Water sensing devices and methods utilizing same to control flow of subsurface fluids

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore includes a reactive element that reacts when exposed to a fluid and a flow control device configured to control a flow of the fluid. The flow control device may be actuated by a reaction of the reactive element to the fluid. In embodiments, the reactive element reacts by exhibiting a change in a material property. The reaction of the reactive element may be reversible. In embodiments, the reactive element may be a shape memory polymer. The flow control device may include an actuating element operably coupled to the reactive element. The reaction of the reactive element to a given fluid releases the actuating element to actuate the flow control device.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for selectively controlling fluid flow into a wellbore. Background technique [0002] Hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, are produced from subterranean formations using wellbores drilled into the formation. Such wells are typically completed by placing a casing along the length of the wellbore and drilling the casing adjacent each such production zone to extract formation fluids (eg, hydrocarbons) into the wellbore. These mining areas are sometimes separated from each other by installing a spacer between the mining areas. Fluids entering the wellbore from each production zone are drawn into tubulars that extend to the surface. It is desirable to have substantially uniform discharge along the production zone. Uneven discharge can lead to undesirable conditions such as aggressive air or water cones. In the case of production wells, for example, gas cones can cause gas to flow into the wel...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Likewise, water coning can cause water to flow into the oil production stream, which can also reduce the quantity and quality of recovered oil

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