Methods and Apparatus for Removing Liquid from a Gas Producing Well

Abstract

A method for pumping fluid at a wellhead is provided. The invented method will improve liquid removal by eliminating the need to transport liquid produced from a well to containment facilities using trucks or large diameter pipelines capable of accommodating periodic surges of a high volume of fluid. The danger that the liquid will freeze in cold weather is also addressed. The invention removes liquid from the well site through a small diameter pipeline as a continuous flow at a constant flow rate. An apparatus for removing liquid from the well site is also provided.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for withdrawing gas from a well comprising:
 (a) a pumping assembly for drawing fluid from the well;   (b) a holding tank located in a support structure cavity and having an inflow port and an outflow port;   (c) an air compressor for pressuring gas in the holding tank located in a support structure cavity, the pressurized gas entering to a pipeline; and   (d) a power source that powers the pumping assembly, the holding tank pump and the air compressor.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for withdrawing gas from a well comprising:
 (a) a pumping assembly for drawing fluid from the well;   (b) a holding tank located in a support structure cavity and having an inflow and an outflow port for putting gas;   (c) a holding tank pump connected to the holding tank and located in the support structure cavity;   (d) a vapor recovery unit located in underneath the support structure cavity; and   (e) a power source that powers the pumping assembly, the holding tank pump and the vapor recovery unit.   
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for withdrawing gas from a well comprising:
 (a) a pumping assembly for drawing fluid from the well;   (b) a holding tank located in a support structure cavity and having an inflow and an outflow port for putting gas;   (c) a holding tank pump connected to the holding tank and located in the support structure cavity;   (d) a vapor recovery unit located in underneath the support structure cavity; and   (e) an air compressor for pressuring gas in the holding tank located in a support structure cavity, the pressurized gas entering to a pipeline; and   (f) a power source that powers the pumping assembly, the holding tank pump, the vapor recovery unit, and the air compressor.