Patent ID: 6336504
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method for the downhole separation and injection of a predominately water component of a production fluid comprising at least some oil and at least some water from a production formation of a hydrocarbon well, the method comprising the steps of:(a) separating downhole, at a position elevated with respect to a downhole injection formation, the production fluid into a predominately water component and a predominately hydrocarbon component; and (b) delivering the predominately water component to the downhole injection formation, wherein; (c) the separating step is conducted at a sufficiently elevated location with respect to the injection formation to permit the predominately water component of step (b) to be delivered to the downhole injection formation under the force of gravity; wherein delivery of the production fluid to the elevated position is promoted by injecting gas into the fluid.