| 摘要 |
Apparatus and method are provided for producing fluid from a wellbore (1) extending into a hot subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation (4) containing water at a temperature greater than 100 DEG C. The wellbore is divided into threee co-extensive passageways; an annulus (16), and first (12) and second (19) conduits. The annulus is formed within the wellbore between a block (15) at its bottom above the completion intervals and an outlet (24) at the wellhead (2). The first conduit extends from the formation, through the bottom of the annulus and to an outlet (17) at an elevation intermediate up the annulus. The first conduit is insulated (18) between the bottom of the annulus and its outlet. A second conduit extends between the bottom of the annulus and an outlet (21) at the well head. In operation, by producing fluid from the annulus and the second conduit outlets at the well head, formation fluid (9) is induced to rise up the first conduit. While the fluid rises, contained water flashes providing steam-enhanced lift. The now-cooled fluid flows out of the first conduit's outlet (17) and into the annulus, separating into substantial gas-phase (26) and liquid phase fluids (27) which flow up and down the annulus respectively. The gas-phase fluid is produced from the top of the annulus (24). Liquid-phase fluid pools (28) in the bottom of the annulus may be artificially lifted through the second conduit using gas-lift (30, 31) or pumps for production at the well-head outlet (21). |
