Patent ID: 7255167
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A downhole three phase separation process within a well-bore for processing water, oil, and gas phases in three separate streams and injecting of the water downhole, and providing the oil and gas as two separate streams up-hole comprising: a) extending a casing into a formation of a well-bore and penetrating the casing; b) allowing oil, gas or water to flow from the formation into an annulus of the casing and wherein the casing is of sufficient length to allow separation of the gas, oil and water; c) forming a gas liquid interface within the annulus; d) installing a pump comprising an oil bypass cavity below the gas liquid interface wherein the pump can provide a downward discharge; e) providing a back pressure regulator for gas wherein the gas regulator controls back pressure to maintain the gas liquid interface above the pump; and f) providing a tubing back pressure regulator for oil.