Patent US6089317A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6089317A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cyclonic separator assembly and method
Assignee: Baker Hughes Ltd
•
Filing: 1998-06-24
•
Granted: 2000-07-18
•
Expires: 2018-06-24
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating fluids using one or more hydrocyclone separators and a mixer disposed upstream from the hydrocyclone separators. The mixers are preferably static or rotary type mixers which mix the fluids prior to their delivery into the hydrocyclone separator. Using mixers provides a more homogeneous mixture of oil and water to the hydrocyclone separators in order to increase the efficiency of the separation. By controlling the degree of mixing it is also possible to substantially avoid the formation of emulsions.
Inventors
- 👤 Christopher K. Shaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:49
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/34; E21B43/38; E21B43/385; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0217; B01D17/04; B01D17/041; B04; B04C; B04C9/00; B04C2009/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for separating fluids in situ in a well bore, comprising: a) a hydrocyclone separator sized and adapted for passage in a well bore hole and having at least one inlet and at least two outlets; and b) a fluid mixing member sized and adapted for passage in a well bore hole and disposed on the inlet side of the hydrocyclone separator.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
63 words
An apparatus for separating fluids in situ in a well bore, comprising: a) a hydrocyclone separator sized and adapted for passage in a well bore hole and having at least one inlet and at least two outlets; and b) a fluid mixing member sized and adapted for passage in a well bore hole and disposed on the inlet side of the hydrocyclone separator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: c) one or more pumps connected to at least one of the outlets of the hydrocyclone separator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two outlets comprise a water-rich outlet and an oil-rich outlet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: c) one or more pumps connected to the water-rich outlet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: c) one or more pumps connected to the oil-rich outlet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid mixing member causes a pressure drop.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pressure drop is between about 5 and about 15 pounds per square inch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid mixing member is a static mixer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid mixing member is a rotary mixer.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
47 words
A method of separating production fluids in a well bore, comprising: a) routing the production fluids into a mixing member; then b) routing the production fluids into a hydrocyclone separator; c) separating the production fluids to form an oil-rich fluid; and d) pumping the oil-rich fluid uphole.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
47 words
A method of separating production fluids in a well bore, comprising: a) routing the production fluids into a mixing member; then b) routing the production fluids into a hydrocyclone separator; c) separating the production fluids to form an oil-rich fluid; and d) pumping the oil-rich fluid uphole.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 10, further comprising: pumping one or more of the separated fluids to one or more collecting locations.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 10, wherein separating the production fluids further comprises separating the fluids to form a water-rich fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 12, further comprising pumping the water-rich fluid into a disposal zone.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the disposal zone is downhole.
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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) | 2003-07-18 | 2004-01-17 | 2004-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-01-17 | 2008-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-01-17 | 2012-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |