Patent ID: 9206676
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of removing fluids from a subterranean well, comprising: inserting at least one inner tubing string through a well having one or more well casings, the well having a distal portion that extends into a fluid source within a rock formation, wherein the well comprises a proximal well section extending from a surface of the rock formation and a deviated well section extending from the proximal well section to the fluid source, wherein the deviated well section extends at an angle from the proximal well section; transporting at least one unwanted liquid through the inner tubing string from the fluid source to the proximal well section using a first fluid removal device, wherein the first fluid removal device is located in the deviated well section, the first fluid removal device having a pumping power sufficient to transport the at least one unwanted liquid from the fluid source to the proximal well section but insufficient to transport the at least one unwanted liquid through the proximal well section to a proximal end of the inner tubing string; transporting the at least one unwanted liquid through the inner tubing string through the proximal well section to the proximal end of the inner tubing string using a second fluid removal device, wherein the second fluid removal device is located in the proximal well section in a substantially vertical orientation, the second fluid removal device having a pumping power sufficient to transport the at least one unwanted liquid through the proximal well section to the proximal end of the inner tubing string; and transporting a desired fluid from the fluid source to the proximal end of the well through an annulus between the inner tubing string and the well casing.