Apparatus and methods for regulating flow from a geological formation

A method of regulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation, comprising:

• flowing the fluid stream into an apparatus positioned within a wellbore and along a primary flow path, the primary flow path having a centerline axis that defines a first reference plane that projects radially from the centerline axis;
• flowing the fluid stream through a first restriction having a throat portion;
• flowing a portion of the fluid stream into a return inlet of a first return path;
• returning the portion of the fluid stream through the return inlet, through the first return path, through a return outlet of the first return path, and through the first restriction and into the throat portion to mix the portion with portions of the fluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primary flow path, wherein the portion of the fluid stream is returned through one or more ports of the return outlet at a first angle relative to the first reference plane;
• siphoning at least part of the fluid stream from the primary flow path or at least part of the portion of the fluid stream from the first return path and through one or more valves positioned in a gas siphon port;
• and
• flowing the fluid stream toward a pump.

An apparatus for regulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation, comprising:

• a conduit, the conduit comprising an outer wall, a primary flow path for the fluid stream, and a first restriction having a throat portion;
• a first return path comprising:
• a return inlet,
• a return outlet positioned upstream of the return inlet and disposed within the first restriction at the throat portion, and
• a return channel, the return channel being fluidly connected to the primary flow path through the return inlet and the return outlet;
• and
• a gas siphon port formed in the outer wall of the conduit, the gas siphon port including a valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position a portion of the fluid stream flows out through a gas siphon path extending from the conduit, the gas siphon path being fluidly connected to the gas siphon port.

A method of regulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation, comprising:

• flowing the fluid stream into an apparatus positioned within a wellbore and along a primary flow path;
• flowing the fluid stream through a first restriction having a throat portion;
• flowing a portion of the fluid stream into a first return path;
• returning the portion of the fluid stream through the first restriction and into the throat portion to mix the portion with portions of the fluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primary flow path;
• siphoning at least part of the portion of the fluid stream from the first return path and through one or more valves positioned in a gas siphon port;
• and
• flowing the fluid stream toward a pump.

A method of regulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation, comprising:

• flowing the fluid stream into an apparatus positioned within a wellbore and along a primary flow path;
• flowing the fluid stream at least partially about a diverter positioned in the primary flow path, wherein the flowing the fluid stream at least partially about the diverter comprises flowing the fluid stream about an apex of the diverter that points in an upstream direction from a return inlet of the first return path to a return outlet of the first return path;
• flowing the fluid stream through a first restriction having a throat portion;
• flowing a portion of the fluid stream into a first return path;
• returning the portion of the fluid stream through the first restriction and into the throat portion to mix the portion with portions of the fluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primary flow path;
• and
• flowing the fluid stream toward a pump.