Well bore fluid redistribution and fluid disposal

Abstract

Redistribution of fluids present in well bore environments is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention may be the redistribution of water produced in a coal bed methane well. The redistribution of water from one aquifer ( 27 ) to another aquifer in accordance with the present invention is also disclosed. Furthermore, the injection of a reservoir formation ( 39 ) with water, and in some embodiments as a flood of the reservoir formation, in accordance with the present invention is also disclosed. Each of the embodiments of the present invention is disclosed as methods and processes as well as one or more device or apparatus. Such processes and tools may avoid the requirement for surface discharge of water produced in a well bore and may minimize the regulatory costs associated with such water handling. Methods of compliance, water disposal, aquifer recharge, transfer of water from one aquifer to another, and obtaining a permit are also disclosed.

1 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly, composing:
 a) a well bore fluid redistribution apparatus providing isolation of fluid within a well bore;   b) a port configured to provide fluid communication through said apparatus; and a pump in fluid communication with said port and configured below said apparatus in a well bore;   c) wherein said assembly is configured to provide injection of fluid into at least one geologic section above said apparatus.   
   
   
       2 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus isolates fluid communication within a well bore between at least one geologic section above said apparatus and at least one geologic section below said apparatus. 
   
   
       3 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said assembly is configured to provide injection of fluid produced from at least one geologic section comprising coal bed methane. 
   
   
       4 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said assembly is configured to provide injection of fluid produced from at least one aquifer above said apparatus. 
   
   
       5 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said assembly is configured to provide injection of fluid produced below said apparatus. 
   
   
       6 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus comprises a well bore seal element. 
   
   
       7 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 6 , wherein said seal element comprises a packer element. 
   
   
       8 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 6 , wherein said seal element consists of one packer element. 
   
   
       9 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 6 , wherein said apparatus further comprises a body and said well bore seal element comprises a plurality of attachment elements, wherein said body is connected with said well bore seal element by said plurality of attachment elements. 
   
   
       10 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 6 , wherein said apparatus further comprises a body and wherein said well bore seal element is removably connected with said body. 
   
   
       11 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said port comprises a pump port. 
   
   
       12 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a second port configured to provide fluid communication through said apparatus. 
   
   
       13 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 12 , wherein said port comprises a bypass port. 
   
   
       14 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 12 , wherein said port comprises a coal bed methane gas port. 
   
   
       15 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 12 , wherein said port is configured to provide communication of fluid produced below said apparatus. 
   
   
       16 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 15 , wherein said port is configured to provide communication of coal bed methane gas produced below said apparatus. 
   
   
       17 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 12 , further comprising at least a third port. 
   
   
       18 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus isolates fluid communication within a well bore of at least one geologic section above said apparatus and below a well head and wherein said assembly is configured to provide injection of fluid into said at least one geologic section. 
   
   
       19 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said pump actively produces fluid from a geologic section below said apparatus and actively injects said fluid into said at least one geologic section above said apparatus. 
   
   
       20 . A well bore fluid redistribution assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein said pump actively reduces hydrostatic head of fluid within the well bore and below said apparatus. 
   
   
       21 - 160 . (canceled)