US Patent 10920560 Horizontal gas and liquid bypass separator

A horizontal gas and liquid bypass separator for use in a hydrocarbon producing well bore is provided for allowing gas to bypass over the top of a pump intake in a horizontal portion of a well bore. The separator includes at least one valve having a body, a conduit extending longitudinally through the body, a channel extending transversely through the body from an outer surface of the body to the conduit, and a plunger positioned within the conduit. The plunger is translatable within the channel to selectively seal the conduit relative to the channel to thereby inhibit gas from entering the conduit when the plunger is translated to a closed position and to allow liquid to flow within the conduit when the plunger is translated to an open position.