MULTI-LATERAL WELL WITH DOWNHOLE GRAVITY SEPARATION

摘要

The invention provides a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean production interval (6) while reducing the percentage of water produced. A lateral well (2) is drilled from an existing primary well (1). A submersible pump (4) is deployed to a position in the primary well (1) below the intersection with the lateral well (2). The pump injects separated water into the production interval (6) through the primary well (1), at a rate sufficient to allow favorable gravity separation of the hydrocarbons and water in the area above the submersible (pump4) . Suitable submersible pumps (4) include an electric submersible pump, a cavity pump and a rod pump. One or more lateral wells may be used. The lateral wells can intersect the same production interval as the primary well or can intersect an unconnected production interval.