Fluid separation using immersed hydrophilic and oleophilic ribbons

A method of separating fluids and controlling flow of production fluid, comprising:

• disposing a fluid production apparatus in a borehole in a subterranean region, the apparatus including a diversion assembly having an inflow conduit in fluid communication with a first outflow conduit and a second outflow conduit, the first outflow conduit in fluid communication with a surface location, the apparatus including a separation assembly having a hydrophilic ribbon and an oleophilic ribbon configured to be immersed in the production fluid, at least part of the hydrophilic ribbon and the oleophilic ribbon configured to move with the production fluid;
• receiving the production fluid produced from the subterranean region, the production fluid including an initial proportion of hydrocarbons and an initial proportion of a water-based fluid;
• flowing the production fluid into the inflow conduit;
• redirecting a flow of the hydrocarbons of the production fluid to the first outflow conduit by the oleophilic ribbon, to reduce the proportion of the water-based fluid in the first outflow conduit relative to the initial proportion of the water-based fluid;
• redirecting a flow of the water-based fluid of the production fluid to the second outflow conduit by the hydrophilic ribbon, to reduce the proportion of the hydrocarbons in the second outflow conduit relative to the initial proportion of the hydrocarbons;
• and
• receiving the second portion of the production fluid at a surface location.