The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 12, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 31, 1997
Applicant:
Inventors:
Kevin R Bowlin, Sugarland, TX (US);
James R Stoy, Jakarta, ID;
Assignee:
Texaco Inc, White Plains, NY (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E21B / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
1661056 ; 166106 ; 166187 ;
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the downhole disposal of the water component of production fluid while using gas lift techniques to lift the hydrocarbon component to the surface is disclosed. Separation of the hydrocarbon component and the water component takes place downhole by gravity in an annulus formed between the well casing and a tubing string. The water component may be disposed of or utilized to carry out a water-flood of either overlying or underlying subterranean formations. As a result, the lifting, handling and disposal of the water component of the production fluid on the surface is minimized.