Methods and apparatus for subterranean fluid separation and removal

摘要

A method and an apparatus for producing a liquid phase hydrocarbon fluid from a producing formation are provided. One method includes moving an absorbing material through a well disposed in the formation. The absorbing material absorbs the hydrocarbon fluid in the well without absorbing a substantial amount of water in the well. The method includes removing the hydrocarbon fluid from the absorbing material. One apparatus includes an absorbing material configured to absorb the hydrocarbon fluid without absorbing a substantial amount of water. The apparatus also includes a drive assembly configured to move the absorbing material through a well disposed in the formation. In addition, the apparatus includes a collection assembly configured to remove the hydrocarbon fluid from the absorbing material. A method and an apparatus for selectively producing a liquid phase fluid from a formation are also provided. In such embodiments, the absorbing material described above may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic.