Patent ID: 9062538
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A system for deliquefying a produced fluid being produced from a gas well, the system comprising: a production tube configured to receive produced fluid from a subsurface gas reservoir and provide a pathway for transmission of the produced fluid from a first end of the production tube adjacent to the subsurface gas reservoir and a second end near a surface location in the gas well; and at least one nozzle disposed in the production tube, the nozzle comprising a first end for receiving the produced fluid from the reservoir, a second end distal to the first end, and an inner surface extending between the first and second ends, the inner surface defining an inwardly tapered inlet portion at the first end, an outwardly tapered outlet portion proximate the second end, and a venturi neck portion between the inlet and outlet portions, wherein the production tube is configured so that all of the produced fluid passes through the at least one nozzle, and wherein the nozzle is configured to reduce the pressure of the produced fluid and thereby deliquefy the produced fluid as it passes through the nozzle, wherein liquid drops in the produced fluid are caused to become reduced in size and/or turn to a gaseous form, such that the produced fluid exiting the nozzle is better able to flow upward in the production tube.