Inventors:
Christopher K. Shaw - Claremore OK
Assignee:
Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX
International Classification:
E21B 4340
Abstract:
A system for separating fluids of differing densities includes a pair of pumps interconnected to and driven by a motor positioned therebetween. The pumps each have intake ends, distal second ends, and a pump intake proximal the intake end. The pumps, the motor, and a production tubing form a production string. A shroud is sealably connected to the production string at one end of the shroud at a position intermediate the motor and the pump intake of one of the pumps. The shroud surrounds the pump and extends at least partially over the pump. The shroud forms a fluid communication passageway between the pump and the shroud and an orifice at the end of the shroud opposite the sealed end to form an effective pump intake. A second shroud similar to the first shroud surrounds the other, second pump and is sealably attached to the production string intermediate the motor and the second pump. The effective pump intakes formed by the shrouds are at least sixty feet from one another.