Method and apparatus for high-efficiency gas separation upstream of a

Abstract

A submersible pump system and method for producing oil from gassy wells is disclosed in which at least first- and second-stage gas separators protect a submersible pump from vapor lock. The pump communicates with the production tubing and is driven by a shaft extending from a motor, through the first- and second-stage gas separators. The first-stage gas separator has a first-stage inlet through the housing in communication with the production fluid from the producing formation. A primary means for separating gas components from the production fluid is in communication with the first-stage inlet and expels separated gas into the annulus through a first-stage gas outlet and advances the liquid component of the production fluid through the first-stage liquid outlet. The second-stage gas separator has a second-stage inlet communicating with the first-stage liquid outlet and leading to a secondary means for separating the gas from the production fluid. The separated gaseous components are expelled through the housing and into the annulus at a second-stage gas outlet while the retained liquid components of the production fluid are presented to the pump, or to additional separation stages, through a second-stage outlet. The production fluid ultimately entering the pump inlet is substantially limited to the liquid components of the production fluid which is pumped through a pump outlet and up the production tubing.