Patent ID: 8397811

Claim:
A well dewatering apparatus comprising: a shroud adapted for placement within a cased well wherein an outer diameter of the shroud and a casing inner diameter form an outer annulus between the shroud and the casing; a lift pump located within the shroud, defining an inner annulus between an outer diameter of the lift pump and an inner diameter of the shroud, the lift pump having an intake in fluid communication with the outer annulus and having an outlet in fluid communication with a tubing string; a boost pump located within the shroud upstream of the lift pump and having an intake in fluid communication with an interior of the shroud for receiving a mixed flow of gas and liquid flowing into the shroud, the boost pump having an outlet in fluid communication with the inner annulus; and a separating device upstream of the lift pump and downstream of the boost pump, the separating device receiving the mixed flow from the inner annulus, separating liquid from the mixed flow, and directing a separated liquid flow into the outer annulus, the separating device directing gas separated from the mixed flow into the casing for flowing to the wellhead.