(under subclass 265) A process comprising separating the material coming out of the well into two or more portions by steps taking place outside of the well.
(1) Note. The line between this subclass and the classes concerned with separation or treatment of fluids is that a process comprising some significant steps of flowing or treating taking place in a well combined with steps of separating the fluid after it leaves the well is classified in Class 166, but a process including the mere step of withdrawing fluid from a well is classified according to the remaining subject matter of the process.
(2) Note. A method of pumping a well (classifiable, per se, in Class 417, Pumps) combined with a method of separating fluid after it leaves the well is classifiable in this subclass.
(3) Note. See subclass 265 for search notes on classes concerned with fluid separation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
266, for processes involving separation outside of the well and also the use of injection and producing wells.
