An experimental study of a shroud-type downhole separator for a pumped horizontal or deviated well is presented in this study. The separator is located at high deviation angles (i.e., 45° to 80° from vertical). The effects of the upstream gas and liquid flow rates are evaluated in the performance of the downhole separator. The findings complement previous studies on shroud-type downhole separators and demonstrate the operational capability of downhole separators under a range of conditions.
Introduction
Even though free gas and gas interference at the pump intake is a well-known problem, a limited understanding exists of the mechanisms that result in free gas in the pump. The lack of knowledge may lead to installation of ineffective downhole separator pump assemblies that, in some cases, may be detrimental to pumping-system performance.
Among downhole-separator types, gravity-driven separators take advantage of the density difference between the gas and liquid to achieve separation.
