Apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving downhole separation of gases from liquids while producing reservoir fluid

Abstract

A reservoir fluid production system for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation is provided for mitigating gas interference by effecting downhole separation of a gaseous phase from reservoir fluids, while mitigating entrainment of liquid hydrocarbon material within the gaseous phase.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, such that an intermediate wellbore space is defined within a space that is disposed between the wellbore string and the assembly, wherein the assembly includes:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from a downhole wellbore space of the wellbore;   a flow diverter body including (a) a diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor for conducting reservoir fluid, that is supplied from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, to a reservoir fluid separation space of an uphole wellbore space of the wellbore, the uphole wellbore space being disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, and (b) a diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor;   a sealed interface effector for co-operating with the wellbore string for establishing a sealed interface a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, bypassing of the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor by the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid; and   an anchor for coupling the assembly to the wellbore string;   wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, and the anchor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is coupled to the wellbore string by the anchor, and disposed within the wellbore string such that the sealed interface is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that has been received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; 
 the reservoir fluid is conducted by the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor and discharged to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; 
 within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid and a gaseous material are separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid and the separated gaseous material are obtained; 
 the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, for conduction to the surface via a gas-depleted reservoir fluid producing conductor; and 
 the separated gaseous material is conducted to the surface via the intermediate wellbore space, and there is an absence, or substantial absence, of opposition to conduction of the separated gaseous material to the surface, via the intermediate wellbore space, by the anchor; 
 
 and 
 the reservoir fluid separation space defines a separation-facilitating space portion of the intermediate wellbore space. 
   
     
     
         2 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 1 ;
 wherein the anchor is mounted to the flow diverter.   
     
     
         3 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 ;
 wherein the anchor is configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and coupled to the wellbore string with the anchor, one or more flow-communicating spaces are defined between the anchor and the wellbore string. 
 
     
     
         4 . The reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  3 ;
 wherein the anchor includes a tubing anchor. 
 
     
     
         5 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  4 ;
 wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid conductor are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor is receiving reservoir fluid that is received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation, and conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor: 
 the conducting of the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, is effected in a downhole direction. 
 
 
     
     
         6 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  5 ;
 wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor is receiving reservoir fluid that is received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation, and conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor:
 at least a portion of the intermediate wellbore space, through which the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is being conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, is co-located with at least a portion of the separation-facilitating space portion. 
 
 
 
     
     
         7 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  6 ;
 wherein:
 the assembly further includes a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor; and 
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor is receiving reservoir fluid that is received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation, and conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor:
 the gas-depleted reservoir fluid, received by the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, is conducted to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor via the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, with effect that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid is supplied to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor and conducted to the surface via the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor. 
 
 
 
     
     
         8 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 7 ;
 wherein:
 the assembly further includes a pump for pressurizing the gas-depleted reservoir fluid; and 
 the pump is disposed within the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor. 
   
     
     
         9 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  8 ;
 wherein:
 the flow diverter body further includes:
 a reservoir fluid receiver for receiving the reservoir fluid being conducted by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor from the downhole wellbore space; 
 a reservoir fluid discharge communicator; 
 a gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver for receiving the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid; and 
 a gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator; 
 wherein:
 the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor is effecting flow communication between the reservoir fluid receiver and the reservoir fluid discharge communicator, such that the disposition of the reservoir fluid within the reservoir fluid separation space is effectible by discharging, via the reservoir fluid discharge communicator, of the reservoir fluid that is being received by the reservoir fluid receiver; and 
 the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor is effecting flow communication between the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator, such that the supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the surface is effectible by discharging, via the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator, of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver. 
 
 
 
 
     
     
         10 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 9 ;
 wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined:
 the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver is disposed downhole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
   
     
     
         11 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 10 ;
 wherein the anchor is disposed between the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver and the reservoir fluid discharge communicator.   
     
     
         12 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 9  to  11 ;
 wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor is receiving reservoir fluid that is received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation, and conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor:
 the separation-facilitating space portion is disposed uphole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
 
 
     
     
         13 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 9  to  11 ;
 wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor is receiving reservoir fluid that is received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation, and conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor:
 the separation-facilitating space portion includes: (i) an uphole-disposed space, and (ii) a flow diverter body-defined intermediate space; 
 the uphole-disposed space is disposed uphole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator; and 
 the flow diverter body-defined intermediate space is disposed between the flow diverter body and the wellbore string. 
 
