In-well multiple inlet gas avoiding apparatus

Abstract

A gas avoiding device for use in downhole fluid flow systems is disclosed. The device includes an inner tube with inlet ports that draw well fluid from an annular space surrounding the tube for conveyance towards an artificial lift system. A baffle greater than two feet in length surrounds the inner tube to define an annular flow space, the baffle having at least one intake port through which well fluid enters, a closed base preventing entry from below, and vent ports arranged axially above the intake port to discharge gas from the annular space into the surrounding well annulus. Upper and lower centralizers maintain clearance between the baffle and the well bore wall. The baffle is mounted to rotate freely about the inner tube, thereby orienting the intake port preferentially to draw liquid-rich fluid and minimize gas ingestion.

1 . A gas avoiding device for use in downhole fluid flow systems, comprising:
 an inner tube having inlet ports which communicate fluid from an annular space surrounding the inner tube into the inner tube for conveyance towards an artificial lift system;   a baffle greater than two feet in length, enveloping the inner tube, providing an annular space between an outer diameter of the inner tube and an inner diameter of the baffle, the baffle having at least one intake port through which well fluid enters said annular space, a closed base at its lower end preventing fluid entry from below, and vent ports in communication with the baffle which discharge gas from said annular space to a surrounding annulus between the baffle and the well bore, the vent ports being located axially above the intake port; and   upper and lower centralizers providing clearance between the baffle and a well bore inner surface;   wherein the baffle is capable of rotating freely around the inner tubular.   
     
     
         2 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the vent ports are formed in a vent tube connected to the baffle, the vent tube being rotatable together with the baffle around the inner tube. 
     
     
         3 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the vent ports are formed in a wall of the baffle, the vent ports discharging gas from the annular space directly into the surrounding well annulus. 
     
     
         4 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein bearings are provided to facilitate rotation of the baffle about the inner tube. 
     
     
         5 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein a counterweight is affixed to the baffle or to a vent tube so as to bias the intake port of the baffle towards the lower side of the wellbore. 
     
     
         6 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 5 , wherein the counterweight is constructed from a dissolvable material such that an inner volume of the device increases after deployment. 
     
     
         7 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein each intake port, the inlet ports, or the vent ports comprise round holes, slots, or other shaped profiles. 
     
     
         8 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the intake port is arranged to cause ingested fluid to change direction, thereby reducing gas ingestion. 
     
     
         9 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the baffle is angled with respect to a centerline of the wellbore. 
     
     
         10 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the baffle comprises an upper and a lower section formed from longitudinally sectioned tubulars, the upper section having an inner diameter providing clearance with the outer diameter of the inner tube, and the lower section defining a volume which communicates fluid to the inlet ports of the inner tube. 
     
     
         11 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of inlet modules arranged in series, each module including a baffle rotatable independently of the others. 
     
     
         12 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of inlet modules arranged in series, wherein two or more of the baffles are mechanically linked to rotate together. 
     
     
         13 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of gas avoiding devices are mechanically connected in series. 
     
     
         14 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is connected by tubing to a submersible pump such that the inlet of the pump ingests fluid from the inner tube of the device. 
     
     
         15 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is attached to a wellbore sealing or suspension device. 
     
     
         16 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 15 , wherein the casing isolator comprises a well packer. 
     
     
         17 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 16 , wherein gas in the annular volume below the packer passes through the packer in a vent tube which discharges above the pump inlet and above the packer. 
     
     
         18 . The gas avoiding device of  claim 16 , wherein gas in the annular volume below the packer passes through the packer in a vent tube which discharges at the surface.