(57) The present invention relates to an arrangement for separating liquids of different
densities in a well bore (34), particularly for producing a hydrocarbon-rich stream
from a well (20) having a hydrocarbon producing zone (24) and spaced therefrom along
the well (20) a disposal zone (26) for disposing a water-rich stream without transporting
it to the surface, wherein the disposal zone (26) is an downhole disposal zone. The
arrangement comprises a well bore (34) penetrating the hydrocarbon producing zone
(24) and the disposal zone (26) in the earth (22), at least one packer (580) disposed
in the well bore (34) between the producing zone (24) and the disposal zone (26),
a tubing (36) extending from the surface and an assembly coupled to the tubing (36).
The assembly comprises a motor (582), a pump (586) coupled to the motor (582) and
being in fluid communication with the producing zone (24), and a multiple stage hydrocyclone
having an inlet (596), a hydrocarbon-rich stream outlet in fluid communication with
the tubing (36, 604) and a water-rich stream outlet in fluid communication with the
disposal zone (26). The pump (586) is disposed in the assembly to direct the flow
of liquid from the producing zone (24) into contact with the motor (582) and to the
inlet of the separator. The assembly further comprises a first separator (590) having
an inlet in fluid communication with the production zone (24), a hydrocarbon-rich
stream outlet in fluid communication with the tubing (36, 604) extending from the
surface and a water-rich stream outlet, and a second separator (592) having an inlet
(612) in fluid communication with the water-rich stream outlet of the first separator
(590), a hydrocarbon-rich stream outlet (594) in fluid communication with the pump
inlet (588) and a water rich stream outlet in fluid communication with the disposal
zone (26).
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