Float operated pneumatic pump to separate hydrocarbon from water

Abstract

A float operated pneumatic pump which separates water from hydrocarbons within a well at the pump in accordance with the density or specific gravity of the water and hydrocarbon fluid. The pump includes a displaceable fluid inlet for allowing fluid to enter the pump which generally tracks the level of the water/hydrocarbon interface. The pump includes an outer tube forming an outer chamber and an inner or dip tube placed within the outer chamber of the outer tube and forming an inner chamber. A well float includes the fluid inlet and has a density which enable the float to remain in proximity to the water/hydrocarbon interface. A tubular coil or conduit provides fluid passage between the fluid inlet and the outer chamber. Also, a fluid separator is located at the bottom end of the outer tube and defines a fluid passage between the inner and outer chambers. In one configuration, the separator allows water to exit the pump from the outer chamber while the hydrocarbons remain within the outer chamber. In a second configuration, the separator prevents water from entering the pump and enables hydrocarbons to be discharged from the pump. In an alternative embodiment a single piece intake manifold is used which has a fixed fluid inlet. This permits the overall pump to be made significantly less in length to permit the pumping of shallower amounts of fluids from within a well.