Inclined wellbore optimization for artificial lift applications

A method for removing liquids from an inclined wellbore, the inclined wellbore including a first portion and a second portion, the method comprising,

• (a) positioning a plug member within a heel section of the inclined wellbore, the plug member having an orifice therethrough;
• (b) placing a first tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end providing fluid flow from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore through the orifice of the plug member, the second end positioned at least partially within the second portion of the wellbore and providing fluid flow from within the first tubular member from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore;
• (c) placing a second tubular member within the second portion of the wellbore, the second tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end receiving fluid from the second portion of the wellbore, positioned adjacent a first end of the plug member and the second end positioned adjacent the surface of the inclined wellbore;
• (d) installing a pump having a pump intake, the pump intake positioned to receive fluid from the second portion of the wellbore at a fluid level within the wellbore that is between the plug member and the second end of the first tubular member for pumping fluid from the second tubular member to the surface within the second tubular member proximate the first end of the second tubular member;
• (e) transporting liquids from the inclined wellbore through the second tubular member;
• and
• (f) providing a sleeve positioned within the heel section of the inclined wellbore for the sleeve to receive the plug member.

An artificial lift kit for removing liquids from a inclined wellbore, the inclined wellbore including a first portion and a second portion, the kit comprising,

• (a) a plug member for positioning within a heel section of the inclined wellbore to hydraulically isolate the first portion from the second portion, the plug member including an orifice therethrough for providing fluid flow from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore;
• (b) a first tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end for providing fluid flow from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore through the orifice of the plug member, the second end for positioning at least partially within the second portion of the wellbore and providing fluid flow from within the first tubular member from the first portion of the wellbore to the second portion of the wellbore;
• (c) a second tubular member for positioning within the second portion of the wellbore, the second tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end for receiving fluid from the second portion of the wellbore when and the second end for positioning adjacent the surface of the inclined wellbore;
• (d) a pump having a pump intake, the pump intake for receiving fluid from the second portion of the wellbore at a fluid level within the wellbore that is between the plug member and the second end of the first tubular member for pumping fluid from the second tubular member to the surface;
• and
• (e) a sleeve positioned within the heel section of the inclined wellbore, the sleeve adapted to receive the plug member.