US3704567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Well production method and apparatus
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
•
Filing: 1970-12-09
•
Granted: 1972-12-05
•
Expires: 1990-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A multiphase hydrocarbon mixture is produced from each of a plurality of wells. The multiphase mixture is pressurized by a single machine without separating the gas and liquid components. The multiphase mixture is then transported through a conduit to a treating facility where the gas and liquid components are separated for ultimate sale or use.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert F Engel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:14
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the producing step comprises commingling the multiphase mixture from the plurality of wells before the pressurizing step.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 comprising the steps of extracting liquid from the high pressure mixture; and delivering the extracted liquid into the low pressure multiphase mixture for repressuring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising sensing the pressure of the low pressure multiphase mixture; and wherein the delivering step is conducted in response to the pressure of the low pressure multiphase mixture below a predetermined value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method claim 3 further comprising measuring the liquid in the low pressure multiphase mixture before the pressurizing step; and wherein the delivering step is conducted in response to the flow rate of the liquid below a predetermined value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
In combination, a plurality of wells for producing a low pressure multiphase mixture including liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons; a machine for receiving the low pressure mixture and elevating the pressure thereof; a treating facility common to the plurality of wells; and conduit means receiving the low pressure multiphase mixture from the wells and delivering the same through the machine to the common facility.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination of claim 6 further comprising means upstream of the machine for desanding the low pressure multiphase mixture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 6 further comprising a free water knockout upstream of the machine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein the machine is of the type circulating liquid therethrough for sealing the moving parts and for cooling the machine and further comprising means downstream of the machine for extracting high pressure liquid from the high pressure mixture and delivering the extracted liquid into the suction inlet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination of claim 9 wherein the extracting and delivering means includes normally closed valve means for controlling delivery of extracted liquid into the suction inlet; and means responsive to suction inlet pressure below a predetermined value for opening the valve means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination of claim 10 further comprising a separator in the conduit means upstream of the machine for separating gas and liquid phases in the mixture, the separator having a gas outlet and a liquid outlet; and wherein the extracting and delivering means includes means responsive to liquid flow through the liquid outlet below a predetermined value for opening the valve means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 10 wherein the delivering and extracting means includes means responsive to the amount of liquid flowing toward the machine below a predetermined value for opening the valve means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US2773556A
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US2937140A
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US3246451A
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US3486297A
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US3474596A
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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) | 1975-12-05 | 1976-06-05 | 1976-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-05 | 1980-06-05 | 1980-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-05 | 1984-06-05 | 1984-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |