower portion of said formation; sealing the annulus between the upper end of the tailpipe and the casing; and producing the well.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-18 | 1974-07-20 | 1975-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-18 | 1978-07-20 | 1979-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-18 | 1982-07-20 | 1983-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |