Patent ID: 8316950

Claim:
A method for removing fluids from a commingled well extending through a formation with a first production zone and a second production zone spaced apart from the first production zone, the method comprising: (a) positioning a fluid removal system in the commingled well, wherein the system has a longitudinal axis, an upper end proximal the surface, and a lower end opposite the upper end and positioned in the commingled well; wherein the system comprises: a tubing string extending between the upper end and the lower end and having an inner flow passage extending between the upper end and the lower end; a plunger disposed in the inner flow passage; a plurality of check valves coupled to the tubing string, wherein each check valve allows one-way fluid flow from an annulus formed between the tubing string and the formation to the inner flow passage of the tubing string; (b) sealing the first formation from the second formation in the annulus; (c) shutting in the annulus at the surface; (d) closing off the inner flow passage of the tubing string at the upper end for a period of time; (e) allowing the pressure of the first production zone and the pressure of the second production zone to build up naturally over the period of time; (f) flowing a produced fluid from the first production zone through a first of the plurality of check valves into the inner flow passage of the tubing string; (g) flowing a produced fluid from the second production zone through a second of the plurality of check valves into the inner flow passage of the tubing string and pushing the produced fluid from the second production zone in the inner flow passage with the plunger; (h) re-opening the inner flow passage of the tubing string at upper end after (e); and (i) lifting the produced fluid from the first production zone and the produced fluid from the second production zone in the inner flow passage to the surface during (h).