Hydraulically driven gas recovery device and method of use

Abstract

A gas recovery system where a submersible compressor is in combination with a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is actuated by a pressure differential between hydraulic power lines extending between the motor and a pressure generation means at or near the surface. Hydraulic fluid serves to actuate device components and regulate the temperature of the down hole compressor. A monitoring system evaluates, communicates, and records operation parameters so that they may be adjusted to ensure a constant volume of produced gas. The device may operate at variable speeds to accommodate changing downhole pressure conditions.

1 . A gas recovery system comprising: 
 a power fluid circulation means, said power fluid circulation means configured for imparting variable pressure and flow to power fluid;    an elongate conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongate conduit means being in substantially sealed fluid communication with said fluid circulation means at said first end;    a fluid activated driving means, said driving means being in substantially sealed fluid communication with said elongate conduit means at said second end;    a gas compressing means, said gas compressing means being mechanically engaged with said driving means, said compressing means being configured for placement in fluid communication with a subterranean gas source for conveyance of gas from said subterranean gas source substantially to a surface elevation.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said gas compressing means and said elongate conduit means are arranged such that a fluid circulating within said elongate conduit means may dissipate heat energy generated by said gas compressing means.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising a control means, said control means configured for controlling said power fluid circulation means.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a measurement means in communication with said control means and configured for measuring said conveyed gas.  
   
   
       5 . A method for recovering gas from a subterranean source comprising the steps of: 
 selecting a gas recovery system comprising: 
 a power fluid circulation means, said power fluid circulation means configured for imparting variable pressure and flow to power fluid;  
 an elongate conduit means having a first end and a second end, said elongate conduit means being in substantially sealed fluid communication with said fluid circulation means at said first end;  
 a fluid activated driving means, said driving means being in substantially sealed fluid communication with said elongate conduit means at said second end;  
 a gas compressing means, said gas compressing means being mechanically engaged with said driving means, said compressing means being configured for placement in fluid communication with a subterranean gas source for conveyance of gas from said subterranean gas source substantially to a surface elevation.  
   positioning said gas recovery system to effectively recover said gas; and    initiating operation of said fluid compressing -system.