 
 
     
     
         14 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the assembly includes:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from the subterranean formation;   a gas separator, fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for receiving the reservoir fluid conducted by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, and effecting separation of gaseous material from the reservoir fluid such that a gaseous-depleted reservoir fluid and a gaseous material are obtained; and   an anchor for coupling the assembly to the wellbore string;   wherein:
 the gas separator, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, and the anchor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is coupled to the wellbore string by the anchor, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that has been received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted to the separator via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; 
 a gas-depleted reservoir fluid and a gaseous material are separated from the discharged reservoir fluid by the separator; and 
 the separated gaseous material is conducted to the surface via the wellbore, wherein there is an absence, or substantial absence, of opposition to flow of the separated gaseous material to the surface, via the wellbore, by the anchor. 
 
   
     
     
         15 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 14 ;
 wherein the anchor is mounted to the gas separator.   
     
     
         16 . A reservoir fluid production system for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation, comprising:
 a wellbore;   a wellbore string that is lining the wellbore;   and   the reservoir fluid conduction assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  15 , disposed within wellbore string.   
     
     
         17 . A reservoir fluid production system for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation, comprising:
 a wellbore;   a wellbore string that is lining the wellbore;   wherein:
 the wellbore includes a wellbore space; and 
 the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, wherein the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space; 
   and   a reservoir fluid conduction assembly disposed within wellbore string and including:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space; 
 a gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving a gas-depleted reservoir fluid; 
 an anchor for coupling the assembly to the wellbore string; 
   wherein:
 the wellbore string and the assembly are co-operatively configured such that, while the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space with effect that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid and a gaseous material are separated from the reservoir fluid within the reservoir fluid separation space, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid and the gaseous material are obtained; 
 the gas-depleted reservoir material is conducted to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor with effect that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted through the gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor to the surface; and 
 the separated gaseous material is conducted to the surface via the intermediate wellbore space, and there is an absence, or substantial absence, of opposition to conduction of the separated gaseous material to the surface, via the intermediate wellbore space, by the anchor. 
 
   
     
     
         18 . The system as claimed in  claim 17 ;
 wherein one or more flow-communicating spaces are defined between the anchor and the wellbore string.   
     
     
         19 . The reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in  claim 17  or  18 ;
 wherein the anchor includes a tubing anchor. 
 
     
     
         20 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 17  to  19 ;
 wherein the reservoir fluid separation space is disposed uphole relative to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor. 
 
     
     
         21 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 17  to  20 , further comprising:
 a flow diverter including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor for receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space and conducting the received reservoir fluid to the reservoir fluid separation space, and (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor for receiving the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting the supplying of the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the surface; 
 wherein:
 the flow diverter includes a string counterpart and an assembly counterpart; 
 the wellbore string defines the string counterpart; 
 the assembly defines the assembly counterpart; 
 the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor defines at least a portion of the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; and 
 the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor defines at least a portion of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor. 
 
 
     
     
         22 . The system as claimed in  claim 21 ;
 wherein the flow diverter further includes a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space.   
     
     
         23 . The system as claimed in  claim 21 ;
 wherein the flow diverter further includes a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, bypassing of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor by the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid.   
     
     
         24 . The system as claimed in  claim 23 ;
 wherein the sealed interface is disposed for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space.   
     
     
         25 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 21  to  24 ;
 wherein the reservoir separation space is disposed uphole relative to the flow diverter. 
 
     
     
         26 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 21  to  25 ;
 wherein the flow diverter is disposed within a vertical portion of the wellbore that extends to the surface. 
 
     
     
         27 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 21  to  26 ;
 wherein
 the assembly counterpart of the flow diverter further includes:
 a reservoir fluid receiver for receiving the reservoir fluid being conducted from the downhole wellbore space; 
 a reservoir fluid discharge communicator; 
 an assembly-defined reservoir fluid-diverting conductor effecting flow communication between the reservoir fluid receiver and the reservoir fluid discharge communicator, such that the disposition of the reservoir fluid within the reservoir fluid separation space is effectible by discharging, via the reservoir fluid discharge communicator, of the reservoir fluid that is received by the reservoir fluid receiver 
 a gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver for receiving the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid; 
 a gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator; and 
 an assembly-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor effecting flow communication between the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator, such that the supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the surface is effectible by discharging, via the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator, of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver; 
 
 the assembly-defined reservoir fluid-diverting conductor defines at least a portion of the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and 
 the assembly-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor defines at least a portion of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor. 
 
 
     
     
         28 . The system as claimed in  claim 27 ;
 wherein the separation-facilitating space portion is disposed uphole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator.   
     
     
         29 . The system as claimed in  claim 27  or  28 ;
 wherein the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver is disposed downhole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
     
     
         30 . The system as claimed in  claim 29 ;
 wherein the anchor is disposed between the gas-depleted reservoir fluid received and the reservoir fluid discharge communicator.   
     
     
         31 . A system including a reservoir fluid conduction assembly disposed within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, such that an intermediate wellbore space is defined within a space that is disposed between the wellbore string and the assembly, wherein the assembly includes:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from a downhole wellbore space of the wellbore;   a flow diverter body including (a) a diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor for conducting reservoir fluid, that is supplied from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, to a reservoir fluid separation space of an uphole wellbore space of the wellbore, the uphole wellbore space being disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, and (b) a diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor; and   a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor by the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid;   wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that has been received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; 
 the reservoir fluid is conducted by the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor and discharged to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; 
 within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces; and 
 the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, for conduction to the surface via a gas-depleted reservoir fluid producing conductor; 
 
 the reservoir fluid separation space defines a separation-facilitating space portion of the intermediate wellbore space; 
 the reservoir fluid-suppling conductor includes:
 a vertical section-disposed portion having a central longitudinal axis that is less than 20 degrees relative to the vertical; 
 a horizontal-section disposed portion having a central longitudinal axis that is between 70 and 110 degrees relative to the vertical; and 
 a transition section-disposed portion disposed between the vertical section-disposed portion and the horizontal section-disposed portion 
 
 and 
 a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the transition section-disposed portion is less than both of: (i) a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the vertical section-disposed portion, and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the horizontal section-disposed portion. 
   
     
     
         32 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 31 ;
 wherein the sealed interface prevents, or substantially prevents, flow communication, via the intermediate wellbore space, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space.   
     
     
         33 . A system including a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, disposed within a wellbore, and including:
 a conductor inlet for receiving reservoir fluid flow from the wellbore;   a vertical section-disposed portion having a central longitudinal axis that is less than 20 degrees relative to the vertical;   a horizontal section-disposed portion having a central longitudinal axis that is between 70 and 110 degrees relative to the vertical; and   a transition section-disposed portion that is disposed between the vertical and horizontal sections;   wherein a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the transition section-disposed portion is less than both of: (i) a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the vertical section-disposed portion, and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the horizontal section-disposed portion.   
     
     
         34 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  33 ;
 wherein the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the horizontal section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1. 
 
     
     
         35 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  34 ;
 wherein the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the vertical section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1. 
 
     
     
         36 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  33 ;
 wherein:
 the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the horizontal section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1; and 
 the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the vertical section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1. 
 
 
     
     
         37 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  36 ;
 wherein the transition section-disposed portion extends along a curved path. 
 
     
     
         38 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  33 ;
 wherein:
 the vertical section-disposed portion includes an operative vertical section-disposed portion and the operative vertical section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the vertical section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the vertical section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the vertical section-disposed portion; 
 the transition section includes an operative transition section portion and the operative transition section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the transition section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the transition section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the transition section-disposed portion; 
 the horizontal section includes an operative horizontal section portion and the operative horizontal section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the horizontal section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the horizontal section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the horizontal section-disposed portion; and 
 the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative horizontal section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1. 
 
 
     
     
         39 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  33 ;
 wherein:
 the vertical section-disposed portion includes an operative vertical section-disposed portion and the operative vertical section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the vertical section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the vertical section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the vertical section-disposed portion; 
 the transition section includes an operative transition section portion and the operative transition section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the transition section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the transition section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the transition section-disposed portion; 
 the horizontal section includes an operative horizontal section portion and the operative horizontal section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the horizontal section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the horizontal section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the horizontal section-disposed portion; and 
 the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative vertical section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1. 
 
 
     
     
         40 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  33 ;
 wherein:
 the vertical section-disposed portion includes an operative vertical section-disposed portion and the operative vertical section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the vertical section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the vertical section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the vertical section-disposed portion; 
 the transition section includes an operative transition section portion and the operative transition section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the transition section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the transition section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the transition section-disposed portion; 
 the horizontal section includes an operative horizontal section portion and the operative horizontal section-disposed portion has a length, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the horizontal section-disposed portion, that is at least 50% of the length of the horizontal section-disposed portion measured along the central longitudinal axis of the horizontal section-disposed portion; 
 the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative horizontal section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1; and 
 the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative vertical section-disposed portion to the maximum cross-sectional area of the fluid passage of the operative transition section disposed portion is at least 1.1. 
 
 
     
     
         41 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 38  to  40 ;
 wherein the transition section-disposed portion extends along a curved path. 
 
     
     
         42 . The system as claimed in any one of  claims 31  to  41 ;
 wherein the transition section joins the vertical section to the horizontal section. 
 
     
     
         43 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, such that an intermediate wellbore space is defined within a space that is disposed between the wellbore string and the assembly, wherein the assembly includes:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from a downhole wellbore space of the wellbore;   a flow diverter body including (a) a diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor for conducting reservoir fluid, that is supplied from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, to a reservoir fluid separation space of an uphole wellbore space of the wellbore, the uphole wellbore space being disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, and (b) a diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor; and   a sealed interface effector for co-operating with the wellbore string for establishing a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor by the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid.   wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that has been received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; 
 the reservoir fluid is conducted by the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor and discharged to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; 
 within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces; and 
 the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, for conduction to the surface via a gas-depleted reservoir fluid producing conductor; 
 
 the reservoir fluid separation space defines a separation-facilitating space portion of the intermediate wellbore space; 
 and 
 the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor includes a contoured section that is contoured with effect that, while a reservoir fluid is being flowed through the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, a swirl in the reservoir fluid flow is induced. 
   
     
     
         44 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 43 ;
 wherein the sealed interface is disposed for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, via the intermediate wellbore space, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space.   
     
     
         45 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the assembly comprises:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from the subterranean formation;   a gas separator, fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for receiving the reservoir fluid conducted by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, and effecting separation of gaseous material from the reservoir fluid such that a gaseous-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; and   wherein:
 the gas separator and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the wellbore that has been received within the wellbore from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted to the gas separator via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; and 
 gaseous material is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid by the separator such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; 
 
   and   the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor includes a contoured section that is contoured with effect that, while a reservoir fluid is being flowed through the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, a swirl in the reservoir fluid flow is induced.   
     
     
         46 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly, disposed within a wellbore, wherein the reservoir fluid conduction assembly comprises:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from the subterranean formation;   wherein:
 the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor includes a contoured section that is contoured with effect that, while a reservoir fluid is being flowed through the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, a swirl in the reservoir fluid flow is induced. 
   
     
     
         47 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  46 ;
 wherein the contouring is defined by a rifled groove. 
 
     
     
         48 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  46 ;
 wherein the contouring is defined by a helical rifled groove. 
 
     
     
         49 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in  claim 47  or  48 ;
 wherein the rifled groove has a minimum depth of 0.1 centimeters. 
 
     
     
         50 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 47  to  49 ;
 wherein the rifled groove has a pitch of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. 
 
     
     
         51 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  50 ;
 wherein the contouring is defined on an internal surface of the contoured section. 
 
     
     
         52 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  51 ;
 wherein the contoured section has a length of at least five (5) feet along the central longitudinal axis of the fluid passage of the contoured section. 
 
     
     
         53 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  43  to  52 ;
 wherein the swirl is disposed about the central longitudinal axis of the fluid passage of the contoured section. 
 
     
     
         54 . The reservoir fluid-conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  43  to  53 ;
 wherein the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor includes a velocity string, and the velocity string includes the contoured section. 
 
     
     
         55 . The reservoir fluid conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  54 ;
 wherein the reservoir fluid receiver is disposed downhole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
     
     
         56 . The reservoir fluid conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  55 ;
 wherein the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver is disposed below the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
     
     
         57 . The reservoir fluid conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  56 ;
 wherein the reservoir fluid receiver is disposed downhole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
     
     
         58 . The reservoir fluid conducting assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 43  to  57 ;
 wherein the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver is disposed below the reservoir fluid discharge communicator. 
 
     
     
         59 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, such that an intermediate wellbore space is defined within a space that is disposed between the wellbore string and the assembly, wherein the assembly includes:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from a downhole wellbore space of the wellbore, and including a fluid conductor subassembly that includes:
 a first tubing defining a conductor inlet; 
 a second tubing disposed within the first tubing such that an intermediate subassembly space is defined between the first tubing and the second tubing; and 
 a subassembly sealed interface disposed within the intermediate subassembly space between the first tubing and the second tubing; 
   a flow diverter body including (a) a diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor for conducting reservoir fluid, that is supplied from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, to a reservoir fluid separation space of an uphole wellbore space of the wellbore, the uphole wellbore space being disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, and (b) a diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor; and   a sealed interface effector for co-operating with the wellbore string for establishing a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor by the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid;   wherein:
 the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that is being received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation:
 reservoir fluid is conducted, via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, including via the second tubing, to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor; 
 while the conducting of the reservoir fluid is being effected via the second tubing, the subassembly sealed interface prevents, or substantially prevents, the reservoir fluid, being conducted by the second tubing, from bypassing the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor; 
 the reservoir fluid is conducted by the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor and discharged to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; 
 within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces; and 
 the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, for conduction to the surface via a gas-depleted reservoir fluid producing conductor; 
 
 the reservoir fluid separation space defines a separation-facilitating space portion of the intermediate wellbore space. 
   
