Multiple cyclone apparatus for downhole cyclone oil/water separation

Abstract

A method of downhole cyclone oil/water separation is described. Firstly, place a cyclone separator downhole in an oil well producing a mixed stream of oil, water and gas. The cyclone separator includes a separation chamber wherein liquids of differing densities are separated, at least one mixed liquids inlet through which liquids pass into the separation chamber, a first outlet for liquids of a first density range to pass from the separation chamber and a second outlet for liquids of a second density range to pass from the separation chamber. Secondly, connect the first outlet to a recovery conduit extending to surface. Thirdly, connect the second outlet to a disposal conduit extending to a selected disposal site. Fourthly, connect the mixed liquids inlet to pumping means and pump a mixed stream of oil, water and gas into the separation chamber of the cyclone separator. The mixed stream is separated in the separation chamber into a recovery stream of oil with a reduced water content which flows out of the first outlet and along the recovery conduit to the surface and a disposal stream of mainly water which flows out of the second outlet and along the disposal conduit to the selected disposal site. The described method is particularly for oil wells in which the fluids being separated contain gas.