Patent ID: 6260619
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method for producing a mixed gas-oil stream to the surface from a subterranean zone through a wellbore wherein said mixed gas-oil stream also contains an amount of condensate; said method comprising:separating at least a portion of the gas from said mixed gas-oil stream downhole as said mixed stream flows upward through said wellbore;flowing both the separated portion of said gas and the remaining mixed gas-oil stream through a common restriction within said wellbore to increase the velocity thereof to thereby reduce the temperature and pressure of said separated portion of said gas to thereby increase said amount of condensate which remains in said remaining mixed gas-oil stream;flowing said remaining mixed gas-oil stream through a diffuser within said wellbore after said remaining mixed gas-oil stream has flowed through said common restriction in said wellbore to thereby increase at least a portion of said reduced pressure of said remaining mixed gas-oil stream; andflowing said remaining mixed gas-oil stream with said increased condensate therein to the surface.