     
     
         60 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 59 ;
 wherein the sealed interface is disposed for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, via the intermediate wellbore space, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space.   
     
     
         61 . The assembly as claimed in  claim 60  or  61 ;
 wherein the bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor includes bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor by conduction of the reservoir fluid in a downhole direction via the intermediate subassembly space. 
 
     
     
         62 . A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the assembly includes:
 a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, for conducting reservoir fluid that is being received from the subterranean formation via the wellbore, and including a fluid conductor subassembly that includes:
 a first tubing defining a conductor inlet; 
 a second tubing disposed within the first tubing such that an intermediate subassembly space is defined between the first tubing and the second tubing; and 
 a subassembly sealed interface disposed within the intermediate subassembly space between the first and second tubing; 
   and   a gas separator, fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for receiving the reservoir fluid conducted by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, and effecting separation of gaseous material from the reservoir fluid such that a gaseous-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained;   wherein:
 the gas separator and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the wellbore that has been received within the wellbore from the subterranean formation:
 the reservoir fluid is conducted, via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, including via the second tubing, to the separator; 
 while the conducting of the reservoir fluid is being effected via the second tubing, the subassembly sealed interface prevents, or substantially prevents, the reservoir fluid, being conducted by the second tubing, from bypassing the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor; and 
 gaseous material are separated from the discharged reservoir fluid by the separator such that gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained. 
 
   
     
     
         63 . The assembly as claimed in  claims 59  to  62 ;
 wherein the bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor includes bypassing of the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor by conduction of the reservoir fluid in a downhole direction via the intermediate subassembly space. 
 
     
     
         64 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 59  to  63 ;
 wherein:
 a fluid accumulation space, if any, of the intermediate assembly space, and disposed: (i) between the sealed interface and the module outlet, and (ii) in fluid communication with the module outlet, occupies a total volume that is less than 20% of the total volume of the intermediate assembly space. 
 
 
     
     
         65 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 59  to  63 ;
 wherein:
 a gas accumulation space, if any, of the intermediate assembly space, and disposed: (i) between the sealed interface and the module inlet, and (ii) in fluid communication with the module inlet, occupies a total volume that is less than 20% of the total volume of the intermediate assembly space. 
 
 
     
     
         66 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 59  to  65 ;
 wherein the second tubing passage includes a minimum length of at least five (5) feet, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the second tubing passage. 
 
     
     
         67 . The assembly as claimed in any one of  claims 59  to  66 ;
 wherein:
 the first tubing defines an outermost surface of the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; and 
 the first tubing is configured according to API specifications. 
 
 
     
     
         68 . A fluid production assembly comprising a plurality of fluid conductor modules connected end to end, wherein each one of the fluid conductor modules, independently, includes:
 a first tubing;   a second tubing disposed within the first tubing such that an intermediate space is defined between the first tubing and the second tubing; and   a subassembly sealed interface disposed between the first tubing and the second tubing.   
     
     
         69 . The fluid production assembly as claimed in  claim 68 ;
 wherein the second tubing passage includes a minimum length of at least five (5) feet, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the second tubing passage.   
     
     
         70 . The fluid production assembly as claimed in  claim 68  or  69 ;
 wherein:
 the first tubing defines an outermost surface of the fluid conductor module; and 
 the first tubing is configured according to API specifications. 
 
 
     
     
         71 . A fluid conductor module comprising:
 a first tubing;   a second tubing disposed within the first tubing such that an intermediate space is defined between the first tubing and the second tubing; and   a subassembly sealed interface disposed between the first tubing and the second tubing.   
     
     
         72 . The fluid production module as claimed in  claim 71 ;
 wherein the second tubing passage includes a minimum length of at least five (5) feet, measured along the central longitudinal axis of the second tubing passage.   
     
     
         73 . The fluid production module as claimed in  claim 71  or  72 ;
 wherein:
 the first tubing defines an outermost surface of the fluid production module; and 
 the first tubing is configured according to API specifications. 
 
 
     
     
         74 . A method of producing reservoir fluid using any one of the assemblies, systems, or modules as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  73 .