Apparatus, assembly and process for injecting fluid into a subterranean well

Abstract

Apparatus, assembly and process for allowing gas lift operations to be conducted along a relatively long perforated interval below a packer in a generally vertical or a deviated subterranean well. An elongated segregation member may be lowered into locking engagement with a bypass mandrel secured to a tubing string above the packer. This segregation member may be configured and dimensioned to define two fluid flow paths. A first flow path extends from the surface of the earth through the annulus formed between the tubing string above the packer and casing secured in the well, the bypass mandrel, a bore through a portion of the segregation member and the interior of the tubing string below the packer. A second flow path extends from the subterranean region penetrated by the well through the annulus formed between the tubing string below the packer and casing secured in the well, the annulus between the segregation member and the packer, and the interior of the tubing string above the packer. Fluid produced into the well from the subterranean region may be conveyed to the surface via the second flow path and may be assisted by gas injected into the first flow path. Pressurized gas may be conveyed via the first flow paths.