Closed loop multiphase underbalanced drilling process
First Claim
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1. A system for handling fluids returning from a well, the well having an inlet and an outlet, comprising:
- a separator having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the separator is in selective fluid communication a source of the return fluids; and
at least one multiphase pump in selective fluid communication with the separator.
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Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for handling fluids returning from a well. The fluids are introduced into a separator and a separated gas stream is recovered or recycled. The gas stream may comprise more than one phase. The separated gas stream is urged through a multiphase pump before it is recovered. Alternatively, the return fluids may pass through a multiphase pump before it is introduced into the separator.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1. A system for handling fluids returning from a well, the well having an inlet and an outlet, comprising:
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a separator having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the separator is in selective fluid communication a source of the return fluids; and
at least one multiphase pump in selective fluid communication with the separator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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14. The system of claim 14, wherein a portion of the return fluid is recycled to the well inlet.
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15. The system of claim 15, wherein the recycled portion comprises a wet gas.
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16. The system of claim 16, wherein the wet gas is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, hydrocarbon, and combinations thereof.
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34. A method of handling fluids returning from a well, comprising:
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introducing the fluids into a separator; and
introducing at least a portion of the fluids into at least one multiphase pump. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification