Orbital downhole separator

摘要

An orbital downhole separator for separating well fluids into constituents of different specific gravities. Specifically, it is designed to separate water from oil or gas. The apparatus comprises a housing with a rotating member therein driven by a motor in the housing. Well fluid flows through the rotating member and is subjected to centrifugal force to separate the components. A flow conditioner is used to facilitate separation. The invention includes several different versions of the flow conditioner including an impeller, a stator and controllers for controlling the speed of the motor in response to signals related to the amount of petroleum in the water.

主权项

1. A downhole fluid separator comprising:
a housing adapted to connect to a tool string; a cylinder rotatably disposed in the housing and defining a flow passage therein; a flow conditioner comprising a longitudinal baffle disposed in the flow passage extending along substantially an entire length of the cylinder, wherein fluid flowing through the housing enters the flow passage and is subjected to centrifugal force such that the fluid is separated into different components having different specific gravities; a first passage to direct a first component of the fluid toward a first direction; a second passage to direct a second component of the fluid toward a second, opposite direction; and an outer cylinder rotatable with the cylinder, wherein the cylinder, the outer cylinder, and the baffle are rotatable together.