Fluid intake for an artificial lift system and method of operating such system

A fluid intake for a system includes a support structure defining an interior space and configured for fluid to pass into the interior space. The system includes a pump for pumping fluid from a well including a well casing defining a passageway for the fluid to flow therethrough in a flow direction. The fluid includes liquid and gas. A porous member extends over a portion of the support structure. The fluid intake extends inside the passageway in the flow direction such that the porous member and the well casing define an annular space therebetween. The porous member defines pores for liquid to wick through. The interior space is in flow communication with the pores such that liquid wicking through the porous member passes into the interior space.