Gas dehydrator for a well

A method for removing water from gases produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir penetrated by a well, the method comprising:

• flowing gases from a hydrocarbon reservoir through a first conduit extending through the well;
• at least partially dehydrating the gases by flowing the gases through a gas dehydrator located in the first conduit below a ground surface, in which the gas dehydrator further comprises a series of condensation surfaces distributed along a portion of the first conduit and disposed at least partially across a gas-flow through the first conduit to define a gas channel that allows produced gases to flow through the gas dehydrator, in which at least a portion of at least one condensation surface is tapered;
• and
• pumping liquid hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon reservoir through a second conduit extending through the well.

An apparatus for removing water from gases produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir penetrated by a well, the apparatus comprising:

• a first conduit extending through the well for producing gases;
• a second conduit extending through the well for producing liquid hydrocarbons;
• a pump connected to pump liquid hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon reservoir through the second conduit;
• a gas dehydrator located in the first conduit below a ground surface for removing water from produced gases flowing through the first conduit;
• in which the gas dehydrator further comprises a series of condensation surfaces distributed along a portion of the first conduit and disposed at least partially across a gas-flow through the first conduit to define a gas channel that allows produced gases to flow through the gas dehydrator;
• and
• in which at least one condensation surface comprises a basin connected to receive water that condenses on the condensation surface.