Jet-gas lift system and method for pumping well fluids

摘要

A system and method for lifting well fluids to a surface location from a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a wellbore utilizes a tubing string positioned within the wellbore for withdrawing well fluids from the wellbore. A jet-gas pump having a flow tube is in communication with the tubing string. A jet tube located within the interior of the flow tube receives a compressed gas to be discharged from an outlet of the jet tube to create a pressure drop within the flow tube. This facilitates the lifting of well fluids from the tubing string where it is discharged through the flow tube outlet.

主权项

1. A system for lifting well fluids to a surface location from a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a wellbore, the wellbore being perforated to allow fluids from a producing zone of the subterranean formation to flow into the wellbore, the system comprising:
a tubing string extending from a wellhead of the well and positioned within the wellbore for withdrawing well fluids from the wellbore, the tubing string having a lower inlet for introduction of well fluids into the tubing string and an upper outlet located at a surface location for discharging fluids conducted through the tubing string, the lower inlet of the tubing string being located at a position below the wellhead and above the uppermost perforations of the producing zone, and being at a distance of 50 feet or more above one of 1) the lowermost perforations of a vertical well and 2) the point where a horizontal portion of the wellbore meets a vertical portion of the wellbore in a horizontal well; and a jet-gas pump comprising:
a flow tube having an inlet that is in fluid communication with the upper outlet of the tubing string and a flow tube outlet, the flow tube having a constriction with an orifice having a defined cross-sectional flow area that constricts the flow area within the flow tube between the flow tube inlet and outlet; anda jet tube located within the interior of the flow tube, the jet tube having an inlet for introducing a compressed gas into the interior of the flow tube from a location exterior of the flow tube, the jet tube having an outlet that is aligned with and terminates at or adjacent to the orifice of the constriction, the outlet of the jet tube having a defined cross-sectional flow area that is less than the cross-sectional flow area of the orifice of the constriction; and wherein the flow of compressed gas from the outlet of the jet tube creates a pressure drop within the flow tube that facilitates the lifting of well fluids from the lower inlet of the tubing string to the upper outlet of the tubing string and through the flow tube outlet.